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Penne rustica Calories
Hearty penne pasta dish typically made with a creamy tomato sauce, cheese, and often chicken or bacon.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Penne rustica (240 g) has 444 calories. That works out to 185 calories per 100 g. It contains 48.2 g of carbs, 17.3 g of protein, 19.9 g of fat and 4.3 g of fiber. Its 33.6 µg of Selenium covers 61% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 48 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Penne rustica Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 240 g
444
KCAL / 240G
Carbs
48.2g
· 18% DV
Protein
17.3g
· 35% DV
Fat
19.9g
· 26% DV
Fiber
4.3g
· 15% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 44% · Protein 16% · Fat 40%
Penne rustica nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (240 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 444 kcal | |
| Total fat | 19.9 g | 26% |
| Saturated fat | 7.44 g | 37% |
| Trans fat | 0.19 g | |
| Sodium | 768 mg | 33% |
| Total carbohydrate | 48.2 g | 18% |
| Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% |
| Protein | 17.3 g | 35% |
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 rustica?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 240 g | 444 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 185 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 120 g | 222 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 180 g | 333 kcal |
| 8 ounce (medium) | 227 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 555 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 360 g | 666 kcal |
| 2 cup (extra large) | 480 g | 888 kcal |
Calculated from 185 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne rustica
What is Penne rustica?
Penne rustica is a hearty penne pasta dish usually served with a creamy tomato sauce, cheese, and often chicken or bacon. Recipes vary, so the exact meat, sauce, and toppings depend on the restaurant or home cook.
How do you make Penne rustica at home?
Cook penne until just tender, then toss it with a creamy tomato sauce, cheese, and cooked chicken or bacon if desired. Combine everything while warm so the sauce coats the pasta; some versions finish under the broiler for a browned cheese topping.
Where did Penne rustica originate?
Penne rustica is an Italian-inspired pasta dish, but the name does not point to one universally standardized traditional recipe. Versions served in restaurants and made at home can use different meats, cheeses, and creamy sauces.
What sauce is used in Penne rustica?
Penne rustica is commonly made with a creamy tomato sauce. The balance of cream and tomato varies between recipes, and cheese is often mixed in or added on top for a richer finish.
Does Penne rustica contain chicken or bacon?
It may contain chicken or bacon, but neither is required in every version of Penne rustica. Ingredients differ by recipe, so check the menu description or ask the restaurant before ordering if you want to know which meat it uses.
Is Penne rustica spicy?
Penne rustica is usually mild, with its creamy tomato sauce and cheese providing the main flavors. It becomes spicy only when the recipe includes chili, hot sauce, or another heat-forward seasoning.
Can you bake Penne rustica?
Yes, you can bake Penne rustica, although baking is not essential to the dish. Toss the cooked pasta with its sauce, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, add cheese, and bake until the top is hot and lightly browned.
What goes well with Penne rustica?
A crisp green salad or simply prepared vegetables pair well with Penne rustica because they balance its rich, creamy sauce. Bread is another common accompaniment for the sauce, though the pasta is substantial enough to serve as the main course.
Can you make Penne rustica without meat?
Yes, Penne rustica can be made without chicken or bacon. Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables work in their place, while the creamy tomato sauce and cheese keep the dish recognizable.
How should you store and reheat leftover Penne rustica?
Refrigerate leftover Penne rustica in a covered container once it has cooled, and eat it soon. Reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring until evenly hot.
Penne rustica Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.67µg · 28% DV
B3
3.84mg · 24% DV
Biotin
7.2µg · 24% DV
B2
0.26mg · 20% DV
Minerals
Selenium
34µg · 62% DV
Phosphorus
283mg · 40% DV
Sodium
768mg · 33% DV
Manganese
0.67mg · 29% DV
Potassium ⭐
374mg · 11% DV
Penne rustica Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Penne rustica
To burn the 444 calories in 1 cup (medium) (240 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 rustica?
Penne rustica is a hearty, Italian-style pasta dish made with ridged penne, a creamy tomato sauce and cheese. Many versions also include chicken or bacon, though recipes vary; it is best thought of as a restaurant-style preparation rather than one fixed traditional recipe.
Serve it hot as a main course, often with a green salad or bread. It is popular on Italian-American restaurant menus and works just as well as a filling home-cooked meal. The sauce and cheese make it richer than a simple tomato pasta, while chicken can add protein; the dish provides 7.2 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, use less sauce and cheese, add vegetables, or pair a smaller serving with salad.
How Nutritious Is Penne rustica?
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 Penne rustica 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 rustica Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Penne rustica 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 rustica Fat Profile
SATURATED
7.44g
MONOUNSATURATED
6.48g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.16g
Omega 6:3 ratio 13.4:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (13.4:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.