1 serving (200 grams) contains 400 calories, 10.0 grams of protein, 15.0 grams of fat, and 60.0 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
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 | 352.9 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 70.6 g | 25% | |
| 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
Source of Calories
About Pasta with pesto
Pasta with pesto is a classic dish from Italian cuisine, particularly rooted in the Ligurian region, where pesto originated. Pesto is a flavorful sauce traditionally made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and salt. When paired with pasta, this dish is a source of energy primarily due to carbohydrates from the pasta, complemented by healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts. It also offers some protein from cheese and nuts. Depending on portion sizes and choices of ingredients, pasta with pesto can range from calorically dense to moderate in calories and nutrients.
Health Benefits
- Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, which support heart health and help reduce bad LDL cholesterol.
- Contains vitamin K and antioxidants from basil, which promote bone health and protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Provides magnesium from pine nuts, essential for muscle function and maintaining energy levels.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store pesto and cooked pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently and stir in chilled pesto to retain its fresh flavor.
Common Questions About Pasta with pesto Nutrition
Is Pasta With Pesto high in protein?
Pasta with pesto is not particularly high in protein, as most traditional pasta contains about 7-8 grams of protein per cup (cooked) and pesto contributes minimal protein due to its nut and cheese content. You can increase the protein by using legume-based pasta or adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Can I eat Pasta With Pesto on a keto diet?
Traditional pasta with pesto is not suitable for a keto diet because regular pasta is high in carbohydrates, containing about 40-45 grams per cup. To make it keto-friendly, you can use spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or other low-carb pasta alternatives and pair them with traditional pesto (which is keto-compatible).
What are the health benefits or concerns of eating Pasta With Pesto?
Pasta with pesto can be a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content and healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and seeds in the pesto. However, it can also be calorie-dense, with one cup of pasta and two tablespoons of pesto containing 400-500 calories. Additionally, pesto can be high in sodium and saturated fat if made with cheese, so moderation is key.
What is the recommended serving size for Pasta With Pesto?
A standard serving size for pasta is about 1 cup cooked (approximately 200 grams), paired with 2-3 tablespoons of pesto. This portion will provide about 400-450 calories, so you can adjust based on your daily caloric needs or activity level. For a more balanced meal, consider adding a side of vegetables or some lean protein.
How does Pasta With Pesto compare to other pasta dishes?
Pasta with pesto tends to be higher in healthy fats due to the olive oil, nuts, and seeds in pesto compared to tomato-based sauces, which are lower in fat and calories. However, tomato sauces are typically lower in sodium and saturated fat. Pesto provides a more robust flavor and contains nutrients like Vitamin E and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, unlike cream-based sauces, which can be higher in saturated fat and calories.
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.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of AgricultureGuidelines highlighting healthy dietary patterns, including the integration of vegetables, oils, and grains from dishes like pasta with pesto.
- Nutritional and bioactive characteristics of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)Journal of Food Science and Nutrition ResearchExplores the nutritional and bioactive properties of basil, a critical ingredient in traditional pesto sauce.
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.
