Are you wondering what to serve with stuffed shells? I’ve got you covered with these 15 most popular sides for stuffed shells.
In this post, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for stuffed shells.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the short answer:
The best side dish with stuffed shells is a simple salad such as broccoli salad, cobb salad, or an arugula salad.
You could also serve it with some cheesy garlic bread or breadsticks. For a healthier option, serve stuffed shells with steamed broccoli or roasted carrots.
Keep on reading for more delicious easy stuffed shells side dishes ideas.
What Sides Go With Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells are a type of pasta that is typically filled with a ricotta and spinach mixture, and then covered in sauce. However, this dish can be easily customized to suit your taste. For example, you could add ground beef or sausage to the filling, or substitute the tomato sauce for a cream-based sauce
While they can be served as a main course you may find that serving just one type of food can get boring for your family or guests.
That is why it’s important to include a tasty side dish when serving stuffed shells. We’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best sides for stuffed shells, so you can choose the perfect dish to complement your meal.
Best Sides for Stuffed Shells:
When you make stuffed shells, you’re usually feeding a crowd. And as we all know, people can be picky eaters. Some like their food spicy, some like it sweet, some like it savory. The list goes on and on.
So, why not make some quick and easy side dishes that your guests can choose from? This way, everyone can find something they like and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal.
Here are 15 side dishes with stuffed shells that everyone will enjoy!
1. Roasted Carrots
Carrots are often praised for their nutritional value, but let’s be honest: they’re not exactly the most exciting vegetable out there. That’s why they so often find themselves relegated to the role of supporting player, lurking in the shadows while more vibrant vegetables take center stage.
But with this recipe for roasted carrots, they finally get their chance to shine. The carrots are roasted until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. They make the perfect side dish for stuffed shells, but they’re also delicious on their own. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you.
2. Breadsticks
With a buttery parmesan and garlic topping, these bread sticks are simply irresistible! You could argue that they’re even better than Pizza Hut! Dip them in some tomato sauce and enjoy with your stuffed shells.
3. Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad
A cucumber avocado tomato salad is an excellent side dish for stuffed shells because its cool and crisp components provide a refreshing contrast to the warm and cheesy stuffed shells. The combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber adds a delightful texture and a burst of freshness to the meal.
Recipe: OhClary
3. Classic Cobb Salad
Who says salad has to be a boring side dish? Us, that’s who! We refuse to believe that salad is only meant to be eaten as an afterthought. This cobb salad is a delicious and hearty side dish that will stand up to anything you stuff into your shells.
Full of crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad will have you coming back for more. So go ahead and pile on the shells, I guarantee this salad can handle it!
4. Arugula Salad With Apple&Parmesan
This arugula salad is the perfect side dish for stuffed shells. The apple and Parmesan give it a nice sweetness, while the balsamic dressing adds a touch of acidity.
You could also add some toasted pine nuts for a bit of a crunch. Overall, it’s a well-rounded dish that pairs perfectly with the rich stuffed shells.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread
If you’re looking for a delicious, cheesy side dish to accompany your stuffed shells, look no further than garlic bread! This classic Italian favorite is the perfect way to round out a meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, cheesy garlic bread is sure to hit the spot.
6. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli bacon salad is the perfect side dish for stuffed shells. The bacon provides a savory flavor that pairs well with the richness of the cheese, and the broccoli adds a pop of color and crunch. Plus, it’s a healthy option that won’t weigh you down.
So next time you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your stuffed shells, reach for broccoli bacon salad. You won’t be disappointed.
7. Strawberry Spinach Salad
The homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing is light and refreshing, and the strawberries add a sweetness that complements the richness of the stuffed shells.
The salad also has a nice crunch from the toasted pecans, and the crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy depth of flavor. This salad is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
8. Italian Chopped Salad
One great way to complement stuffed shells is to serve them with an Italian chopped salad. This salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and chickpeas.
The vegetables are then tossed with a lemon vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing helps to balance out the richness of the stuffed shells, making for a truly delicious meal.
9. Garlic Cheese Bombs
Talk about a flavor explosion! This garlic cheese bombs recipe is the perfect side dish to any pizza or pasta. It can be easily made in a bundt pan using Rhodes dinner rolls.
10. Roasted Vegetable Salad
This roasted vegetable salad is a great option for an easy side dish for stuffed shells. It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. The salad can be served warm or cold, so it’s perfect for any season. And, best of all, it’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite stuffed shell recipe.
11. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to side dishes, roasted Brussels sprouts are hard to beat. They’re nutritious, delicious, and easy to make. And when you add garlic and Parmesan cheese, they’re even better.
The combination of the creamy shells, the tangy tomato sauce, and the flavorful Brussels sprouts is simply irresistible. So if you’re looking for a new side dish to try, give this one a go. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.
12. Stove Top Broccoli
Need a healthy side to serve with the already rich stuffed shells? Have some stove top broccoli! This dish takes just 10 minutes to make and results in the best ever broccoli!
What to Serve With Stuffed Shells? 3 More Filling Sides:
These are not really sides but options of meat and chicken to make and serve the stuffed shells as a side dish to these meals.
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your stuffed shells, look no further than stuffed bell peppers. This dish is easy to make and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover bell peppers that you may have.
To make this dish, simply stuff your bell peppers with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust us, your guests will be impressed!
14. Steak Bites With Garlic
One of the best things about stuffed shells is that they’re extremely versatile. You can stuff them with just about anything, and they always taste great. But if you’re looking for a truly unique side dish to accompany your stuffed shells, look no further than garlic butter steak bites.
These tender bites of steak are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, and they’re absolutely delicious. Plus, they add an extra level of protein and flavor to your meal. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting side dish to try, go with garlic butter steak bites.
You won’t be disappointed.
15. Roast Chicken
Finally, we have the classic roast chicken. This meal is perfect for serving with stuffed shells. It’s healthy, no fuss and a crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will enjoy.
What Sides go with stuffed shells?
- Roasted Carrots
- Breadsticks
- Classic Cobb Salad
- Arugula Salad With Apple&Parmesan
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Garlic Cheese Bombs
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Stove Top Broccoli
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Steak Bites With Garlic
- Roast Chicken
15 Best Sides for Stuffed Shells
Are you wondering what to serve with stuffed shells? I've got you covered with these 15 most popular sides for stuffed shells.
Ingredients
- Stuffed shells
- Broccoli salad
- Cheesy garlic bread
- Roasted Carrots
- Steamed Broccoli
Instructions
1. Scroll up and pick your favorite side dishes for stuffed shells
2. Gather all the required ingredients and prepare the dish.
3. Serve with the stuffed shells!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 224Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 577mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas for side dishes to serve with ricotta stuffed shells. Let’s be honest, sometimes the main course just isn’t enough. If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your meal, serving a side dish is the perfect solution.
So feel free to get as creative as you want with these side dishes and serve up a meal that everyone will enjoy!
What are your favorite side dishes to serve with stuffed shells? Let us know in the comments below!
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About the author, Clary Kingsley
I'm a DIY-loving millennial with a passion for cozy home decor and cooking healthy, mouthwatering meals. My adventurous spirit leads me to explore creative ways of making money online, like selling printables and crafts. Join me on this exciting journey as I share my enthusiasm and zest for life!