Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Cheesy penne pasta Calories
Cheesy pasta dish, energy-dense
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Cheesy penne pasta (180 g) has 356 calories. That works out to 198 calories per 100 g. It contains 44.6 g of carbs, 13.7 g of protein, 13.7 g of fat and 2.7 g of fiber. Its 25.2 µg of Selenium covers 46% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 52 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Cheesy penne pasta Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 180 g
356
KCAL / 180G
Carbs
44.6g
· 16% DV
Protein
13.7g
· 27% DV
Fat
13.7g
· 18% DV
Fiber
2.7g
· 10% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 50% · Protein 15% · Fat 35%
Cheesy penne pasta nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (180 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 356 kcal | |
| Total fat | 13.7 g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 6.48 g | 32% |
| Trans fat | 0.22 g | |
| Sodium | 576 mg | 25% |
| Total carbohydrate | 44.6 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% |
| Protein | 13.7 g | 27% |
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.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
- Get your daily calorie target
- Snap your meal, log it in seconds
- See every vitamin and mineral
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.
How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Cheesy penne pasta?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 180 g | 356 kcal |
| 1 piece (half) | 90 g | 178 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 198 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 120 g | 238 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 356 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 240 g | 475 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 280 g | 554 kcal |
| 2 cup (double) | 360 g | 713 kcal |
Calculated from 198 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy penne pasta
How do you make cheesy penne pasta?
Cheesy penne pasta is made by tossing cooked penne with a melted cheese sauce. Cook the pasta until just tender, then stir it into a sauce made with milk and cheese; reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What cheese is best for cheesy penne pasta?
Cheddar gives cheesy penne pasta a familiar, savoury flavour, while mozzarella makes it stretchier and Parmesan adds a sharper finish. You can combine them; grate the cheese finely and melt it over low heat to help the sauce stay smooth.
Can you bake cheesy penne pasta?
Yes, cheesy penne pasta can be baked as a casserole. Mix the cooked penne with a fairly loose cheese sauce, transfer it to an ovenproof dish, top with more cheese and bake until bubbling and golden.
What sauce goes with cheesy penne pasta?
A creamy cheese sauce is the classic choice for cheesy penne pasta. Melt cheese into a simple milk-based sauce, or stir cheese into béchamel; a little mustard or black pepper can add flavour without overpowering the cheese.
What goes well with cheesy penne pasta?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables go well with cheesy penne pasta. Their fresh or lightly charred flavours balance the richness of the cheese sauce; garlic bread is another common side when you want a more filling meal.
How long does cheesy penne pasta last in the fridge?
Cheesy penne pasta keeps for about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored promptly in a covered container. Cool leftovers without leaving them out for long, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
How do you stop cheesy penne pasta from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or water before reheating cheesy penne pasta. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring partway through; the added liquid helps loosen the sauce as it heats.
Can you freeze cheesy penne pasta?
Yes, cheesy penne pasta can be frozen, although the sauce may turn slightly grainy or separate after thawing. Freeze cooled portions in sealed containers, then thaw and reheat gently with a little milk while stirring.
Can you make cheesy penne pasta without cream?
Yes, cheesy penne pasta can be made without cream. Use milk thickened with a small amount of flour or a butter-and-flour roux, then melt in the cheese; the result is creamy without relying on heavy cream.
What is the difference between cheesy penne pasta and macaroni and cheese?
Cheesy penne pasta uses ridged, tube-shaped penne, while macaroni and cheese is traditionally made with elbow macaroni. Both can have a creamy cheese sauce, but penne’s larger shape holds sauce inside its tubes and works well in baked dishes.
Cheesy penne pasta Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.5µg · 21% DV
B2
0.22mg · 17% DV
Vitamin A
129.6µg · 14% DV
B3
1.98mg · 12% DV
Minerals
Selenium
25µg · 45% DV
Phosphorus
238mg · 34% DV
Sodium
576mg · 25% DV
Calcium
230mg · 23% DV
Potassium ⭐
166mg · 5% DV
Cheesy penne pasta Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cheesy penne pasta
To burn the 356 calories in 1 cup (medium) (180 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 Cheesy penne pasta?
Cheesy penne pasta combines short, ridged tubes of penne with cheese, either stirred through while warm or served with a cheese-based sauce. Penne comes from Italy, while cheesy versions are a familiar, adaptable comfort-food meal in homes and cafés around the world.
Serve it hot as a main dish or as a side, often with a green salad or vegetables to balance its richness. It is mainly a carbohydrate-rich pasta dish, with cheese adding protein and making it more energy-dense; a 100 g portion provides 198 calories. For a lighter plate, keep the serving moderate and pair it with vegetables rather than adding extra cheese.
How Nutritious Is Cheesy penne pasta?
Nutrient density
Medium
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 Cheesy penne pasta 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 Cheesy penne pasta Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Cheesy penne pasta 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
Cheesy penne pasta Fat Profile
SATURATED
6.48g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.96g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.9g
Omega 6:3 ratio 10.9:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (10.9:1).
Compare Cheesy penne pasta
Foods Similar to Cheesy penne pasta
Have another question about Cheesy penne pasta?
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Scan calories with your camera
Instant AI nutrition analysis
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.