Chicken Alfredo. Just the name conjures up images of creamy, decadent pasta, doesn’t it? This classic dish is a favorite for many, thanks to its rich and comforting flavors. But, if you’re planning a Chicken Alfredo night, you might be wondering: What To Serve With Chicken Alfredo to make it a complete and balanced meal?
The beauty of Chicken Alfredo lies in its versatility. While it’s undeniably delicious on its own, the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From light appetizers to refreshing salads, satisfying side dishes, and even delightful desserts and drinks, there’s a perfect accompaniment for every palate.
If you’re seeking inspiration for what to eat with Chicken Alfredo, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through a curated selection of appetizers, side dishes, salads, vegetables, desserts, and drinks that pair wonderfully with this iconic pasta. Get ready to transform your Chicken Alfredo meal into a culinary masterpiece!
Appetizers
1. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
What’s a pasta night without breadsticks? Garlic parmesan breadsticks are a quintessential appetizer that complements Chicken Alfredo perfectly. These aren’t just any breadsticks; they are infused with garlic and generously coated with parmesan, adding a savory and cheesy dimension that echoes the flavors of your main course. The warm, buttery goodness is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce.
Buttery garlic parmesan breadsticks, golden brown and sprinkled with herbs, served on a wooden board.
2. Classic Bruschetta with Burrata
For a lighter yet flavorful start, Bruschetta is an excellent choice. This isn’t just toasted bread and tomatoes; the addition of creamy burrata cheese elevates this appetizer to new heights. The crunchy baguette provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta, while the fresh heirloom tomatoes and oozing burrata offer a burst of freshness and richness that awakens the palate before the main course.
Close-up of bruschetta topped with creamy burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil.
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3. Caramelized Mushrooms with Herbs
Looking for a savory and earthy appetizer? Caramelized mushrooms are the answer. These aren’t your average sautéed mushrooms; they are deeply caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and umami, with a hint of spice for complexity. The rich, savory flavor of caramelized mushrooms is a fantastic counterpoint to the creamy richness of Chicken Alfredo, offering a sophisticated start to your meal.
Shiny, golden brown caramelized mushrooms sautéed with herbs in a skillet, showcasing their rich texture.
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4. Italian Antipasto Skewers
For a fun and interactive appetizer that’s bursting with Italian flavors, try antipasto skewers. These are incredibly easy to assemble and offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Loaded with olives, cheese, cured meats, and marinated vegetables, these skewers provide a zesty and savory counterpoint to the creamy pasta, making them perfect party food or a delightful starter for a family meal.
Colorful antipasto skewers with olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and salami, arranged on a platter.
5. Crispy Fried Calamari
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent and with a satisfying crunch, fried calamari is an excellent appetizer choice. This recipe keeps it simple, highlighting the natural flavor of the calamari with a light, crispy coating. The slightly salty and briny calamari provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo, creating a delightful harmony on your palate.
Golden brown, crispy fried calamari rings served with a lemon wedge and dipping sauce on a white plate.
Side Dishes
1. Homemade Garlic Bread
Simple yet incredibly satisfying, homemade garlic bread is a must-have side dish for Chicken Alfredo. This isn’t just store-bought bread with garlic spread; it’s a loaf baked to golden perfection, infused with garlic and generous amounts of butter. The warm, aromatic garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy Alfredo sauce, enhancing every bite of your pasta. It’s a comforting classic for a reason!
Close-up of golden brown garlic bread with visible garlic and herbs, sliced and ready to serve.
2. 5-Minute Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon
For a quick, healthy, and vibrant side, 5-minute sautéed spinach is the perfect solution. Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity! This dish features fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and a touch of lemon, creating a bright and slightly tangy counterpoint to the richness of the Alfredo. The slight bitterness of spinach and the acidity of lemon cut through the creaminess, offering a balanced and nutritious addition to your meal.
Vibrant green sautéed spinach with visible garlic and lemon zest, served in a white bowl.
3. Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Take your bread side dish up a notch with homemade rosemary focaccia. This Italian flatbread is crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, infused with the aromatic fragrance of rosemary. The herbaceous notes of rosemary complement the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully, and the focaccia is perfect for dipping in balsamic vinegar or olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Rustic rosemary focaccia bread, golden brown and dimpled, sprinkled with fresh rosemary and sea salt.
4. Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta
Looking for a light and refreshing side dish that adds Mediterranean flair? Orzo salad with sundried tomatoes and feta is an excellent choice. This pasta salad is packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives. The bright, tangy, and salty flavors of this salad provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy richness of the Chicken Alfredo, especially during warmer months.
Colorful orzo salad with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and herbs, served in a shallow bowl.
5. Creamy Parmesan Polenta
For a comforting and gluten-free side, parmesan polenta is a fantastic option. Its creamy texture mirrors the Alfredo sauce, but with a different base, creating a harmonious yet interesting pairing. Infused with parmesan and butter, this polenta is rich and flavorful, providing a soft and satisfying accompaniment to the pasta. It’s a sophisticated and delicious way to complement your Chicken Alfredo.
Creamy parmesan polenta in a bowl, garnished with parmesan cheese and herbs, highlighting its smooth texture.
6. Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Crostini
If you enjoyed the bruschetta appetizer, you’ll love these roasted red pepper and goat cheese crostini as a side dish. The combination of sweet roasted red peppers and tangy goat cheese on crispy bread creates a delightful flavor profile. The smoky sweetness of the peppers and the creamy tanginess of the goat cheese offer a complex and savory counterpoint to the richness of the Chicken Alfredo, adding elegance to your meal.
Roasted red pepper and goat cheese crostini, arranged on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures.
7. Italian Herb Roasted Potatoes
Hearty and flavorful, Italian herb roasted potatoes are a satisfying side dish that pairs well with Chicken Alfredo. These aren’t just plain roasted potatoes; they are infused with Italian herbs, bringing an aromatic and savory element to your plate. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potatoes provide a textural contrast to the creamy pasta, making for a well-rounded and comforting meal.
Golden brown Italian herb roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, arranged on a baking sheet.
Veggies & Salads
1. Classic Caesar Salad
A timeless classic, Caesar salad is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish, including Chicken Alfredo. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese create a refreshing and slightly tangy salad. The slight bitterness of the romaine and the acidity of the dressing cut through the richness of the Alfredo, providing a palate-cleansing and refreshing element to your meal.
Classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing in a white bowl.
2. Oven Roasted Asparagus
For a healthy and elegant vegetable side, oven-roasted asparagus is a fantastic choice. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture. Simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or elevated with lemon juice or parmesan, roasted asparagus provides a slightly bitter and fresh contrast to the creamy Alfredo, adding a touch of lightness and nutrition to your meal.
Bright green oven roasted asparagus spears, slightly browned and tender, arranged on a baking sheet.
3. Roasted Mixed Vegetables with Italian Seasoning
Maximize your veggie intake with a medley of roasted vegetables seasoned with Italian herbs. Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and creates a wonderful depth of flavor. A mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and carrots, seasoned with Italian herbs, provides a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious side dish that complements the creamy Chicken Alfredo with its varied textures and flavors.
Colorful roasted mixed vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and carrots, seasoned with herbs.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Transform Brussels sprouts into a culinary delight with roasting and a balsamic glaze. Roasted Brussels sprouts become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a slightly nutty flavor. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that balances the bitterness of the sprouts and complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce, creating a sophisticated and flavorful vegetable side.
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a glossy balsamic glaze, showing their crispy edges and tender centers.
5. Burrata Caprese Salad
Elevate the classic Caprese salad with creamy burrata cheese. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy burrata, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is simply divine. The creamy center of the burrata, combined with the juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, offers a luxurious and refreshing salad that perfectly complements the richness of Chicken Alfredo, especially during warmer months.
Burrata Cheese salad recipe Feature Image
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6. Easy Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon
For a super quick, healthy, and vibrant green side, steamed broccoli with garlic and lemon is an excellent choice. Steaming broccoli preserves its nutrients and vibrant color, while garlic and lemon add a burst of flavor. The slight bitterness of broccoli and the bright acidity of lemon provide a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the creamy Alfredo, making it a perfect everyday side dish.
Steamed broccoli florets with visible garlic and lemon zest, bright green and fresh, in a white bowl.
Desserts
1. Classic Tiramisu
To end your Italian feast on a sweet note, tiramisu is an undeniably perfect dessert pairing for Chicken Alfredo. This classic Italian dessert is creamy, coffee-flavored, and utterly decadent. The rich and creamy texture of tiramisu echoes the Alfredo, while the coffee and cocoa notes offer a delightful contrast in flavor, providing a satisfying and sophisticated end to your meal.
Slice of tiramisu with visible layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder, served on a plate.
2. Refreshing Lemon Sorbet
For a palate-cleansing and light dessert after a rich meal, lemon sorbet is an ideal choice. The bright, tangy, and citrusy flavor of lemon sorbet cuts through the richness of the Alfredo, refreshing your palate. Its light and icy texture provides a welcome contrast to the creamy pasta, making it a perfect intermezzo or a light and refreshing dessert.
3. Elegant Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce
For a sophisticated and creamy dessert that’s lighter than tiramisu, panna cotta with berry sauce is a wonderful option. This Italian “cooked cream” dessert is smooth, silky, and subtly sweet. The creamy panna cotta is beautifully complemented by the tart and fruity berry sauce, creating a balanced and elegant dessert that’s not too heavy after a rich meal like Chicken Alfredo.
Creamy panna cotta in a ramekin, topped with a vibrant red berry sauce, showcasing its smooth texture.
Drinks
Crisp Prosecco
To complement the richness of Chicken Alfredo, a crisp and bubbly Prosecco is an excellent wine choice. Its light, fruity, and slightly sweet notes invigorate the palate and cut through the creaminess of the pasta. The effervescence of Prosecco adds a celebratory touch to your meal, making it a perfect pairing for a special occasion or a relaxed dinner.
Refreshing Lemon Cucumber Sparkling Water
For a non-alcoholic and incredibly refreshing option, lemon cucumber sparkling water is a fantastic choice. The combination of lemon and cucumber provides a light, crisp, and subtly flavored drink that cleanses the palate and complements the creamy Alfredo without overpowering it. The sparkling water adds a touch of festivity, making it feel a bit more special than plain water.
Classic Chianti
If you prefer red wine, a classic Chianti is a great Italian wine pairing for Chicken Alfredo. Known for its dry, medium-bodied character and notes of cherry and herbs, Chianti has enough acidity to cut through the creaminess of the sauce. Its savory notes and tannins provide a balanced and complementary flavor profile that enhances the dining experience.
Enjoy exploring these delicious pairings and discover your perfect answer to the question of what to serve with chicken alfredo! Each suggestion is designed to enhance your meal and create a memorable dining experience.
