Spaghetti pesto

Spaghetti pesto

Dinner

Item Rating: 72/100

1 serving (200 grams) contains 400 calories, 12.0 grams of protein, 15.0 grams of fat, and 50.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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470.6
calories
14.1
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 352.9 mg 15%
Total Carbohydrates 58.8 g 21%
Dietary Fiber 3.5 g 12%
Sugars 2.4 g
protein 14.1 g 28%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 117.6 mg 9%
Iron 2.4 mg 13%
Potassium 235.3 mg 5%

* 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

52.3%
12.5%
35.2%
Fat: 158 cal (35.2%)
Protein: 56 cal (12.5%)
Carbs: 235 cal (52.3%)

About Spaghetti pesto

Spaghetti Pesto is a dish rooted in Italian cuisine, combining spaghetti with pesto—an uncooked sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Originating in Genoa, Italy, pesto is prized for its fresh and aromatic flavors. Nutritionally, this dish offers a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and protein from cheese and pine nuts. A typical serving may provide 350-500 calories, depending on ingredients, and contains essential micronutrients like Vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium.

Health Benefits

  • Rich in Vitamin K from basil, promoting bone health and aiding in blood clotting.
  • Contains healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, supporting cardiovascular health by reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Source of magnesium from pine nuts, which helps maintain nerve function and supports muscle health.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains pine nuts, Parmesan cheese
Suitable for: Vegetarian diet
Not suitable for: Vegan diet, nut-free diet, dairy-free diet

Selection and Storage

Store pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in small portions for longer storage. Cooked spaghetti can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Common Questions About Spaghetti pesto Nutrition

Is spaghetti pesto high in protein?

Spaghetti pesto typically contains a moderate amount of protein, depending on the type of pasta and the inclusion of nuts or cheese in the pesto. For example, a 1-cup serving of traditional spaghetti pesto provides around 10-12 grams of protein if made with Parmesan and pine nuts. Using whole-grain or legume-based pasta can further increase the protein content.

Can I eat spaghetti pesto on a keto diet?

Spaghetti pesto is generally not suitable for a keto diet due to the high carbohydrate content in traditional pasta, which can range from 40-45 grams of carbs per cup. However, you can make it keto-friendly by substituting regular pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles while keeping the pesto sauce, which is naturally low in carbs.

What are the health benefits and concerns of eating spaghetti pesto?

Spaghetti pesto can be a good source of healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, as well as vitamins like vitamin A and K from basil. It also provides dietary fiber if whole-grain pasta is used. However, it can be high in calories (around 400-500 per serving) and sodium due to the Parmesan cheese and added salt, so portion control is important if you're watching your calorie or sodium intake.

What is a recommended portion size for spaghetti pesto?

A recommended portion size for spaghetti pesto is about one cup of cooked pasta (approximately 2 ounces dry pasta) with 2-3 tablespoons of pesto sauce. This portion provides a balanced amount of calories (around 400-500), while keeping fat and carb intake in check.

How does spaghetti pesto compare to spaghetti marinara?

Spaghetti pesto is higher in fat and calories than spaghetti marinara due to the olive oil, cheese, and nuts in the pesto sauce. For example, a 1-cup serving of spaghetti pesto can have 400-500 calories and 25-30 grams of fat, while marinara typically has around 300 calories and less than 10 grams of fat. However, pesto provides healthy fats and a rich flavor, whereas marinara is lower in calories and often higher in lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes.

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.