Whenever I have brunch in NoMad , pasta is my preferred dish. Though I love it, at times, I feel like the serving is too small and I do not get that full. With this, I pair it with different sides, including those that will be mentioned in this post. These sides will go well with pasta and will make the meal more filling. Your stomach is sure to thank you!
But before you read, let me tell you that I have no intention of offending those who like authentic Italian dishes. Pasta is a main course and for them, pasta is more than enough. As for me, honestly, there are days when I am really hungry and I just need to devour more than a pasta dish!
Brussel Sprouts
I discovered how Brussel sprouts and pasta are perfect for each other when I ate at Scarpetta in New York. I ordered their classic spaghetti and paired it with my sprouts. The two perfectly complemented each other. The strong flavor of the tomato and basil from the spaghetti worked with the savory and nutty flavor of the Brussel sprouts. Like cabbage, the flavor is not too strong, which is why it works with a rich sauce.
Garlic Bread
Spaghetti and garlic bread are a match made in heaven, although it also goes well with other kinds of pasta. The perfect garlic bread is oozing with flavor and aroma. It is crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. To make a garlic bread, simply brush the outside of the bread with butter, put loads of garlic, and put it in the oven. Other herbs can also be added if you want it to be more flavorful. As for me, I’d rather keep it simple and load the flavors in the pasta instead.
Spinach and Mushroom
This 5-minute recipe is one of the unusual takes when it comes to pasta sides that aren’t salad. The ingredients are quite simple, which include spinach leaves, cremini mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil. Spinach will shrink significantly when it is cooked, which is why mushrooms are essential to bulk it up. This side dish will perfectly complement the taste of a red sauce pasta.
Roasted Veggies
This is another easy-to-prepare side dish that will bring out the flavors of your pasta. Eating roast veggies is also a great way to make the meal healthier, especially if you are opting for cream-based sauces. Whether it is zucchini or eggplant, you can roast it in the oven quickly. You can consider skipping the salad in favor of your roast vegetables.
Cheese
Almost any type of cheese will be great, but personally, I would go for hard cheeses. Parmesan is a favorite. I like how cheese balanced the flavor of the pasta, especially if it comes with a red sauce. There is no rule of thumb on what cheese to use as it all depends on personal tastes.
The next time you order pasta in a restaurant or make one at home, keep in mind the sides that have been mentioned above. They will make every meal more complete and mouthwatering.
