Introduction
If you’re serving up a big pot of savory, spicy pastalaya, you’re already off to a great start. This delicious fusion of pasta and jambalaya combines the smoky flavors of sausage, chicken, shrimp, and Creole spices into one hearty dish. However, what really makes a pastalaya dinner memorable is the supporting cast — the appetizers, sides, drinks, and desserts that bring the meal together.
Since pastalaya is already rich, spicy, and filling, the perfect side dishes and accompaniments should balance and complement its flavors. For this reason, you’ll want fresh, crisp salads, buttery cornbread, or tangy coleslaw to balance the spice. In addition, don’t forget classic Southern desserts like pecan pie or bread pudding to wrap up the meal on a sweet note.
To help you plan your meal, this guide will walk you through the best side dishes, appetizers, sauces, drinks, and desserts to serve with pastalaya. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a crowd, these pairings will leave your guests happy and satisfied. By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to create a well-rounded, unforgettable pastalaya dinner.
Table of contents
Best Appetizers to Serve with Pastalaya
To kick off your pastalaya dinner, start with flavorful appetizers that complement the bold, spicy Cajun flavors of the main dish. The best appetizers offer a mix of crispy, creamy, and savory textures, and they won’t overpower the star of the show — the pastalaya itself. Here are some of the most popular and mouthwatering options to consider.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Why It Works:
Fried green tomatoes bring a tangy, crispy element to the table. The slight acidity of the green tomatoes cuts through the spice of the pastalaya, and the crispy cornmeal crust adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, tender pasta.
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes:
- Ingredients: Green tomatoes, buttermilk, flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
- Preparation: Slice green tomatoes into thick rounds. Dip them in buttermilk, then dredge them in a seasoned mixture of flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking: Heat oil in a skillet, then fry each tomato slice until golden brown on both sides.
- Serving Tip: Serve with remoulade sauce or spicy Cajun aioli for dipping.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Why It Works:
Garlic butter shrimp skewers add a fresh, garlicky seafood flavor that perfectly aligns with the Creole vibes of pastalaya. They’re light, quick to cook, and loaded with umami.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers:
- Ingredients: Large shrimp (peeled and deveined), garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, fresh parsley, and wooden skewers.
- Preparation: Soak the skewers in water (to prevent burning) and marinate shrimp in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes.
- Cooking: Thread shrimp onto the skewers and grill or sear them for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serving Tip: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a wedge of lemon.
Pro Tip: Brush on extra garlic butter while grilling for added flavor.
Mini Crab Cakes
Why It Works:
Mini crab cakes bring a touch of elegance to your pastalaya dinner. Their savory, tender centers and crispy exteriors make them a delightful starter that won’t steal the spotlight from the main dish.
How to Make Mini Crab Cakes:
- Ingredients: Lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and oil for frying.
- Preparation: Combine crab meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings. Form small patties with your hands.
- Cooking: Fry the crab cakes in oil until golden brown on each side. Alternatively, bake them in the oven for a healthier option.
- Serving Tip: Pair with spicy remoulade sauce or lemon-garlic aioli.
Pro Tip: To ensure they don’t fall apart, chill the patties in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying.
Cajun Deviled Eggs
Why It Works:
Deviled eggs are always a party hit, and adding Cajun seasoning gives them a spicy, smoky twist that pairs beautifully with pastalaya Dinner. Their creamy texture contrasts well with the hearty pasta.
How to Make Cajun Deviled Eggs:
- Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and paprika.
- Preparation: Cut hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, vinegar, Cajun seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Assembly: Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika or additional Cajun seasoning.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
Pro Tip: For a more gourmet presentation, use a piping bag to fill the egg whites.
Blackened Chicken Bites
Why It Works:
These small, bite-sized chicken pieces are packed with flavor thanks to the blackened Cajun seasoning. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and make an irresistible appetizer for any Cajun-themed dinner.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Bites:
- Ingredients: Boneless chicken breast, olive oil, Cajun blackened seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper).
- Preparation: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them with olive oil and blackened seasoning.
- Cooking: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- Serving Tip: Serve with spicy Cajun dipping sauce or remoulade sauce.
Pro Tip: Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, which ensures the chicken stays crispy.
Best Appetizers to Serve with Pastalay
Pastalaya is a hearty, flavorful dish, so you’ll want appetizers that are equally bold but not too heavy. The goal is to awaken your guests’ taste buds without filling them up before the main course. From crispy fried treats to savory seafood bites, here are some of the best appetizers to serve with pastalaya.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Why It Works: The crispy, tangy flavor of fried green tomatoes adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of pastalaya for dinner. Their slight tartness cuts through the spices, offering a refreshing taste before the main dish.
Ingredients
- Green tomatoes (sliced)
- Buttermilk
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make It
- Slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch rounds.
- Dip each tomato slice in buttermilk, then coat it with a mixture of cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the tomatoes until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve hot with remoulade sauce or Cajun aioli for dipping.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Why It Works: Since shrimp is often a main ingredient in pastalaya, serving it as an appetizer creates a cohesive flavor experience. However, by grilling it with garlic butter, you create a lighter, more aromatic start to the meal.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter (melted)
- Lemon juice
- Chopped parsley
- Salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How to Make It
- Marinate the shrimp in garlic, melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
- Serve with lemon wedges or remoulade sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Mini Crab Cakes
Why It Works: These crispy, savory bites offer a touch of elegance and add seafood flavor to your dinner. Mini crab cakes are small, flavorful, and can be served with dipping sauces like Cajun aioli or remoulade.
Ingredients
- Lump crab meat
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg (beaten)
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
- Oil or butter for frying
How to Make It
- In a bowl, combine crab meat, panko, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Shape the mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches wide).
- Heat oil or butter in a pan and cook the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with remoulade sauce or lemon aioli for dipping.
Charbroiled Oysters
Why It Works: For a touch of elegance, serve charbroiled oysters as an appetizer. The smoky, buttery, and cheesy flavors echo the richness of pastalaya for Dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh oysters (on the half shell)
- Garlic butter (melted)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How to Make It
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the oysters on the grill. Add a spoonful of garlic butter to each oyster.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each oyster.
- Grill for 5-6 minutes until the butter bubbles and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for Choosing the Perfect Appetizer
- Balance the Flavors: Since pastalaya is a hearty, spicy main course, your appetizers should offer contrasting textures and flavors. Light, crispy, or tangy appetizers (like fried green tomatoes or deviled eggs) create a balanced meal.
- Portion Control: Don’t make the appetizers too filling. Mini crab cakes, shrimp skewers, and boudin balls are small, bite-sized starters that won’t weigh down your guests before dinner.
- Use Local Flavors: Since pastalaya is a Southern dish, try to keep the theme consistent with other Cajun or Creole-inspired appetizers like crawfish beignets, boudin balls, or charbroiled oysters.
- Serve a Variety: If you’re hosting a crowd, offer 2-3 appetizer options. Pair a light option (like deviled eggs) with a crispy option (like fried green tomatoes) and a seafood option (like shrimp skewers).
Perfect Side Dishes for Pastalaya
Pastalaya is a filling one-pot meal, but the right side dishes can make the meal feel more complete and satisfying. Since pastalaya is rich, spicy, and smoky, you’ll want sides that offer freshness, sweetness, crunch, or a hint of tang to balance it out. Here are the best side dishes to serve with pastalaya for a well-rounded dinner.
Classic Garden Salad
Why It Works: A garden salad brings freshness, crunch, and acidity to balance the hearty, rich flavors of pastalaya for Dinner. It’s also a simple, healthy addition that works for all types of guests.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumbers (sliced)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Carrots (shredded)
- Croutons (optional)
- Vinaigrette dressing (balsamic, lemon, or red wine vinegar-based)
How to Make It
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and carrots.
- Add croutons for extra crunch (optional).
- Toss with your choice of vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Pro Tip: Add tangy toppings like pickled onions, olives, or feta cheese for a burst of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Why It Works: Roasted vegetables offer a healthy, hearty side that adds natural sweetness and a slight charred flavor that matches well with pastalaya.
Ingredients
- Zucchini (sliced)
- Bell peppers (sliced)
- Red onion (chopped)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the veggies on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly charred and tender.
Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the vegetables before serving for a hint of acidity.
FAQ Section
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about What Goes with Pastalaya for Dinner.
Can you serve rice with pastalaya?
No, it’s not traditional to serve rice with pastalaya because pastalaya is essentially a pasta-based version of jambalaya. In other words, the whole concept of pastalaya is to replace rice with pasta, usually spaghetti or penne. As a result, serving rice alongside pastalaya would be redundant.
Nevertheless, if you have guests who prefer rice or if you want to add variety to your table, you can offer a simple side of dirty rice or Cajun rice. That being said, it’s best to stick to non-starchy sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw to avoid carb overload.
Pro Tip: If you want a “rice-like” option without rice, try cauliflower rice as a light, low-carb alternative. Not only does it mimic the texture of rice, but it also provides a healthier option for guests watching their carb intake.
What’s the best bread to serve with pastalaya?
The best bread to serve with pastalaya should be flavorful, crusty, and able to soak up the rich flavors of the dish. Here are a few top options:
- Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky, and crispy on the outside, garlic bread is a classic choice that pairs well with any hearty main dish.
- French Baguette: Its crispy crust and soft interior make it perfect for sopping up any sauce from the pastalaya.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Breadsticks loaded with cheese offer a gooey, savory bite that complements the smoky, spicy notes of pastalaya.
- Cornbread: If you want a Southern-inspired meal, sweet or jalapeño cornbread is a top choice. It adds sweetness to balance the spiciness of the main dish.
Pro Tip: Warm your bread before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel. If you want a little something extra, serve the bread with a side of Cajun garlic butter for dipping.
What vegetables go with pastalaya?
If you’re looking to add some vegetables as a side for pastalaya, try:
- Roasted Vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
- Sautéed Greens (collard greens, spinach, or kale)
- Garden Salad (with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions)
- Corn Maque Choux (sautéed corn with peppers, onions, and cream)
- Coleslaw (either creamy or vinegar-based)
These sides add freshness, crunch, and a break from the heavy, rich flavors of pastalaya.
What are some good drinks to serve with pastalaya?
The best drinks to pair with pastalaya are light, refreshing, and capable of balancing the spiciness of the dish. Here are some of the top choices:
- Iced Sweet Tea: The classic Southern pairing, sweet tea is refreshing and helps tone down the spice.
- Lemonade: The tart, citrus flavor of lemonade cuts through the rich flavors of pastalaya.
- Beer: Light lagers, wheat beers, or IPAs pair well with spicy dishes like pastalaya.
- Wine: A Chardonnay (for buttery smoothness) or a Riesling (for a touch of sweetness) works well.
- Citrus Punch: A fruit-based punch with pineapple, orange, and lemon juice adds a tropical twist to your dinner.
Pro Tip: For a fun twist, serve a Hurricane cocktail — a New Orleans classic with rum, passion fruit, and citrus flavors. It adds a festive touch to the meal.
Can I freeze pastalaya leftovers?
Yes, pastalaya freezes well! Here’s how to do it properly:
- Cool It Down: Let it cool completely before freezing to avoid excess moisture buildup.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store it in portion-sized containers or freezer-safe bags.
- Label and Date It: Write the date on the container so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water.
Frozen pastalaya can be stored for up to 3 months and still taste fresh and flavorful.
More Ideas
- When discussing the choice of pasta for pastalaya, link to What Is Pastalaya Made Of? to provide a deeper dive into the essential ingredients.
- When covering the importance of liquid ratios, link to The Perfect Pasta to Liquid Ratio in Pastalaya so readers can understand the science behind a well-executed dish.
- When mentioning seafood options like shrimp, reference Easy Pastalaya Recipe to inspire readers with a step-by-step guide.
Conclusion
When it comes to planning a meal around pastalaya, it’s all about balance, flavor, and texture. Since pastalaya is rich, savory, and spicy, the best side dishes, desserts, and drinks should provide contrast. Here’s a quick recap of the top options to round out your dinner:
Best Appetizers to Serve with Pastalaya
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy, tangy, and perfect with Cajun remoulade.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers: Light and flavorful, with garlic and lemon accents.
- Mini Crab Cakes: Small, savory bites perfect with a creamy dipping sauce.
Perfect Side Dishes for Pastalaya
Must-Have Dipping Sauces and Condiments
- Remoulade Sauce: A spicy, tangy Cajun classic.
- Cajun Aioli: Garlic, lemon, and Cajun seasoning in a creamy base.
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Great for dipping garlic bread or shrimp.
Best Desserts to Serve with Pastalaya
- Beignets: Soft, fried dough covered in powdered sugar.
- Pecan Pie: Sweet, nutty, and buttery — a Southern favorite.
- Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce: Sweet, custardy bread pudding with rich bourbon glaze.
Best Drinks to Serve with Pastalaya
- Iced Sweet Tea: Cool and refreshing.
- Lemonade or Citrus Punch: The perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Beer (Lager, Wheat, IPA): Pairs well with spicy food.
- Wine (Chardonnay or Riesling): The buttery smoothness of Chardonnay or the sweetness of Riesling works perfectly.
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Pastalaya Dinner
- Keep it Balanced: Choose sides that balance the spice and richness of pastalaya, like salads, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit.
- Don’t Overdo the Carbs: Avoid too many starchy sides like rice, pasta, or heavy breads, as pastalaya already includes pasta.
- End with a Sweet Treat: Desserts like beignets, pecan pie, or bread pudding will leave your guests with a sweet, satisfying finish.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a party, pastalaya is a dish that always impresses. Pair it with the right appetizers, sides, and drinks, and you’ll have a meal people will talk about for weeks. From crispy Fried Green Tomatoes to indulgent Beignets, every dish adds something unique to the table.