What is a pasta topper?

A pasta topper is an ingredient or garnish that is added to pasta dishes to enhance their flavor, texture, or appearance. Pasta toppers can be used to instantly elevate a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-quality meal. Toppings can include various ingredients such as grated cheese, chopped herbs, toasted nuts and seeds, cooked vegetables, crumbled meat or fish, flavorful oils, and sauces. Common examples include grated Parmesan cheese, basil, pine nuts, sundried tomatoes, olives, sautéed shrimp or chicken, pesto sauce, and olive oil.