What To Serve With Pasta Puttanesca: Perfect Pairings!
Garlicky, punchy, bold, and loaded with deeply umami flavours, puttanesca is definitely not everyone’s favourite pasta dish, but if you’re a convert to this cult classic, you’ll know that it can be absolutely delicious.
But what should you serve with pasta puttanesca?
Here, we’re going to answer that very question and look at the tastiest side dishes and pairings for your next pasta night…
What to serve with pasta puttanesca
In a rush? Not a problem! Here’s the quick answer…
Start your pasta night by serving a simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and plenty of garlic.
Moving on to your main course, serve your puttanesca with a light salad of mixed greens, and a zesty dressing made with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don’t forget plenty of seasoning to make your salad sing! If you’re cooking for meat lovers, you might want to add some grilled chicken to your pasta for an extra serving of protein.
Finally, round off the meal with a classic Italian tiramisu.
Want to explore some more ideas? Let’s dive right in…
Appetisers for Pasta Puttanesca
Loaded Bruschetta
Nothing screams Italian dinner quite like a refreshing plate of bruschetta.
The lovely hodgepodge of tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic on crisply toasted bread will make your tastebuds tingle with anticipation for the pasta puttanesca to follow.
Bonus points if you drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar on top! In fact, it’s considered rather bruschetta-etiquette to do so.
Antipasto Platter
As one of the most recognisable appetisers in the Italian culinary world, the antipasto platter is a staple that will effortlessly complement your pasta puttanesca.
A carefully curated smorgasbord of delicious treats, such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, this delightful platter has something for everyone.
And as we all know, sharing is caring. So, tuck into this heavenly assortment with loved ones before diving into the main course.
Caprese Salad
Last, but by no means least, may I present to you the Caprese salad.
This appetising ensemble of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves is a veritable tribute to the Italian flag.
With a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, this simple, yet elegant salad acts as the perfect light appetiser leading up to your scrumptious plate of pasta puttanesca.
It’s a match made in culinary heaven, if I do say so myself.
Sides for Pasta Puttanesca
When pairing side dishes with a flavourful main like pasta puttanesca, you want to choose options that complement and enhance the overall dining experience without grabbing too much of the spotlight.
In this section, we’ll discuss three delightful sides that tickle the taste buds just right!
Garlic Bread
Let’s start with a classic: garlic bread.
Who can resist the deliciously crunchy texture and rich garlic flavour of this delectable accompaniment?
Certainly, not me!
Dunk it in the sauce, use it to mop up any leftovers, or simply savour it as a fantastic carb-on-carb caper.
(Love Italian dishes? You’ll also like what to eat with zuppa toscana).
Mixed Greens Salad
Moving on, we have the trusty mixed greens salad.
A much-needed dash of freshness, colour and crunch to any pasta dish.
Go wild with an assortment of seasonal greens, ripe cherry tomatoes, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette.
Making your pasta dish feel like the first date night of spring – simply magical!
Roasted Vegetables
Finally, consider serving your pasta puttanesca with a variety of roasted vegetables.
Choose colourful players like red bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with a sprinkle of herbs and olive oil.
A touch of caramelisation from roasting adds an extra depth of flavour that sits beautifully with the briny, punchy puttanesca.
Not to mention, you’ll feel a tad more virtuous with this nutritious addition to your meal!
Protein Dishes for Pasta Puttanesca
If you’re serving meat eaters, you might like to add some extra protein to your pasta dish.
Here are some contenders to choose from…
Grilled Chicken
A light and easy-grilled chicken dish is a splendid sidekick for puttanesca.
The simplicity of grilled chicken, seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil, balances out the bold flavours of the pasta.
Plus, it’s a guilt-free addition as grilled chicken is known to be a healthy protein source.
Winner winner, chicken dinner!
Baked Fish
Another delicious option is pairing pasta puttanesca with a delicate baked fish.
The mild taste of the fish allows the pasta to shine, while the two dishes still complement each other beautifully.
You can try seasoning the fish with a little lemon, garlic, and parsley to create a flavour blend that echoes Mediterranean culinary traditions.
And not to forget, fish is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Talk about a catch of the day!
Meatballs
Finally, you can’t go wrong with classic meatballs as an addition to your pasta dish – trust me, they’re a match made in foodie heaven.
Whether you choose to make traditional beef meatballs or go the creative route with turkey or vegetarian alternatives, the key is to keep the seasoning simple. A
little garlic, salt, and pepper should do the trick.
This combo will leave your guests saying, Mamma mia, that’s good!
Considering any one of these compatible protein dishes for what to serve with pasta puttanesca will surely elevate your dining experience into an unforgettable gourmet adventure.
Bon appétit!
Wine Pairings for Pasta Puttanesca
Want to add a tipple to your meal? We’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down into two categories: red wines and white wines.
Red Wines
Due to the bold flavours in puttanesca, red wines with fruity notes and high acidity make for an excellent match. Some top pairing suggestions include:
- Sicilian and southern Italian reds like nero d’avola, negroamara, and primitivo
- Barbera, known for its vibrant fruitiness and fresh acidity
Remember, a great red wine pairing can help you “sauce up” your life, just like the puttanesca sauce!
White Wines
For those who prefer their grapes of the green variety, there are some lovely white wine options to enhance the flavours in pasta puttanesca:
- Fiano di Avellino, featuring crisp minerality to cut through the richness
- New-wave Iberian whites or crisp Italian whites made from native grapes
- Marisa Cuomo Ravello Bianco, a delicious blend that complements the dish perfectly
As they say, life’s too short to drink bad wine, so treat yourself to a glass of white that’ll make you say “bellissimo!”
(You might also be interested in the best sides for vodka pasta).
Desserts to Finish
After indulging in a scrumptious meal, why not end your meal on a sweet note?
Treat yourself and your loved ones to some delightful Italian desserts that perfectly complement your savoury feast.
Here are a few suggestions for your grand finale…
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a time-honoured Italian favourite, combining coffee-soaked ladyfingers with layers of rich mascarpone cheese and a touch of cocoa powder.
The bittersweet harmony of this creamy, dreamy dessert provides a delicious contrast to the bold flavours of pasta puttanesca. Plus, who can resist its delightful, “pick-me-up” effect? Certainly not us!
Cannoli
Nothing says “sweet Sicilian delight” quite like cannoli.
These crispy, tube-shaped pastry shells are filled to the brim with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese and often garnished with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit.
Just like your pasta puttanesca, cannoli has an irresistible combination of textures and flavours, making it a delectable choice for your dessert course.
Panna Cotta
Smooth, silky, and beautifully simple, panna cotta is a quintessential Italian dessert. Its delicate texture and mild sweetness allow for a wonderful array of topping combinations, from fruit coulis to caramel sauce.
The simplicity of panna cotta will act as a soothing counterbalance to the robust flavours in your pasta dish, rounding off the meal just perfectly.
As you can see, there is no shortage of divine Italian desserts to put the perfect finishing touch on your pasta puttanesca meal. Whether you choose the classic comfort of tiramisu, the tantalising crunch of cannoli, or the silky elegance of panna cotta, we’re confident that your sweet tooth will be well satisfied.
For more ideas, check out my guide to the best desserts for spaghetti!
And if you love pasta dishes, take a look at side dishes for ravioli, and what to serve with carbonara!
