10 Must-Try Pizza and Pasta Combinations in New Jersey

New Jersey, the land of the best diners and diverse food culture, offers delectable pizza and pasta combinations that are sure to leave you craving for more. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these culinary delights should be on your must-try list.

1. The Classic Margherita with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Experience simplicity at its best with a classic Margherita pizza paired with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. This combination brings out the richness of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil alongside the garlic and olive oil flavors of the spaghetti. The Margherita pizza captures the essence of Italian cuisine, while the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio adds depth and comfort to the meal. The harmony of these traditional flavors pays homage to Italy's culinary heritage, making it a favorite for many.

One can't overlook the freshness that a Margherita pizza brings to the table. Each bite offers a burst of flavor from the tomatoes contrasted with the creamy mozzarella. This pizza, while modest, has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and delightful taste. Pairing it with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio enhances the experience, as the pasta's gentle hint of garlic provides a subtle yet impactful flavor that complements the pizza seamlessly. It's a meal that invites you to savor every bite.

2. Pepperoni Delight with Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the savory delight of pepperoni pizza coupled with creamy Fettuccine Alfredo. The bold flavors of spicy pepperoni are perfectly complemented by the rich, cheesy pasta. This pairing is a celebration of Italian-American cuisine, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that balances spice and creaminess. The pepperoni adds a distinct punch of flavor, while the fettuccine mellowly envelopes the taste buds in velvety delight.

The fusion of textures and flavors in this combination is nothing short of divine. The pepperoni's spiciness is tempered by the creamy cheese sauce of the Fettuccine Alfredo, creating a perfect harmony of tastes. Each forkful of pasta echoes the comforting flavors of butter and parmesan, while every slice of pizza introduces a zesty contrast, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience. It's a match made in heaven for those who love robust, indulging flavors.

Fettuccine Alfredo, known for its luxurious and indulgent creaminess, epitomizes comfort food. When paired with the crowd-pleasing pepperoni pizza, it bridges the gap between traditional and modern tastes. Whether you're indulging alone or sharing with family and friends, this duo is perfect for any occasion, promising satisfaction from the very first bite to the last.

3. Vegetable Pizza with Pesto Pasta

For veggie lovers, a combination of vegetable-loaded pizza with aromatic Pesto Pasta offers a refreshing and flavorful treat. The fresh vegetables and basil pesto make this a light yet satisfying meal. Vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes found on the pizza compliment the herbaceous, nutty flavors of the pesto pasta beautifully. This duo provides a feast for the senses with vibrant colors and fresh aromas, promoting a healthy yet indulgent dining experience.

Regular pizza toppings are often carnivorous, but vegetable pizzas prove that vegetarian options can be just as delicious, if not more varied. This combination with Pesto Pasta highlights the vegetables' natural flavors, enhanced by pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil. The ensemble of bright and flavorful ingredients ensures a lively, appetizing presentation that could convert any skeptic into a vegetable pizza enthusiast.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Paired with Penne Arrabbiata

Enjoy the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken pizza alongside spicy Penne Arrabbiata. The sweet barbecue sauce contrasts beautifully with the fiery arrabbiata, creating a taste sensation. Both dishes bring their unique flavors to the table, and when combined, they provide a spicy-sweet contrast that ignites the taste buds with every bite.

BBQ Chicken Pizza brings a taste of American barbecue culture to the mix with its smoky and tangy flavors. The chicken, slathered in BBQ sauce, provides a unique flavor profile that spices up the traditional pizza experience. When paired with Penne Arrabbiata, known for its spicy kick derived from chili peppers and garlic, the result is a spicy yet sweet symphony of flavors that leave a lasting impression.

5. White Pizza with Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Dive into the creamy goodness of white pizza, perfectly accompanied by Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli. The blend of cheeses and the freshness of spinach create a delightful experience for the palate. White pizza, devoid of tomato sauce, emphasizes the nuanced flavors of the cheeses that take center stage, while Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli adds a creamy, delicate complement with its lush filling.

White Pizza stands out due to its simplicity and focus on quality ingredients, allowing the creamy ricotta and mozzarella to shine. When paired with Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, a beloved dish known for its gentle, comforting flavors of spinach-enhanced ricotta, the meal becomes an unforgettable Italian culinary journey. This duo promises to envelop you in rich, comforting tastes, showcasing the elegance of simplicity in Italian cooking.

6. Sausage and Pepper Pizza with Mushroom Risotto

For a heartier option, this combination of sausage and pepper pizza with mushroom risotto is bound to satisfy. The spiced sausage and rich mushroom flavors create a robust meal. Each element adds depth to the experience, making this pairing perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors. The sausage supplies a spiced goodness while the mushrooms offer an earthy richness, resulting in a delightful harmony of tastes.

Mushroom Risotto, with its creamy texture and earthy flavors, acts as a luxurious counterpart to the robust and spicy notes of Sausage and Pepper Pizza. The combination exemplifies how to blend contrasting textures and complementary flavors to craft a meal that's satisfying on many levels. This pairing is ideal for food lovers who appreciate the art of balancing bold ingredients in perfect harmony.

7. Four Cheese Pizza with Lasagna

Cheese enthusiasts will revel in this pairing of four cheese pizza with classic Lasagna. The cheesy goodness is doubled, offering a comforting and indulgent dining experience. This combination is perfect for those who cannot get enough of melted, gooey cheese. Each bite promises a delightful layer of flavors, making this duo an evergreen favorite for cheese lovers.

The mixture of cheeses in a Four Cheese Pizza brings a rich, creamy taste that pairs impeccably with the hearty layers of Lasagna, known for its perfect balance of cheese, meat, and tomato sauce. Together, they provide a rich and satisfying experience that is both decadent and fulfilling, showcasing the innovative use of cheese in Italian cuisine.

8. Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Ziti Marinara

Experience a touch of spice with Buffalo chicken pizza alongside the tangy and savory notes of Ziti Marinara. This combination packs a punch of flavors that lingers delightfully. The spicy buffalo sauce introduces boldness to the pizza, while the Ziti Marinara adds a contrasting tanginess with its rich tomato sauce, creating a dynamic duo that excites the palate.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza gives a tantalizing twist to the traditional pizza with its zesty buffalo sauce that infuses each bite with flavor. The Ziti Marinara, cooked to perfection with a tomato-rich sauce, balances the spice with its mellow yet flavorful profile. The interplay of spicy and tangy flavors makes each bite lively and exciting, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

9. Hawaiian Pizza with Baked Ziti

Enjoy the sweet and savory contrast of Hawaiian pizza and baked ziti. The juicy pineapple and savory ham complement the cheesy and tomato-rich baked ziti wonderfully. This combination successfully melds the tropical flavors of pineapple and ham with the Italian comfort of ziti pasta. It's a unique pairing that delights with its balance of diverse tastes.

Hawaiian Pizza challenges traditional pizza lovers with its controversial but beloved sweetness from pineapple, which balances beautifully with the savory ham. When combined with baked ziti, which is known for its hearty and satisfying texture, it creates a delicious medley of flavors. The melange of sweet and savory makes this pairing a delightful break from conventional pizza-pasta combinations, appealing to adventurous eaters seeking new culinary experiences.

10. Mediterranean Pizza with Caprese Salad

For a lighter combination, Mediterranean pizza paired with a fresh Caprese salad is perfect. The Mediterranean ingredients and the bright flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil refresh the senses. This combination emphasizes freshness and simplicity, allowing each ingredient to shine in its own right, resurfacing the notion that less is sometimes more in culinary arts.

Mediterranean Pizza, adorned with ingredients such as olives, feta cheese, and artichokes, captures the essence of the vibrant Mediterranean diet. When paired with a Caprese Salad that features ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with olive oil, the combination becomes a vibrant, healthful feast. It rejuvenates the palate with its freshness, offering a delightful break from heavier options.