What To Put On Pasta Besides Sauce (31 Delicious Ideas!)

Pasta is a beloved staple in many households, offering a versatile canvas for a myriad of flavours beyond the classic sauces.

If you’re looking to freshen up your pasta game and introduce some new tastes to your palate, stepping away from typical tomato or cream-based sauces can be a delightful change.

There’s a whole world of ingredients that can dress your pasta beautifully, without the need for traditional sauces.

Just looking for a quick answer? 

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Some of the best options for what to put on pasta besides sauce include olive oil with herbs like basil and oregano, grated cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino, fresh veggies, pesto variations, proteins like chicken and smoked salmon, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, and a dash of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. 

Read on for more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Cheese Varieties

Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate your pasta dish with a variety of textures and flavours.

Every cheese brings its own unique touch, enriching your meal with a simple sprinkle or a hearty layer.

Parmesan Alternatives

If you’re looking to branch out from the classic Parmesan, consider Pecorino Romano, a saltier cheese with a hard texture, or Grana Padano, which is milder and slightly sweeter.

Both are excellent when grated over pasta.

• Pecorino Romano: More intense, suitable for those who prefer a stronger taste.
• Grana Padano: Less sharp, a great option for a subtle, nutty flavour.

Soft Cheeses

For a creamy addition, soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese can be dolloped on your pasta for a delightfully smooth experience.

• Ricotta: Creamy and mild, perfect for a lighter dish.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy with a velvety texture, it adds a unique twist.

Aged Cheeses

Aged cheeses possess deeper flavours due to their longer maturation periods.

Cheddar, aged for various lengths of time, can be grated or melted into your pasta for a rich taste.

• Mature Cheddar: Offers a sharp, pronounced flavour.
• Extra Mature Cheddar: Even more robust, with a powerful taste profile.

Olive Oils and Infusions

When considering alternatives to traditional pasta sauces, you can’t go wrong with olive oil. Not only is it a heart-healthy fat, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

You can use a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to bring out the natural flavours of your pasta, or you can take things up a notch with infused oils.

Infused olive oils are a fantastic way to add depth to your dish. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic-infused olive oil: A classic that’s perfect for pasta. It adds a warm and aromatic touch.
• Chilli-infused olive oil: Ideal if you’re after a bit of a kick. This infusion brings heat and pizzazz to any plate of pasta.
• Lemon-infused olive oil: Gives a refreshing zest that enhances lighter pasta dishes, such as those with seafood.

To create your own infusions, simply add your chosen herbs, spices, or citrus peels to a bottle of olive oil, and let it sit for a few weeks to develop the flavours.

Infusion Type	Flavour Profile	Perfect Pairing
Garlic-infused	Warm, aromatic	Spaghetti, Aglio e Olio
Chilli-infused	Spicy, bold	Penne, Arrabbiata-lite
Lemon-infused	Fresh, citrusy	Linguine, Seafood mix

Remember, quality matters. Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil as your base for the best taste.

Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes; a little goes a long way in terms of flavour and caloric content.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs and spices are a tasty and easy option for what to put on pasta besides sauce. 

Basil and Mint

Basil: Toss fresh basil leaves on top of your pasta to add a sweet, peppery taste that complements most pasta dishes beautifully.

Use whole leaves for a burst of flavour or finely chop them for a more subtle infusion.

Mint: Fresh mint provides a cool, refreshing twist to your pasta.

It pairs especially well with lamb or pea pasta dishes. Sprinkle chopped mint for a zesty, fresh note.

Chilli Flakes and Paprika

Chilli Flakes: If you enjoy a kick, chilli flakes are perfect for adding heat.

Start with a pinch and adjust according to how spicy you like your pasta.

Flakes can be distributed throughout the dish for even warmth.

This spaghetti aglio dish is a sauceless pasta with chilli flakes that I highly recommend! 

Paprika: Sweet or smoked paprika can introduce depth and complexity.

A light dusting over your pasta not only adds colour but also imparts a subtle, smoky sweetness that is particularly good with creamy or cheese-based pastas.

Nuts and Seeds

Adding nuts and seeds to your pasta can introduce a delightful crunch and a boost of nutrition.

These toppings are a great way to enhance flavour and texture when you’re considering what to put on pasta besides sauce. 

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts, often associated with Italian pesto, add a subtle, buttery taste to your pasta.

Lightly toast them to bring out their flavour before sprinkling over your dish.

Pine Nuts:	Usage Ideas
Whole	Toss in salads with pasta.
Crushed	Garnish on top for added texture.
Toasted	Mix into pasta for a nutty flavour.

Walnuts and Pecans

Walnuts and pecans provide a rich, earthy profile to pasta.

Crushing them adds a wonderful texture that makes your pasta more satisfying.

• Walnuts:
  • Crush and sprinkle over creamy pasta to offset the richness.
  • Pair with strong cheeses like Stilton for a flavourful punch.
• Pecans:
  • Incorporate into sweet pasta dishes for a contrast.
  • Combine with fruits like apples in pasta salads for a unique twist.

Fresh Vegetables

Adding fresh vegetables to your pasta can not only enhance the flavour but also provide a nutritious boost.

They can be a delightful alternative to traditional sauces.

Sundried Tomatoes

Sundried tomatoes bring a rich, umami depth to pastas.

You can slice them thinly and scatter them over your dish for a burst of concentrated tomato flavour that pairs well with olive oil or crumbled feta cheese.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables offer a smoky addition to your pasta.

Courgettes, aubergines, and red peppers work wonderfully when grilled with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Slice them into bite-sized pieces and mix them through your pasta to enjoy their charred sweetness.

Proteins

Adding protein to your pasta can turn it into a heartier and more satisfying meal.

Choose proteins that complement the flavour profile of your other ingredients.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with pasta.

For the best flavour, marinade your chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling.

Once cooked and sliced, the chicken can be tossed with your pasta or placed on top for a pleasing presentation.

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon offers a rich, luxurious taste that goes particularly well with creamy pasta dishes.

Ensure your smoked salmon is thinly sliced and consider adding it to the pasta off the heat to avoid overcooking, which could diminish its delicate texture.

Homemade Pesto Variations

When you fancy a change from the traditional basil pesto, there are plenty of homemade variations to try.

If you need to buy a readymade version, take a look at my guide to improving store bought pesto! 

These creative twists can add a unique flavour to your pasta.

Classic Basil Pesto: Start with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

This is your foundation, a timeless favourite that you can always rely on.

Spinach Walnut Pesto: Swap basil for spinach and pine nuts for walnuts.

Add garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil to taste. This version offers a more earthy tone with a nutty twist.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Walnuts
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Introduce sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter and slightly tangy pesto.

Opt for almonds instead of pine nuts and blend with the usual suspects – garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

• Ingredients:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Almonds
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

Coriander and Cashew Pesto: For a more aromatic flair, use fresh coriander leaves and cashews. The addition of lime juice gives it a refreshing zing.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Cashews
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice

Rocket and Hazelnut Pesto: Combine rocket leaves with roasted hazelnuts for a peppery taste.

Garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil bind the pesto together, creating a bold topping.

• Instructions:
  1. Combine rocket and roasted hazelnuts.
  2. Add garlic and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Blend with a generous amount of olive oil.

Cured Meats

Cured meats add a savoury depth to your pasta, providing both flavour and texture.

They’re perfect for adding a touch of luxury to a simple dish.

Prosciutto

Thinly sliced prosciutto brings a rich, salty flavour to the table.

Drape it over a warm bowl of pasta to let it gently melt, or chop it into ribbons and stir through for a more integrated taste.

• Best with: Spaghetti or linguine
• Serving suggestion: Try it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of cracked black pepper.

Salami

With its bold spices and firm texture, salami can be diced and scattered on top to add a punchy kick.

Its robustness holds up well against hearty pasta shapes.

• Most suitable for: Penne or fusilli
• How to serve: Pair with shaved Parmesan for an extra umami dimension.

Remember, the key to using cured meats is balance. You want their intense flavours to complement, not overpower, your pasta.

Legumes and Beans

When exploring alternatives to traditional pasta sauces, you might be pleasantly surprised by the versatility of legumes and beans.

These plant-based protein sources can transform a simple pasta dish into a hearty meal.

Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas can be tossed with pasta, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

For added flavour, consider roasting them first with some herbs.

• How to prepare: Drain a tin of chickpeas and roast with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and crushed garlic at 200°C for 20 minutes.
• Flavour pairing: Combine with spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Lentils: Offering an earthy taste, lentils can be an excellent choice for what to put on pasta besides sauce. 

They work well with both warm pasta dishes and refreshing cold pasta salads.

• Type to use: Brown or green lentils maintain their shape better than red lentils, making them ideal for mixing with pasta.
• Preparation tip: Simmer lentils in vegetable stock until just tender, then mix with your favourite pasta.

Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans are a fantastic addition for a more filling dish.

Their subtle taste complements a variety of other ingredients.

• Serving suggestion: Mix cannellini beans with sautéed kale, crushed chilli flakes, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.
• Extra tip: For a smoother texture, lightly mash the beans before adding to the pasta.

Fruit Additions

Adding fruit to your pasta can brighten flavours and introduce a refreshing twist to traditional dishes.

Lemon Zest

Infuse a citrus note to your pasta with lemon zest.

Grate it finely over your dish for a zesty kick, and it pairs wonderfully with seafood pasta or creamy sauces.

Olives

Incorporate olives for a salty and tangy dimension. Whether you opt for Kalamata or green olives, they’ll add depth and a Mediterranean flair to your meal.

Slice or halve them before tossing into the pasta.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choices for what to put on pasta besides sauce! 

What’s your favourite option? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!