To complement ricotta stuffed shells, consider serving a green leafy salad with a balsamic or lemon vinaigrette dressing. Garlic bread, freshly baked with garlic, butter, and herbs, is a classic choice. Crusty Italian bread, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, pairs wonderfully as well. Sautéed zucchini with garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon juice adds a light, fresh taste. Boost the meal's nutritional value with broccoli and garlic. For variety, include options like cannellini bean salad, chickpea salad, or minestrone soup. Italian green beans also add a delicious touch. Discover more delicious side dish suggestions up next.
Green Leafy Salads
Green leafy salads with light dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette are excellent companions for ricotta stuffed shells. These salads, along with tomato and mozzarella skewers, bring a revitalizing balance to the meal.
Cold salads, such as cucumber or Greek salad, also complement the richness of the stuffed shells, offering variety and catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
Garlic Bread
The irresistible aroma of freshly baked garlic bread makes it an ideal accompaniment to ricotta stuffed shells. This classic Italian cuisine side dish is easy to prepare, featuring toasted bread spread with a delicious mixture of garlic, butter, and herbs.
Its garlicky aroma and buttery flavor perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy filling of ricotta stuffed shells, making it a favorite among side dishes that go well with pasta.
Italian Bread
Italian bread, with its crusty exterior and soft interior, is a quintessential accompaniment to ricotta stuffed shells. This classic side dish enhances the meal, especially when dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Whether you choose focaccia, ciabatta, or a traditional baguette, the simplicity and versatility of Italian bread make it a delightful and convenient addition to any Italian dinner.
Sautéed Zucchini
Complementing the rich flavors of ricotta stuffed shells, sautéed zucchini offers a quick, nutritious, and visually appealing side dish.
Zucchini, when sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice, adds a light, fresh taste to your meal.
This simple yet flavorful preparation not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also provides a healthy, vitamin-rich addition to your dinner.
Broccoli and Garlic
Broccoli and garlic create a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly accompany the creamy texture of ricotta stuffed shells. This side dish is both nutritious and simple to prepare.
Sauteed broccoli, enhanced by savory garlic, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it adds a wholesome touch to your meal, making it a convenient and delicious choice.
Grilled Vegetables
Elevating the dining experience further, grilled vegetables provide a versatile and healthy side dish option that pairs exquisitely with ricotta stuffed shells.
Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus, when grilled, gain a smoky charred taste that complements the creamy ricotta filling.
This combination offers a visually appealing array of colors and textures, creating a satisfying and delightful meal.
Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Tomato Mozzarella Skewers offer a lively and revitalizing side dish. They enhance the dining experience with their combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and aromatic basil leaves.
These colorful skewers are rejuvenating and easy to assemble, topped with a balsamic glaze for added flavor. They provide a burst of taste that beautifully complements the richness of Ricotta Stuffed Shells.
Italian Chicken Cutlets
Italian chicken cutlets are a delicious dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and herbs. They add a crispy, golden-brown element that pairs beautifully with ricotta stuffed shells. This protein-rich dish provides a delightful contrast with its crispy texture, enhancing the creamy pasta.
Versatile and flavorful, these cutlets can be seasoned with herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano, making them a family favorite.
Breaded Chicken Breasts
Breaded chicken breasts, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, provide a delectable protein complement to ricotta stuffed shells. Seasoned with Italian herbs, they offer a healthier alternative to fried options while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
Various preparation methods, such as baking, pan-frying, or air-frying, make them a versatile and comforting addition to your meal, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Slow Cooked Beef
Why not elevate your meal by serving slow cooked beef alongside ricotta stuffed shells? This comforting and hearty dish enhances the Italian flavors of your meal.
The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, making it moist and succulent. Pairing this rich protein with the creamy ricotta filling creates a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Prepare it easily in a crockpot or Dutch oven.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
A classic combination that pairs savory, herb-seasoned sausage with vibrant, tender-crisp bell peppers, sausage and peppers is a perfect complement to ricotta stuffed shells.
This beloved Italian-American cuisine features Italian sausage infused with fennel and garlic, alongside tangy bell peppers.
The dish's rich, hearty flavors balance wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy goodness of the stuffed shells, creating a satisfying and complete meal.
Cannellini Bean Salad
Cannellini bean salad serves as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the creamy texture of ricotta stuffed shells.
This protein-rich salad features cannellini beans dressed in a light vinaigrette, enhancing their subtle flavors.
Additions like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs elevate the dish further.
It offers a balance of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad, with its rich protein content and satisfying texture, serves as an excellent side dish to balance the creamy ricotta filling of stuffed shells.
This protein-rich, nutritious option is highly customizable with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, topped with a lemon vinaigrette.
Additionally, it is vegetarian-friendly, ensuring a well-rounded and delightful meal for all diners.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup, with its medley of vegetables and hearty broth, provides a nutritious and flavorful complement to ricotta stuffed shells.
This versatile dish, brimming with comforting flavors from beans, pasta, and various veggies, enhances the meal's richness.
As a nutritious option among side dishes for stuffed shells, minestrone soup offers a wholesome balance packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Italian Green Beans
Italian green beans, known as 'Fagiolini all'Italiana,' offer a delightful and nutritious side dish that pairs seamlessly with the creamy richness of ricotta stuffed shells.
Sautéed in garlic and olive oil, these classic Italian green beans are finished with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
Their vibrant colors and fresh flavors provide a perfect balance, adding a pop of freshness and crunch to your plate.