Knowing what to serve with tortellini Alfredo can be tricky.
- Do you go for a green veggie?
- A starchy side?
- Something else entirely?
Never fear, I’m here to help.
I’ve rounded up 15 of the best side dishes to serve alongside tortellini Alfredo.
Whether you’re looking for something to round out the meal or simply something to soak up that delicious sauce, I’ve got you covered.
What to Serve with Tortellini Alfredo? 15 Best Side Dishes
When it comes to side dishes, you want to make sure that they complement the main dish.
With tortellini Alfredo, you want to choose side dishes that will not compete with the creaminess of the sauce.
Here are 15 of the best sides for tortellini alfredo:
1. Roasted Veggies
Hey, veggies are an important part of any meal!
But, I’ll be honest, sometimes getting my kids to eat them can be a bit of a struggle.
That’s why I love serving roasted veggies as a side dish.
They’re always a hit!
Roasting veggies is super simple.
Just toss them in a bit of olive oil and sea salt, and roast in a preheated oven until they’re nice and crispy.
I like to roast a mix of veggies, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
But you can really roast any veggie you like!
3 Creative Twists
- Spicy Roasted Veggies: Add a bit of spice to your roasted veggies by tossing them with some chili powder or cayenne pepper before roasting.
- Herbed Roasted Veggies: Give your roasted veggies some extra flavor by adding some fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme.
- Sweet Roasted Veggies: Balance out the savory flavors of the roasted veggies by adding a touch of sweetness. This can be done by adding a bit of maple syrup or honey to the veggies before roasting.
2. Garden Salad
Sometimes the simple things are the best things.
A fresh, crisp garden salad is the perfect side dish to accompany any meal.
It’s light, refreshing, and full of healthy vitamins and minerals.
I like to make my salads with a mix of lettuces, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
I also love to add a little bit of feta cheese and some chopped nuts for a bit of extra flavor and texture.
3 Creative Twists
- Add some fruit: diced apples, berries, or mandarin oranges would be delicious in a garden salad.
- Change up the greens: try using spinach, arugula, or kale in place of some of the lettuce.
- Make it a meal: add some grilled chicken, shrimp (See Also: What Sauce Goes with Shrimp Burgers), or salmon to your salad to turn it into a hearty entree.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Why not mash up a bunch of potatoes to go with your next meal?
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish because they go with just about everything!
Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Just boiled potatoes, some butter, milk, and salt and you’re good to go.
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are three creative twists on mashed potatoes:
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roast a head of garlic in the oven (wrap it in foil first so it doesn’t burn). Once it’s roasted, mash it into your potatoes for a delicious, garlicky flavor.
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: Add some shredded cheddar cheese to your mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, for a flavorful side dish.
4. Mexican Corn Off the Cob
If Mexican food sounds good to you, this is the perfect side dish!
I love serving this corn off the cob with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
It’s also great as a topper for nachos or a filling for quesadillas.
3 Creative Twists
- For a fun and festive twist, top your corn with some chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Add a little spice to your corn by stirring in some diced jalapeño peppers.
- Make a creamy version of this dish by stirring in some sour cream or shredded cheese.
5. Roasted Zucchini
This is one of my favorite sides for tortellini alfredo or chicken parmesan.
I also love it as a side for a big green salad.
3 Creative Twists
- Roast your zucchini with some garlic for extra flavor.
- Add some Parmesan cheese to the mix for a cheesy twist.
- For a bit of spice, add in some red pepper flakes.
6. Steamed Broccoli with Cheese
When you add cheese to broccoli, it really takes the dish to the next level.
This is why I like serving this side dish when I want to impress my guests or when I’m looking for a dish that will be loved by everyone.
3 Creative Twists
- Add some spice to the cheese by using pepper jack or jalapeno cheddar.
- Mix in some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage.
- Top with toasted bread crumbs for a little crunch.
7. Fried Rice
Nobody will go home with an empty stomach if I serve fried rice as a side dish.
It’s my go-to dish when I want to make sure everyone leaves the table satisfied.
I love that it’s so versatile and can be easily tailored to whatever main dish I’m serving.
Here are three of my favorite ways to switch up my fried rice:
- Use different kinds of rice. I usually use white rice, but brown rice or even wild rice would be delicious.
- Add in some protein. Shrimp, chicken, or tofu would be great additions.
- Get creative with the vegetables. I usually just use peas and carrots, but you could add in any of your favorites.
8. Coleslaw
It doesn’t get much simpler than coleslaw, but that’s what I love about it.
It’s an easy, go-to side dish that goes with just about any meal.
I especially like serving it in the summer when I don’t want to turn on the oven.
3 Creative Twists
- Use a different type of cabbage. I love to mix things up and use red cabbage or even kale in my coleslaw.
- Add in some fruits or vegetables. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. I like to add in shredded carrots, diced apples, or even raisins.
- Change up the dressing. The possibilities are endless here. You can use a vinaigrette, a yogurt-based dressing, or even a store-bought dressing. Just make sure it’s one you love.
9. Baked Beans
Okay, the simplicity of this dish might make it seem like it’s not that big of a deal, but trust me, baked beans are a classic side dish for a reason.
They’re hearty, filling, and go with just about anything.
I like to serve them alongside a big juicy steak, or with some grilled chicken. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top them with some crispy bacon bits.
3 Creative Twists
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add a little kick to your baked beans by stirring in some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
- Maple Baked Beans: Sweeten things up by stirring in a quarter cup of maple syrup.
- Baked Beans with Beer: For a grown-up twist, add a half cup of your favorite beer to the beans while they’re baking.
10. Mac N Cheese
Want to make sure that the kids will eat their veggies?
Serve up a big ol’ helping of mac n’ cheese.
This dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
And, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
3 Creative Twists
- Add some diced up ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
- Mix in some cooked, shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Stir in some frozen peas or corn for an extra pop of color.
11. Stuffed Peppers
Although a little prep work is required, these stuffed peppers are an easy and tasty way to add some extra veggies to your meal.
See Also: 12 Delicious Desserts that Go with Stuffed Peppers
I like to make them when I’m looking for a side dish that goes with just about anything.
3 Creative Twists
- For a Tex-Mex twist, try stuffing your peppers with a mixture of ground beef, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- For an Italian-inspired twist, stuff your peppers with a mixture of ground sausage, ricotta cheese, and spinach.
- For a vegetarian twist, stuff your peppers with a mixture of quinoa and black beans.
12. Corn Casserole
Who can say no to a warm, creamy corn casserole?
See Also: What Main Dish Goes With Corn Casserole? 10 Best Main Dishes
This dish is always a hit, and it goes great with just about any meal.
I like to make it for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings. It’s always a welcome addition to the table!
3 Creative Twists
- Add some diced jalapeño for a little spice.
- Top with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon for a delicious twist.
- Stir in a can of creamed corn for an extra- creamy casserole.
13. Roasted Carrots
I love serving a big portion of roasted carrots alongside shrimp Alfredo – it’s a fun and healthy play on the classic dish.
See Also: 17 Best Herbs and Spices for Roasted Carrots
This side is also perfect for roasted chicken or pork.
3 Creative Twists
- Herbed Roasted Carrots: Add a teaspoon of your favorite herbs to the olive oil before roasting. I love using thyme or rosemary.
- Spicy Roasted Carrots: Up the ante by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil before roasting.
- Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness by brushing the carrots with maple syrup before roasting.
14. Baked Potatoes
Or, how about a big ol’ baked potato?
I love baked potatoes because they’re filling, but not too filling.
They’re also a great vessel for other flavors.
Top your baked potato with some shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and satisfying meal.
3 Creative Twists
- Use different kinds of cheese for a cheesy baked potato. I like to use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Make a loaded baked potato by topping your potato with bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- For a lighter option, top your potato with sautéed vegetables and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Want some crunch with your meal but tired of the same old thing?
Sweet potato fries are the perfect solution!
They go great with just about anything – burgers, chicken, fish, you name it!
Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut your sweet potatoes into fry-sized pieces.
- Toss them in a bowl with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
There you have it!
Delicious, crispy sweet potato fries that are sure to please.
3 Creative Twists
- Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Add a little kick to your fries by sprinkling on some cayenne pepper before baking.
- Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries: Give your fries a cheesy flavor by sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Herb Sweet Potato Fries: For a savory twist, toss your fries with some dried thyme or oregano before baking.
What to Serve with Tortellini Alfredo? (15 Best Side Dishes)
Ingredients
- Roasted Veggies
- Garden Salad
- Mashed Potatoes
- Mexican Corn Off the Cob
- Roasted Zucchini
- Steamed Broccoli with Cheese
- Fried Rice
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Mac N Cheese
- Stuffed Peppers
- Corn Casserole
- Roasted Carrots
- Baked Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Fries
Instructions
- Choose any side dish from this article to serve with your Tortellini Alfredo dish.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!