1 serving (250 grams) contains 450 calories, 12.0 grams of protein, 20.0 grams of fat, and 50.0 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
424.5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.9 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28.3 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 566.0 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 47.2 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| protein | 11.3 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 94.3 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 188.7 mg | 4% | |
* 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 Creamy pesto pasta
Creamy pesto pasta is a dish that combines the robust flavor of basil pesto with a creamy sauce, typically mixed into pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Originating from traditional Italian cuisine, pesto hails from the Liguria region and consists of basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is calorie-dense due to its creamy sauce and carb-rich pasta, offering a balance of macronutrients: carbohydrates for energy, fats from the olive oil and nuts, and moderate protein from Parmesan. It also provides notable micronutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and magnesium from the basil and nuts. However, its high fat content makes it calorie-rich, and nutritional adequacy depends on portion control and ingredient quality.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin A from basil, supporting immune function and vision health.
- Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, which may reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
- Provides magnesium from pine nuts, aiding in muscle function and promoting bone health.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the sauce's texture without separation.
Common Questions About Creamy pesto pasta Nutrition
Is Creamy Pesto Pasta high in protein?
Creamy Pesto Pasta is not particularly high in protein, as it primarily consists of pasta and a creamy sauce made with pesto. On average, a 1-cup serving contains around 10-12 grams of protein, but this can vary depending on added ingredients like chicken or shrimp, which can boost protein levels.
Can I eat Creamy Pesto Pasta on a keto diet?
Traditional Creamy Pesto Pasta is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content from pasta, which averages around 40-45 grams of carbs per cup. However, you can modify the recipe using a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to make it suitable for a keto diet.
What are the health benefits or concerns of eating Creamy Pesto Pasta?
Creamy Pesto Pasta can provide healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts in the pesto, as well as small amounts of vitamins A and K from basil. However, the dish is often high in calories (300-400 calories per cup) and saturated fat due to the use of cream or cheese-based sauces, which may not be ideal for those monitoring heart health or calorie intake.
What is an appropriate portion size for Creamy Pesto Pasta?
A suggested portion size for Creamy Pesto Pasta is about 1 to 1.5 cups, which generally contains 300-450 calories. Pair it with a side of vegetables or a protein source like grilled chicken or tofu to create a balanced meal.
How does Creamy Pesto Pasta compare to regular pesto pasta?
Creamy Pesto Pasta is richer and higher in calories due to the addition of cream or cheese, while regular pesto pasta is lighter and typically contains just pasta tossed with pesto sauce. Regular pesto pasta is a better option for those looking to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.
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.
