Shrimp linguine is a classic pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with linguine noodles in a flavorful sauce. With the right ingredients, shrimp linguine can be elevated into a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your dinner guests. However, an important part of creating a cohesive and delicious shrimp linguine dish is choosing sides and components that will pair well with the pasta. When considering what goes good with shrimp linguine, there are a few key elements to keep in mind.
Complement the Flavors
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing side dishes for shrimp linguine is finding options that will complement the flavors of the pasta. Shrimp linguine often features a garlicky, lemony sauce or herb seasoning on the shrimp. The fresh taste of shrimp also shines through. With these flavors in mind, sides that contain garlic, lemon, herbs or seafood tend to pair well and enhance the overall dining experience.
Some examples of flavor-complementing sides for shrimp linguine include:
- Garlic bread – The garlicky flavor of bruschetta or cheesy garlic bread is a perfect match for garlicky shrimp linguine.
- Lemon side salad – A light salad dressed with lemon juice and zest mirrors and brightens the flavors in the pasta.
- Herb-roasted vegetables – Roasting vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, onions or mushrooms with fresh herbs adds a complementary depth of flavor.
- Seafood sides – Baked clams, mussels or shrimp cocktail make an ideal protein pairing.
When the flavors in the side dishes reflect and build on the shrimp linguine, it creates a wholly satisfying meal.
Texture Contrasts
Another element to consider when selecting sides for shrimp linguine is adding contrasting textures. Shrimp linguine is a soft, tender dish. Pairing it with sides that have a crisp, creamy or crunch element helps provide pleasing contrasts with each bite.
Some examples of sides with contrasting textures include:
- Bruschetta – The crunch of the toasted bread contrasts the tender pasta.
- Caesar salad – The cool, crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provides texture variation.
- Polenta cakes – Crispy, pan-fried polenta cakes add a crunchy element.
- Green beans – Briefly blanched green beans have a nice snap.
Varying the textures of the different components in the meal makes it more dynamic and interesting to eat. The contrasts keep each bite feeling fresh and exciting.
Color Variety
A third consideration when selecting side dishes for shrimp linguine is incorporating color variety. Shrimp linguine is often beige or light pink in color. Surrounding it with bright, vivid colors helps make the meal more visually appealing.
Some colorful sides that pair nicely include:
- Roasted red peppers – Vibrant red adds eye-catching color to the plate.
- Sauteed spinach – Bright green spinach is a nice contrast.
- Radicchio salad – The deep purple leaves look stunning next to the pasta.
- Carrot ribbons – Thinly sliced carrots add an orange pop of color.
The interplay of colors helps make the meal feel fresh and seasonal. It also makes the dish more enticing to eat when you engage the senses with a rainbow of hues.
Nutritional Balance
When selecting accompaniments for shrimp linguine, it’s also wise to consider nutritional balance. Shrimp linguine is fairly high in carbohydrates from the pasta. Choosing sides that add key vitamins, minerals, fiber and additional protein helps create a well-rounded meal.
Some nutritionally balanced sides include:
- Steamed broccoli – Packed with vitamin C, fiber and nutrients.
- Tomato and mozzarella salad – Provides vitamin C, calcium and protein.
- Kale Caesar salad – Kale offers vitamins A, C, K as well as iron and fiber.
- Garlic shrimp kebabs – Additional protein and minimal added carbs.
Focusing on produce, lean proteins and whole grains helps your sides boost the overall nutrient impact of the meal. This creates a satisfying, energizing dining experience.
Easy Preparation
For home cooks, it’s also helpful to consider how easy the side dishes are to prepare when planning a shrimp linguine dinner. Shrimp linguine often requires active cooking time, so selecting accompaniments that require minimal prep allows you to get the full meal on the table more efficiently.
Some sides that are simple to throw together include:
- Salad greens with pre-made dressing – Just toss to coat.
- Crudités with hummus – Requires minimal chopping.
- Frozen garlic bread – Heat and serve.
- Rotisserie chicken – Pull meat off and add to a salad.
Choosing components that are ready to eat or require just a quick assembly means you can focus on cooking the star pasta dish without getting bogged down prepping numerous sides.
Complementary Flavors
When pondering what goes good with shrimp linguine, think about complementary flavors. Sides that contain garlic, lemon, herbs or seafood ingredients tend to mirror and build on the classic pasta dish beautifully. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a spritz of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to harmonize the components.
Texture Contrasts
While the tender shrimp linguine has a smooth, delicate texture, adding sides with crunch, creaminess and snap provides appealing contrast. Think crunchy bruschetta, cool salad greens, or crispy roasted vegetables. The interplay of different textures keeps the meal dynamic.
Color Variety
Since shrimp linguine is fairly neutral in color, sides with bright, vivid hues help make the dish pop on the plate. Consider roasted red peppers, sauteed spinach, rainbow carrots or other colorful produce. This adds strong visual appeal.
Nutritional Balance
Bring nutritional balance to the meal by selecting sides with lean protein, produce, whole grains and healthy fats. Steamed broccoli, tomato and mozzarella salad and kale Caesar salad all pair deliciously while providing vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Simple Preparation
Save time and effort while still enjoying delicious complementary sides by choosing items that require minimal prep. Salad greens, crudités, frozen garlic bread and rotisserie chicken pull the meal together with ease.
Recipe Recommendations
Here are some excellent recipe recommendations for sides that pair wonderfully with shrimp linguine:
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | 5 minutes | Garlic, Parmesan, parsley |
| Caesar Salad | 10 minutes | Garlic, lemon, Parmesan |
| Sauteed Broccoli Rabe | 15 minutes | Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 15 minutes | Lemon, seafood |
These options provide complementary flavors, contrasting textures, color variety, balanced nutrition and quick preparation to perfectly accompany shrimp linguine. With the right sides, this pasta dish becomes a showstopping meal.
Conclusion
Shrimp linguine is a beloved pasta dish that can be elevated by pairing it with the right side dishes. Complement the bright, garlic-and-herb flavors of the shrimp and linguine with flavor echoes like garlicky greens, lemony salads and seafood appetizers. Vary the textures with crispy, creamy, crunchy sides to keep things interesting. Incorporate colorful produce and garnishes for visual appeal. Balance the nutrition with vegetable dishes, protein and whole grains. And choose options that require little prep time so you can get the full meal on the table with ease. With complementary flavors, varied textures and colors, nutritional balance and simple prep, you can create the perfect accompaniments for spectacular shrimp linguine.