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What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan Besides Spaghetti: 15 Best Side Dishes

Looking to serve something different with your Chicken Parmesan? Consider starting with garlic bread, rich with aromatic butter. A crisp Caesar salad or a invigorating Caprese salad offers light, tangy flavors. Indulge in bruschetta, a perfect mix of tomatoes and basil on crunchy bread. For a healthful touch, roast an assortment of vegetables. These sides not only complement the cheesy, savory main dish but elevate the entire meal. Interested in more delightful options, like a zesty spinach salad or hearty ratatouille? There's so much to explore for enhancing your Chicken Parmesan experience.

Garlic Bread

delicious garlic bread recipe

Garlic bread, with its aromatic blend of garlic and butter, perfectly complements the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan. Experiment with cheese variations such as mozzarella or Parmesan to enhance its taste.

Using herb butters, like basil or parsley, adds an extra layer of flavor. This savory side dish not only complements the main course but also elevates the dining experience with its delectable pairing.

Caesar Salad

creative homemade salad recipe

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, serves as an ideal fresh and crunchy counterpart to chicken Parmesan.

To elevate this side dish, consider crouton alternatives like toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.

Additionally, crafting a homemade dressing can enhance the flavors, ensuring a delightful and sophisticated dining experience that perfectly complements the main course.

Bruschetta

italian appetizer with tomatoes

Another excellent accompaniment to chicken Parmesan is bruschetta, which offers a delightful blend of tomatoes, basil, and olive oil atop toasted bread.

This classic Italian starter uses a toasted baguette as the base, providing a satisfying crunch. The tomato topping, mixed with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, adds a burst of flavor that complements the rich, cheesy chicken Parmesan perfectly.

Caprese Salad

fresh tomatoes and mozzarella

Caprese salad, with its fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, offers an invigorating and light contrast to the hearty chicken Parmesan.

The creamy fresh mozzarella pairs perfectly with the sweetness of vine tomatoes, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for an added touch of richness, making this salad a rejuvenating, complementary side.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and colorful dish

Roasted vegetables, with their caramelized edges and deep flavors, serve as a hearty and nutritious accompaniment to chicken Parmesan.

Utilizing seasonal produce guarantees peak freshness and vibrant taste. Simply toss vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.

This method enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them a delightful, healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Parmesan.

Risotto

creamy comforting italian dish

Risotto, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, provides a luxurious complement to the savory notes of chicken Parmesan.

This Italian classic can be customized with different cheese variations, like Parmesan or Gouda, to enhance its depth.

The smooth consistency of risotto pairs beautifully with the crispy, cheesy chicken, creating a balanced, comforting dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Polenta

creamy cornmeal based italian dish

Polenta, with its creamy texture and subtle corn flavor, serves as an excellent side dish that complements the robust flavors of chicken Parmesan.

This dish, made from a cornmeal base, provides a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.

Its smooth, comforting consistency pairs well with the rich, savory notes of chicken Parmesan, making it a satisfying and harmonious addition to your meal.

Grilled Asparagus

succulent spring asparagus spears

Grilled asparagus, with its charred, smoky flavor, offers a fresh and crisp counterpoint to the rich and hearty chicken Parmesan.

A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note, while a balsamic drizzle enhances the dish with a touch of sweetness and depth.

This side dish balances the flavors perfectly, making your meal both delicious and satisfying.

Mashed Potatoes

comfort food on thanksgiving

Mashed potatoes provide a creamy and comforting complement to the robust flavors of chicken Parmesan. The buttery flavor and creamy texture of mashed potatoes create a delightful contrast to the crispy, savory chicken.

This side dish not only enhances the meal's overall richness but also offers a satisfying balance, making every bite more enjoyable. Perfect for those who love comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Zucchini Noodles

healthy alternative to pasta

Zucchini noodles offer a light and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta, making them an excellent side dish for chicken Parmesan. They are easy to prepare with a spiralizer; simply follow a few spiralizer tips to get the perfect texture.

For added variety, consider pairing them with zucchini fritters, bringing a delightful balance of flavors and textures to your meal.

Pesto Pasta

delicious homemade pesto sauce

Pesto pasta, with its vibrant basil and garlic flavors, provides a rich and aromatic complement to chicken Parmesan. This dish can be crafted using homemade pesto for a fresh touch.

Pasta variations, such as fusilli or penne, work well to capture the sauce. The earthy, herby notes of pesto enhance the savory profile of the chicken, creating a delightful and cohesive meal.

Spinach Salad

healthy green leafy dish

A fresh spinach salad provides a crisp and nutritious counterpoint to the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan.

Using baby spinach as the base, this salad can be further enhanced with sliced almonds, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.

Drizzle with a light balsamic dressing for an invigorating finish.

This combination offers a delightful balance, elevating your meal with its invigorating taste and texture.

Arugula Salad

delicious and refreshing option

The invigorating bite of arugula salad offers a vibrant contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors of chicken Parmesan. Tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with delicate shavings of parmesan, this salad adds a rejuvenating, light touch to your meal.

The bright citrus notes enhance the salad's crisp texture, making it a delightful complement to the hearty chicken Parmesan.

Ratatouille

cooking rat befriends human

With its medley of vibrant vegetables, ratatouille brings a rustic, Provençal flair that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan.

This classic dish, featuring a colorful mix of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers, provides a delightful contrast to the cheesy, savory chicken.

The Provençal flavors enhance the overall meal, making it both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Chicken Parmesan Different if I Don’t Want to Serve Pasta?

If you’re looking for the best side dishes for chicken parmesan that don’t include pasta, consider roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, or asparagus. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can also complement the dish perfectly. Another option is garlic bread or a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Antipasto Platter

tasty italian appetizer spread

An antipasto platter offers a diverse array of flavors and textures that complement the hearty nature of chicken Parmesan. Featuring a cheese selection and cured meats, it provides a delightful contrast to the dish.

Add marinated vegetables, olives, and artisanal bread to round out the experience. This combination not only enhances the meal but also introduces a touch of Italian tradition to your table.