What to Serve with Cacio E Pepe (17 Perfect Side Dishes)

Wondering what to serve with cacio e pepe? This simple yet stunning dish pairs well with so many tasty options!

From toasty garlic bread to bruschetta to Caesar salad, these side dishes make your pasta dish sing!

Don’t worry, these tasty side dishes are so easy to throw together. Plus, they beautifully complement the buttery, cheesy flavor of cacio e pepe.  

Whether you want something veggie-forward or rich and meaty, I have you covered. 

Without further ado, let’s check out some of the best sides for Cacio e Pepe.

1. Caprese Salad

This salad is a simple pairing of tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and oil. It’s so light and delicious!

Plus, it comes together quicker than it takes to boil pasta. The fresh flavors of this dish complement the buttery notes of cacio e pepe. 

It almost looks too pretty to eat!

2. Shrimp Scampi

Buttery, garlicky, and slightly sweet, Ina Garten’s shrimp scampi has it all. 

Tender linguine noodles are the perfect vehicle for a nutty, garlicky sauce. Adding tender pieces of shrimp adds a kiss of sweetness. 

Would you believe me when I say this dish comes together in 15 minutes? 

3. Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Looking for a more meaty main course? Then look no further! This beef tenderloin with red wine sauce is sure to steal the spotlight. 

The beef tenderloin is so moist and tender, you can cut it with a fork. Paired with a vibrant red wine sauce, it lifts the flavors of the beef. 

4. Garlic Bread

Does garlic bread even need a formal introduction? Skip the frozen bread and try this homemade recipe! Trust me on this one. 

The bread crisps up golden, and garlic permeates every bite. It’s great for sopping up all that extra sauce from cacio e pepe. 

5. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a perfect pairing with any pasta dish, but especially with cacio e pepe. The juicy tomatoes, herbs, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar taste amazing.

This dish’s simple yet flavorful notes are a match made in heaven for buttery cacio e pepe. 

6. Rosemary Foccacia Bread

If you’re a little tired of garlic bread (impossible!), this rosemary focaccia bread may be your new favorite. 

The buttery bread is infused with warm rosemary and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Trust me, you’ll want to serve this bread warm out of the oven. 

Garlic bread who? 

7. Caesar Salad

You can never go wrong with pasta and a crisp salad. This recipe for Caesar salad is a wonderful pairing with cacio e pepe.

Leafy greens, buttery croutons, and grated parmesan cheese make this salad sing. 

Add a homemade Caesar dressing, and it may steal the show from your entree!

8. Italian Turkey Meatballs

I have the recipe for you if you want something meaty yet healthy. These Italian turkey meatballs are low in calories but so flavorful!

With fresh herbs and plenty of cheese, they’re hard to resist. I mean, is there anything better to pair pasta with than meatballs? 

9. Sauteed Spinach

Need a good Italian vegetable side? This simple and flavorful sauteed spinach recipe will be your new favorite. 

The earthy flavors of spinach work so well with the buttery, nutty flavors of cacio e pepe. Bonus points: it comes together quicker than you can boil pasta!

10. Arugula Salad

This bright arugula salad adds a pop of freshness and tartness to complement your cacio e pepe. 

Peppery arugula, almonds, and cranberries take the flavors over the top. 

Since cacio e pepe is so rich and buttery, the pop of cranberries offers a nice balance. 

11. Chicken Cutlets

There’s no wrong time for chicken cutlets! This recipe is crispy, crunchy, and will be your family’s new favorite. 

What’s great about this simple protein is that it accentuates any pasta dish. It’s simple, flavorful, and adds a nice crunchy texture. Plus, it’s easier than you think. 

12. Sauteed Mushrooms

My mouth is watering thinking about these meaty sauteed mushrooms. They add such a wonderful balance of flavors with any pasta dish, but especially cacio e pepe. 

With loads of fresh herbs and a bright kick from lemon juice, they’ll make your pasta sing. Sauteed mushrooms create a meaty texture and are incredibly filling. 

13. Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

You’ve heard of stuffed peppers. But what about stuffed tomatoes? With cacio e pepe, the flavors of the tomatoes shine through without being overly heavy. 

This recipe stuffs juicy tomatoes with a satisfying rice, herb, and cheese filling. Seriously, they’re so good, you may want to make them the main course!

14. Garlic Butter Breadsticks

Get ready because your house is about to smell amazing! These garlic butter breadsticks are light and fluffy and heavy on the garlic. 

I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

The dough comes together in a snap and oozes with fragrant butter and garlic sauce. 

(Want an easier option? Try these frozen breadsticks in the air fryer!)

15. Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is rich and earthy. It’s excellent with any buttery pasta dish. 

This recipe is super simple and uses olive oil, salt, and a drizzle of lemon juice. The outsides crisp up in the oven, and the insides are fork-tender. It’s a fantastic veggie side with pasta!

16. Roasted Peppers and Onions

It’s sweet, salty, and oh-so-pretty. This vibrant recipe for roasted peppers and onions is more than just a pretty face. 

The sweetness from the peppers complements buttery, cheesy cacio e pepe like a dream. 

Chop, toss, bake, and it’s ready to go!

17. Lemon Pepper Shrimp

If you are searching for a healthy protein for your cacio e pepe, look no further. This lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sweet with an acidic pop from lemon juice. 

It’s so easy to prepare in a snap and goes great with any buttery pasta dish for added protein and flavor.