Pasta pesto

Pasta pesto

Dinner

Item Rating: 68/100

1 serving (200 grams) contains 400 calories, 10.0 grams of protein, 15.0 grams of fat, and 50.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Log this food in SnapCalorie

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0 (2,000+ reviews)
Get your calorie requirement
Log your nutrition in seconds
Get a personalized nutrition plan
SnapCalorie App Screenshot
470.6
calories
11.8
protein
58.8
carbohydrates
17.6
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.3g)
Calories
470.6
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17.6 g 22%
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 17%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 5.9 mg 1%
Sodium 705.9 mg 30%
Total Carbohydrates 58.8 g 21%
Dietary Fiber 3.5 g 12%
Sugars 2.4 g
protein 11.8 g 23%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 58.8 mg 4%
Iron 2.4 mg 13%
Potassium 176.5 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

🍯 Low sugar

Source of Calories

53.4%
10.7%
35.9%
Fat: 158 cal (35.9%)
Protein: 47 cal (10.7%)
Carbs: 235 cal (53.4%)

About Pasta pesto

Pasta Pesto is an Italian dish that combines pasta—typically made from durum wheat—and a green pesto sauce, traditionally crafted from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Originating in Genoa, in the region of Liguria, this dish is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and simplicity. Nutritionally, Pasta Pesto provides a balanced profile of carbohydrates from the pasta, healthy fats and antioxidants from olive oil, and protein from Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Typically, a single serving (about 100g cooked pasta with 2 tablespoons of pesto) provides around 350-400 calories, 12g fat, 50g carbohydrates, and 10g protein, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Health Benefits

  • Rich in monounsaturated fats from olive oil, which support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
  • High in vitamin K and antioxidants from basil, which promote bone health and combat oxidative stress.
  • Provides magnesium and zinc from pine nuts, essential minerals for nerve function and immune support.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains wheat, dairy, nuts
Suitable for: Vegetarian diet, mediterranean diet
Not suitable for: Gluten-free diet, vegan diet

Selection and Storage

Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If making fresh pesto, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for long-term storage.

Common Questions About Pasta pesto Nutrition

Is Pasta Pesto high in protein?

Pasta Pesto contains a moderate amount of protein, primarily from the pasta and cheese in the pesto sauce. A typical serving (1 cup or about 200 grams) has around 10-12 grams of protein, depending on the recipe and type of pasta used. Adding additional protein sources like chicken or tofu can increase its protein content.

Can I eat Pasta Pesto on a keto diet?

Traditional Pasta Pesto is not suitable for a keto diet as it is high in carbohydrates, with approximately 40-45 grams of carbs per cup from the pasta alone. However, you can make keto-friendly adaptations by using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and ensuring the pesto sauce has no added sugars.

What are the health benefits of Pasta Pesto?

Pasta Pesto can provide healthy fats from olive oil and nuts in the pesto, as well as vitamins like vitamin K and antioxidants from basil. However, it can be high in calories and saturated fat due to cheese and oil, so moderation is key for those watching their weight or cholesterol.

What is a recommended serving size for Pasta Pesto?

A recommended serving size for Pasta Pesto is approximately 1 cup (200 grams), which typically provides 350-450 calories depending on the recipe. Pairing it with a side of vegetables or salad can balance the meal and add additional nutrients.

How does Pasta Pesto compare to Pasta Marinara in terms of nutrition?

Pasta Pesto is typically higher in calories and fat due to the inclusion of olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto sauce. Pasta Marinara, on the other hand, is lower in fat and calories, usually containing fewer than 300 calories per serving if made with a tomato-based sauce and no added oils or cheese.

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.