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Penne pasta Calories
Italian tube-shaped pasta, carbohydrate source
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Penne pasta (120 g) has 188 calories. That works out to 157 calories per 100 g. It contains 36.5 g of carbs, 7 g of protein, 1.1 g of fat and 2.2 g of fiber. Its 18 µg of Selenium covers 33% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 50 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
What is Penne pasta?
Penne pasta is an Italian pasta shape made most often from durum wheat semolina and water. Its short, hollow tubes have diagonally cut ends, and many versions are ridged, giving sauce plenty of places to cling.
Cooked until just tender, penne has a pleasantly firm bite. In Italy it is commonly served with tomato-based sauces, vegetables, cheese or meat; elsewhere, it also works well in a quick weeknight pasta dish or a chilled pasta salad. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with some protein and fibre. For a lighter meal, pair it with plenty of vegetables and a tomato sauce rather than a rich, cream-based one.
Penne pasta Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
157
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
30.4g
· 11% DV
Protein
5.8g
· 12% DV
Fat
0.9g
· 1% DV
Fiber
1.8g
· 6% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 80% · Protein 15% · Fat 5%
Penne pasta Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0.11mg · 9% DV
B3
1.1mg · 7% DV
B5
0.3mg · 6% DV
Biotin
1.5µg · 5% DV
Minerals
Selenium
15µg · 27% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Phosphorus
60mg · 9% DV
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
How Nutritious Is Penne pasta?
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.
Penne pasta Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Penne pasta
To burn the 157 calories in 100 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.
Is 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 Penne pasta Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is 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
Penne pasta Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.18g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.09g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.18g
Omega 6:3 ratio 18:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (18:1).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Penne pasta
How do you cook penne pasta?
Cook penne pasta in plenty of boiling water, stirring occasionally so the tubes do not stick together. Drain it when tender but still slightly firm in the center, and follow the package directions for the particular brand.
What sauces go best with penne pasta?
Penne pasta pairs well with chunky tomato, meat, pesto, and creamy sauces. Its hollow centers and ridged surface help hold sauce, while tossing the drained pasta with sauce in a pan helps coat it evenly.
What is the difference between penne rigate and smooth penne pasta?
Penne rigate has ridges, while smooth penne pasta has a plain outer surface. The ridges help sauce cling, but both shapes cook in much the same way and can usually be swapped in recipes.
Can you use penne pasta for pasta salad?
Yes, penne pasta works well in pasta salad because its tubes hold dressing and small pieces of vegetables. Cook it until just tender, drain and cool it, then toss with the dressing and other ingredients.
How do you make baked penne pasta?
To make baked penne pasta, boil it until slightly underdone, then mix it with sauce and place it in a baking dish. Add cheese if you like and bake until bubbling and browned on top.
Should you rinse penne pasta after cooking?
No, do not rinse penne pasta if you are serving it hot with sauce. The starch on the surface helps the sauce cling; rinsing is useful mainly when cooling penne for a cold pasta salad.
How long does cooked penne pasta last in the fridge?
Cooked penne pasta keeps in the refrigerator for a few days in a covered container. Refrigerate it once it has cooled, and discard it if its smell or appearance changes; sauced pasta may not keep as well.
Can you freeze cooked penne pasta?
Yes, you can freeze cooked penne pasta, although it may turn softer after thawing. Cool it, pack it in a sealed freezer-safe container, and reheat it with a little water or sauce to restore moisture.
How should you store dry penne pasta after opening?
Store dry penne pasta in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Keeping it away from moisture, heat, and strong-smelling foods helps preserve its texture and prevents it from picking up odors.
Why does penne pasta break while cooking?
Penne pasta can break if it is stirred roughly, crowded into a small pot, or cooked well past tender. Use a roomy pot, stir gently as it softens, and drain it as soon as it reaches the texture you want.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.