1 cup (medium) of Penne Alfredo (200 g) has 370 calories. That works out to 185 calories per 100 g. It contains 46.4 g of carbs, 11.2 g of protein, 14.2 g of fat and 2.8 g of fiber. Its 170 mg of Phosphorus covers 24% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Penne Alfredo?

Penne Alfredo pairs ridged, tube-shaped pasta with Alfredo sauce, usually made with butter and Parmesan; many modern versions also use cream. The sauce has roots in Rome, while the rich, creamy style familiar on restaurant menus around the world reflects its broader Italian-American popularity.

The smooth sauce clings to the pasta’s ridges and coats its hollow centres, giving each bite a buttery, savoury taste. It is commonly served hot as a main course, often with salad or vegetables on the side. The dish gets much of its energy from carbohydrates in the pasta and fat in the sauce, with some protein from the cheese. For a lighter plate, use less sauce and add vegetables.

Penne Alfredo Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

185

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

23.2g

· 8% DV

Protein

5.6g

· 11% DV

Fat

7.1g

· 9% DV

Fiber

1.4g

· 5% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 52% · Protein 13% · Fat 35%

Penne Alfredo Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.22µg · 9% DV

Vitamin A

65µg · 7% DV

0.09mg · 7% DV

Biotin

2.1µg · 7% DV

Minerals

Sodium

270mg · 12% DV

Phosphorus

85mg · 12% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Selenium

4.2µg · 8% DV

How Nutritious Is Penne Alfredo?

Nutrient density

Low

22/ 100

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

37/ 100

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.

Penne Alfredo Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Penne Alfredo

To burn the 185 calories in 100 g:

🚶

46min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

19min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

25min

Cycling

🏊

22min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Penne Alfredo 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 Alfredo Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Penne Alfredo 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 Alfredo Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 6:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (6:1).

Compare Penne Alfredo

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Penne Alfredo vs Hawthorn Vinegar167 kcal more per 100 g

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Penne Alfredo vs Tantuni25 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Penne Alfredo vs Chicken Wrap10 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Penne Alfredo vs Protein Bar165 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Penne Alfredo

🧴

Hawthorn Vinegar

18 kcal

🌯

Tantuni

210 kcal

🌯

Chicken Wrap

195 kcal

🍫

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350 kcal

🥟

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290 kcal

🧇

Waffle

291 kcal

🍟

French Fries

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Fried Sigara Börek

320 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Alfredo

What is Penne Alfredo?

Penne Alfredo is a pasta dish made with penne and a rich Alfredo-style sauce, usually based on butter and Parmesan. Many modern versions add cream, and recipes often include chicken or vegetables.

Is Penne Alfredo actually Italian?

Penne Alfredo is better known as an Italian-American dish than a traditional Italian one. The classic Alfredo preparation is associated with Rome and typically combines fettuccine with butter and Parmesan; cream-heavy penne versions are common outside Italy.

How do you make Penne Alfredo sauce creamy?

For creamy Penne Alfredo, warm butter and cream gently, then stir in finely grated Parmesan until it melts. Toss in hot, drained penne and loosen the sauce with a splash of pasta water if it becomes too thick.

What cheese is best for Penne Alfredo?

Freshly grated Parmesan is the usual choice for Penne Alfredo because it melts into the butter or cream and adds a savory flavor. Grate it finely and add it off the heat or over low heat to reduce the risk of a grainy sauce.

Can you add chicken to Penne Alfredo?

Yes, chicken is a popular addition to Penne Alfredo. Cook it separately until done, then slice or dice it and toss it with the pasta and sauce; adding cooked chicken at the end helps keep it from drying out.

What is the difference between Penne Alfredo and fettuccine Alfredo?

The pasta shape is the main difference: Penne Alfredo uses short, hollow tubes, while fettuccine Alfredo uses long, flat ribbons. Both can be served with a similar butter-and-Parmesan or cream-based sauce.

What goes well with Penne Alfredo?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair well with Penne Alfredo. Their fresh, lighter flavors balance the richness of the sauce; garlic bread is another common side, though it makes the meal more filling.

How long does Penne Alfredo last in the fridge?

Penne Alfredo keeps for about 3–4 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Chill leftovers promptly; the sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a little milk or cream when reheating if needed.

Can you freeze Penne Alfredo?

Yes, you can freeze Penne Alfredo, but its cream sauce may separate or turn grainy after thawing. Freeze it in an airtight container, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently while stirring to bring the sauce back together.

How do you keep Penne Alfredo sauce from separating?

Keep Penne Alfredo sauce over low heat and avoid boiling it after adding the cheese. Stir in finely grated Parmesan gradually, and use a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the penne smoothly.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026