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Penne with pesto sauce Calories
Pasta with basil pesto sauce, olive oil, and parmesan
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 serving (medium) of Penne with pesto sauce (180 g) has 378 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 56.7 g of carbs, 11.2 g of protein, 13.5 g of fat and 4 g of fiber. Its 32.4 µg of Vitamin K covers 27% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Penne with pesto sauce Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 180 g
378
KCAL / 180G
Carbs
56.7g
· 21% DV
Protein
11.2g
· 22% DV
Fat
13.5g
· 17% DV
Fiber
4g
· 14% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 58% · Protein 11% · Fat 31%
Penne with pesto sauce nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (180 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 378 kcal | |
| Total fat | 13.5 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 2.7 g | 14% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 342 mg | 15% |
| Total carbohydrate | 56.7 g | 21% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 14% |
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% |
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 Serving of Penne with pesto sauce?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 378 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 60 g | 126 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 90 g | 189 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 120 g | 252 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 140 g | 294 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 150 g | 315 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 200 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penne with pesto sauce
What is penne with pesto sauce made of?
Penne with pesto sauce is typically made with penne pasta, basil pesto, olive oil and Parmesan. Traditional basil pesto also includes garlic and pine nuts, though recipes may use different nuts or cheeses. The ridges and hollow shape of penne help hold the sauce.
How do you keep penne with pesto sauce from turning brown?
Add the pesto to penne with pesto sauce after taking the pasta off the heat. High heat and exposure to air can darken basil; tossing the pesto through promptly and serving soon helps preserve its fresh green colour and flavour.
Can penne with pesto sauce be eaten cold?
Yes, penne with pesto sauce can be eaten cold as a pasta salad. Let the cooked penne cool before mixing in the pesto, then add ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or mozzarella if you like. Refrigerate it promptly after serving.
What goes well with penne with pesto sauce?
Penne with pesto sauce pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or fish. Since pesto is already rich in flavour, a fresh or lightly seasoned side usually complements it better than another heavy sauce.
Can you make penne with pesto sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make penne with pesto sauce ahead, though the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits. Store it covered in the refrigerator and loosen it with a little water or olive oil when serving.
Can penne with pesto sauce be frozen?
Yes, penne with pesto sauce can be frozen, but the pasta may soften and the pesto can lose some of its fresh texture after thawing. Cool it promptly, freeze it in an airtight container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do you reheat penne with pesto sauce without drying it out?
Reheat penne with pesto sauce gently with a splash of water, stirring as it warms. A covered pan over low heat or short microwave intervals works well; avoid prolonged high heat, which can dry out the pasta and cause the oily sauce to separate.
Can you add chicken to penne with pesto sauce?
Yes, cooked chicken is a common addition to penne with pesto sauce. Toss bite-size pieces through the pasta and pesto, or serve them on top; grilled or simply seasoned chicken lets the basil and Parmesan flavours come through.
Is penne with pesto sauce healthy?
Penne with pesto sauce can fit into a balanced meal, especially when served with vegetables or a protein source. Pesto and Parmesan make it flavourful but rich, so a moderate serving with a lighter side is a practical way to enjoy it.
Why does pesto slide off penne with pesto sauce?
Pesto can slide off penne with pesto sauce if the pasta is very wet or the pesto is too thick to coat it. Drain the penne well, reserve some starchy cooking water, and toss the pasta with the pesto while it is still warm.
Penne with pesto sauce Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin K
32.4µg · 27% DV
B3
2.16mg · 14% DV
B1
0.16mg · 13% DV
Vitamin A
108µg · 12% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.23mg · 26% DV
Manganese
0.41mg · 18% DV
Phosphorus
126mg · 18% DV
Selenium
9µg · 16% DV
Sodium
342mg · 15% DV
Potassium ⭐
198mg · 6% DV
Penne with pesto sauce Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Penne with pesto sauce
To burn the 378 calories in 1 serving (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 Penne with pesto sauce?
Penne with pesto sauce combines ridged, tube-shaped pasta with pesto, a sauce traditionally made with basil, olive oil, Parmesan and pine nuts. Pesto alla Genovese comes from Liguria in north-west Italy, especially Genoa, though many versions are now enjoyed well beyond the region.
The grooves and hollow centres of penne catch the glossy sauce, making this a satisfying warm meal on its own or alongside a simple salad. In Italy it is a familiar pasta preparation; elsewhere, it works well for a quick lunch or dinner. It is mainly a carbohydrate-based dish, with some protein and fat from the pasta and pesto. Add vegetables or use a little less pesto for a lighter plate.
How Nutritious Is Penne with pesto 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 with pesto 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 with pesto sauce Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Penne with pesto 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 with pesto sauce Fat Profile
SATURATED
2.7g
MONOUNSATURATED
7.56g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.16g
Omega 6:3 ratio 6.8:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (6.8:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.