Pesto chicken pasta

Pesto chicken pasta

Dinner

Item Rating: 72/100

1 serving (250 grams) contains 450 calories, 30.0 grams of protein, 15.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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424.5
calories
28.3
protein
42.5
carbohydrates
14.2
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.8g)
Calories
424.5
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14.2 g 18%
Saturated Fat 4.7 g 23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 56.6 mg 18%
Sodium 566.0 mg 24%
Total Carbohydrates 42.5 g 15%
Dietary Fiber 2.8 g 10%
Sugars 1.9 g
protein 28.3 g 56%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 94.3 mg 7%
Iron 1.9 mg 10%
Potassium 283.0 mg 6%

* 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

41.4%
27.5%
31.1%
Fat: 127 cal (31.1%)
Protein: 113 cal (27.5%)
Carbs: 170 cal (41.4%)

About Pesto chicken pasta

Pesto chicken pasta is a dish combining cooked pasta, pesto sauce, chicken, and often other ingredients like vegetables and cheese. Originating in Italian cuisine, it is a flavorful and hearty meal. Typically made with protein-rich chicken, carbohydrate-dense pasta, and nutrient-packed pesto (a sauce of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese), this dish provides a balanced source of macronutrients. Depending on portion size and preparation, pesto chicken pasta offers amino acids from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, carbohydrates for energy, and vitamins like Vitamin K and E from the pesto.

Health Benefits

  • Provides Vitamin K, which supports blood clotting and bone health, from basil in pesto.
  • Source of high-quality protein from chicken, essential for muscle repair and development.
  • Rich in monounsaturated fats from olive oil and pine nuts, which support heart health.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains tree nuts, dairy (from Parmesan cheese)
Suitable for: High-protein diets, mediterranean diets
Not suitable for: Vegan diets, nut-free diets

Selection and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.

Common Questions About Pesto chicken pasta Nutrition

Is Pesto Chicken Pasta high in protein?

Pesto Chicken Pasta is relatively high in protein due to the inclusion of chicken as the main ingredient. On average, a serving (about 1 cup) provides approximately 25-30 grams of protein, depending on the chicken-to-pasta ratio and recipe specifics.

Can I eat Pesto Chicken Pasta on a keto diet?

Traditional Pesto Chicken Pasta is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content from pasta. However, you can modify the dish by using spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or other low-carb substitutes to align it with a keto diet.

What are the health benefits or concerns of eating Pesto Chicken Pasta?

Pesto Chicken Pasta offers nutritional benefits such as protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil in pesto, and antioxidants from basil and garlic. However, traditional versions with white pasta can be high in refined carbs, which may not be ideal for blood sugar management or weight control.

What is the recommended serving size for Pesto Chicken Pasta?

A typical serving size for Pesto Chicken Pasta is about 1 cup, which often provides 300-400 calories depending on the recipe. Adjust portion size based on your dietary needs and activity level to avoid excessive calorie intake.

How does Pesto Chicken Pasta compare to Alfredo Pasta in terms of nutrition?

Pesto Chicken Pasta often has fewer calories and saturated fats compared to Alfredo Pasta, as it uses olive oil-based pesto instead of heavy cream-based Alfredo sauce. Additionally, pesto contains more antioxidants and healthy fats, making it the more nutritious choice.

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.