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Penne pasta with cream sauce Calories
Cream-sauce pasta dish, energy-dense, refined grain based
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Penne pasta with cream sauce (220 g) has 420 calories. That works out to 191 calories per 100 g. It contains 54.3 g of carbs, 12.8 g of protein, 17.2 g of fat and 3.1 g of fiber. Its 35.2 µg of Selenium covers 64% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 48 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Penne pasta with cream sauce Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 220 g
420
KCAL / 220G
Carbs
54.3g
· 20% DV
Protein
12.8g
· 26% DV
Fat
17.2g
· 22% DV
Fiber
3.1g
· 11% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 51% · Protein 12% · Fat 37%
Penne pasta with cream sauce nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (220 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | |
| Total fat | 17.2 g | 22% |
| Saturated fat | 9.46 g | 47% |
| Trans fat | 0.26 g | |
| Sodium | 528 mg | 23% |
| Total carbohydrate | 54.3 g | 20% |
| Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% |
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Penne pasta with cream sauce?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 220 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 53 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 90 g | 172 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 191 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 180 g | 344 kcal |
| 2 piece (medium) | 180 g | 344 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 478 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 300 g | 573 kcal |
| 1 pack (whole) | 350 g | 669 kcal |
Calculated from 191 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne pasta with cream sauce
How do you make penne pasta with cream sauce?
Boil the penne until just tender, then drain it. Warm cream gently in a pan, season it, and toss in the pasta until coated. Finish with black pepper and grated Parmesan, if you like.
Is penne pasta with cream sauce the same as Alfredo pasta?
No, penne pasta with cream sauce is not automatically Alfredo. Alfredo-style sauce traditionally centers on butter and Parmesan, while cream-based penne can use cream as its main ingredient and often includes additions such as mushrooms or chicken.
Why is the sauce on penne pasta with cream sauce too thin?
The sauce on penne pasta with cream sauce may be thin if the cream has not reduced or the pasta is still carrying excess water. Simmer the sauce gently before adding the pasta, and drain the penne well.
Can you use milk instead of cream in penne pasta with cream sauce?
Yes, but milk alone makes a thinner, less rich sauce than cream. For penne pasta with cream sauce, whisk a little flour into the milk and heat it gently until thickened before tossing in the cooked pasta.
Can you freeze penne pasta with cream sauce?
You can freeze penne pasta with cream sauce, but the cream may separate and the penne can soften after thawing. For a better texture, freeze the sauce separately when possible, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently while stirring.
What can you add to penne pasta with cream sauce?
Chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas all work well in penne pasta with cream sauce. Cook meat and vegetables before adding the cream, then combine them with the pasta so the sauce coats everything evenly.
How do you keep sauce from sliding off penne pasta with cream sauce?
Cook the penne just until firm and transfer it straight into the pan of sauce. Do not rinse it: the starch left on the pasta helps penne pasta with cream sauce cling to the ridged tubes.
What should you serve with penne pasta with cream sauce?
Serve penne pasta with cream sauce with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or simply dressed greens. Their fresh, lighter texture balances the creamy pasta without competing with its flavor.
How long does leftover penne pasta with cream sauce keep?
Leftover penne pasta with cream sauce keeps in the refrigerator for about three to four days when promptly chilled in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, and discard it if it was left out for too long.
How do you reheat penne pasta with cream sauce without drying it out?
Reheat penne pasta with cream sauce in a covered pan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or water. Gentle heat and a little added liquid help loosen the sauce without scorching it.
Penne pasta with cream sauce Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
149.6µg · 17% DV
B12
0.4µg · 17% DV
Biotin
4.62µg · 15% DV
B2
0.2mg · 15% DV
Minerals
Selenium
35µg · 64% DV
Phosphorus
202mg · 29% DV
Manganese
0.53mg · 23% DV
Sodium
528mg · 23% DV
Potassium ⭐
211mg · 6% DV
Penne pasta with cream sauce Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Penne pasta with cream sauce
To burn the 420 calories in 1 cup (medium) (220 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Penne pasta with cream sauce?
Penne pasta with cream sauce pairs short, ridged tubes of pasta—cut on the diagonal—with a smooth, cream-based sauce. It is a familiar restaurant and home-cooked dish in many places, with additions such as cheese, garlic, herbs or mushrooms depending on the recipe.
The sauce clings to the pasta, especially when the penne is cooked al dente, giving each bite a tender centre and creamy coating. Serve it as a main course, often with a green salad or vegetables; grilled chicken is another common addition. It is based on refined grains and can be energy-dense, while providing modest fibre. For a lighter plate, use less cream and add vegetables, or keep the serving moderate.
How Nutritious Is Penne pasta with cream sauce?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Penne pasta with cream sauce Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Penne pasta with cream sauce Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Penne pasta with cream sauce Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Penne pasta with cream sauce Fat Profile
SATURATED
9.46g
MONOUNSATURATED
4.62g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.03g
Omega 6:3 ratio 8.4:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (8.4:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.