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What to Serve With Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing delicious side dishes with butternut squash pasta sauce can elevate your meal to a new level of flavor and satisfaction. Try a invigorating green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for color and crunch. Roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutritious twist with their natural sweetness and crispy texture. Garlic bread, with its delightful crunch and garlicky aroma, is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You might also enjoy the earthy flavors of roasted root vegetables or the comforting creaminess of polenta. Each side dish complements the rich, velvety pasta sauce beautifully. Explore more options to complete your delightful meal.

Green Salad

healthy meal option choice

A green salad frequently serves as a fresh and crisp side dish that perfectly complements the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce. Adding mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, the salad introduces vibrant colors and invigorating flavors.

This combination of textures balances the richness of the pasta sauce, creating a well-rounded meal that delights the palate while providing a healthy, versatile option.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious roasted vegetable side

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized exterior and tender interior, offer a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce.

High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they bring out natural sweetness when roasted.

The crispy texture and rich taste of roasted Brussels sprouts complement the savory notes of the creamy sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Garlic Bread

delicious garlic bread recipe

Garlic bread serves as a classic side dish that perfectly complements the creamy and savory flavors of butternut squash pasta sauce.

Made by spreading garlic-infused butter on slices of bread and baking until golden and crispy, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and garlicky aroma.

This easy-to-prepare side dish enhances the overall dining experience, making the meal incredibly satisfying and delicious.

Roasted Root Vegetables

savory oven baked root veggies

Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness and earthy flavor that beautifully complement the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce.

Roasted root vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs, achieve a deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior.

Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they enhance the nutritional value of the meal, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish.

Creamy Polenta

comforting italian cornmeal dish

Creamy polenta serves as a versatile and hearty side dish that pairs exceptionally well with the rich butternut squash pasta sauce. Made from cornmeal and cooked to a smooth consistency, it can be enhanced with herbs, cheese, or butter.

The creamy texture of polenta complements the velvety butternut squash sauce, creating a satisfying and comforting meal, perfect for absorbing flavors.

Risotto

saffron infused mushroom risotto

Risotto is a traditional Italian rice dish that brings a creamy and luxurious texture to the table. It pairs exceptionally well with butternut squash pasta sauce. Made with Arborio rice, broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese, risotto enhances the rich flavors of the butternut squash.

Its creamy texture contrasts nicely with the smooth sauce, creating a satisfying balance of flavors and mouthfeel in each bite.

Sauteed Spinach

healthy greens cooked perfectly

Sauteed spinach, with its rich nutritional profile and vibrant color, serves as a perfect complement to butternut squash pasta sauce.

This versatile side dish is quick to prepare, cooking swiftly in olive oil with garlic and a sprinkle of salt.

The earthy, slightly bitter taste of spinach balances the sweet, creamy butternut squash sauce while adding a healthy, visually appealing contrast.

Caprese Salad

italian classic summer dish

Caprese Salad, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, offers an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of butternut squash pasta sauce.

This classic Italian dish brings a revitalizing, light, and colorful element to your meal.

The juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese balance the velvety pasta sauce, making Caprese Salad an ideal side dish for a delightful dining experience.

Grilled Asparagus

fresh healthy spring vegetable

Grilled asparagus consistently serves as a versatile and nutritious side dish that pairs exquisitely with butternut squash pasta sauce. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and folate, grilled asparagus enhances its flavor with a smoky, slightly charred taste.

This quick-cooking side dish beautifully complements the creamy texture and subtle sweetness of butternut squash pasta, creating a delightful balance of flavors on your plate. For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to your butternut squash pasta. These additions will add depth and complexity to the dish, making it a standout on your dinner table. And when paired with other delicious side dishes for sausage stuffed zucchini, such as a crisp green salad or roasted garlic bread, you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Caesar Salad

dressing on the side

A classic Caesar salad features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese. It offers an invigorating contrast to the creamy and sweet notes of butternut squash pasta sauce.

The tangy Caesar dressing, with hints of anchovy and lemon, enhances the meal's complexity.

Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can make the salad more substantial, perfectly complementing the butternut squash pasta.

Sautéed Mushrooms

delicious saut ed mushroom recipe

Sautéed mushrooms, with their rich umami flavor and meaty texture, serve as an excellent accompaniment to butternut squash pasta sauce. They enhance the creamy butternut squash pasta with their savory notes.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they add both flavor and nutrition. Whether using button, cremini, or shiitake varieties, sautéed mushrooms elevate the meal effortlessly.

Garlic Parmesan Knots

delicious homemade garlic knots

Garlic Parmesan Knots offer a savory and garlicky complement to butternut squash pasta sauce, making them an excellent side dish choice. Made with garlic-infused butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, these knots are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Their soft, buttery texture and rich flavor add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the butternut squash, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy vegetable side dish

Incorporating steamed broccoli as a side dish adds a nutritious element that pairs seamlessly with the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce. Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, steamed broccoli retains its nutrients and vibrant color.

Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic, or lemon juice, this side dish complements the richness of the pasta sauce perfectly, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

tasty side dish recipe

Adding another dimension of flavor, Balsamic Glazed Carrots provide a tangy-sweet contrast that pairs exquisitely with the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce.

These side dishes are simple to prepare by roasting carrots with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings until caramelized.

This vibrant and nutritious accompaniment not only enhances the overall dining experience but also adds depth and visual appeal to your meal.

Kale Salad

healthy green leafy salad

A kale salad serves as a nutritious and crunchy side dish that perfectly complements the creamy butternut squash pasta sauce. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, kale adds a delightful earthy flavor and texture to balance the creamy pasta.

Enhance the salad with lemon vinaigrette, balsamic glaze, or tahini dressing, and consider toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for added nutrients and flavor.