1 serving (300 grams) contains 574 calories, 20.0 grams of protein, 25.0 grams of fat, and 60.0 grams of carbohydrates.
Log this food in SnapCalorie
Nutrition Information
Calories |
452.0 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.7 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94.5 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 629.9 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 47.2 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 5% | |
| Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| protein | 15.7 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 15.7 mcg | 78% | |
| Calcium | 118.1 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 157.5 mg | 3% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Food Attributes
Source of Calories
About Carbonara pasta
Carbonara pasta is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Lazio region, particularly Rome, in the mid-20th century. It features spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a rich sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper. This dish is revered for its simplicity and creamy texture achieved without cream, relying instead on emulsification of the egg and cheese mixture. While carbonara is high in calories and fat due to the pork and cheese, it also provides protein from eggs and carbohydrates from the pasta. A single serving typically contains around 400-600 calories, depending on ingredients. Carbonara is rich in calcium from cheese, B vitamins from the eggs, and selenium, an antioxidant mineral present in eggs and pasta. However, its high sodium content and saturated fats should be consumed in moderation within a balanced diet.
Health Benefits
- Eggs in the dish provide high-quality protein and important B vitamins such as B12 and B6, supporting energy metabolism and red blood cell production.
- Pecorino Romano cheese is rich in calcium, which contributes to bone health and muscle function.
- The dish contains selenium, an essential mineral found in eggs, pasta, and pork, which helps support the immune system and combat oxidative stress.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Carbonara pasta should be consumed fresh as reheating can compromise its texture and flavor. If leftovers are stored, refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs.
Common Questions About Carbonara pasta Nutrition
Is Carbonara Pasta high in protein?
Carbonara Pasta provides moderate levels of protein, typically around 12-15 grams per serving (1 cup), primarily from the eggs, cheese, and pancetta used in its preparation. The exact protein content can vary depending on the recipe, but it is not considered a high-protein food compared to other dishes like grilled chicken or legumes.
Can I eat Carbonara Pasta on a keto or low-carb diet?
Carbonara Pasta is not compatible with a keto or low-carb diet due to its high carbohydrate content from the pasta. A single serving (1 cup) of traditional Carbonara Pasta contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, which can quickly exceed the daily carb limit for these diets. However, you can modify the dish using keto-friendly pasta alternatives like zoodles or shirataki noodles.
Are there any health benefits or concerns with eating Carbonara Pasta?
While Carbonara Pasta provides nutrients like calcium and protein from the cheese and eggs, it can also be high in saturated fats and sodium. A single serving often exceeds 500 calories and can contribute significant amounts of cholesterol and salt to your diet. Consuming it occasionally as part of a balanced diet is recommended, but those with heart health concerns or sodium restrictions should be cautious.
What is the recommended portion size for Carbonara Pasta?
A standard portion size for Carbonara Pasta is about 1 cup of cooked pasta, which typically weighs around 150 grams. This serving provides approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the recipe. To balance the meal, consider adding a side of vegetables or a salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
How does Carbonara Pasta compare to Alfredo Pasta?
Carbonara Pasta and Alfredo Pasta differ significantly in flavor and ingredients. Carbonara uses eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper for a creamy yet lighter texture, while Alfredo relies on heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan for a richer, heavier sauce. Nutritionally, Alfredo generally has more calories and saturated fat due to the heavy cream, whereas Carbonara has slightly more protein due to the eggs and pancetta.
Data Sources & Scientific References
Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.
Additional Authoritative Sources:
Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.
