1 serving (medium) of Pesto Pasta (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 g of fat and 3.8 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Copper covers 18% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 47 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Pesto Pasta?

Pesto pasta pairs pasta with pesto, a basil-based sauce associated with Liguria in north-western Italy, especially Genoa. Traditional pesto is made by combining basil with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and hard cheese, then tossing it through cooked pasta; a splash of pasta water helps the sauce coat the noodles.

Its fresh, aromatic basil flavour is balanced by the richness of the oil and the savoury, slightly salty cheese. In Italy it is commonly served as a first course, while elsewhere it works well as a simple main or a side dish. The pasta supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the pesto contributes much of the fat. For a lighter meal, use a little less pesto and add tomatoes or vegetables; it also pairs nicely with a crisp salad.

Pesto Pasta Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

210

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

31.5g

· 11% DV

Protein

6.2g

· 12% DV

Fat

7.2g

· 9% DV

Fiber

2.1g

· 8% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 58% · Protein 12% · Fat 30%

Pesto Pasta Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.09mg · 8% DV

B12

0.2µg · 8% DV

Vitamin K

9µg · 8% DV

1.1mg · 7% DV

Minerals

Sodium

220mg · 10% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Phosphorus

65mg · 9% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

How Nutritious Is Pesto Pasta?

Nutrient density

Medium

38/ 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

39/ 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.

Pesto Pasta 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 Pesto Pasta

To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:

🚶

52min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

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

Is Pesto 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 Pesto Pasta Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts yes

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Pesto 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

Pesto Pasta Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.6g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.2g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3.6:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Pesto Pasta

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Pesto Pasta vs Bulgur Pilaf90 kcal more per 100 g

→🍝vs🍝

Pesto Pasta vs Whole wheat pasta86 kcal more per 100 g

→🍝vs🥖

Pesto Pasta vs Breadstick200 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍝vs🥯

Pesto Pasta vs Simit130 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Pesto Pasta

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Pasta

What is pesto pasta made of?

Pesto pasta combines cooked pasta with pesto, usually a sauce of basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and pine nuts. The pesto is what gives the dish its vivid green colour and fragrant, savoury flavour.

How do you make pesto pasta?

Cook the pasta until just tender, then drain it and toss it with pesto off the heat. Stir in a splash of pasta water if needed; its starch helps the sauce cling instead of pooling at the bottom.

Should you cook pesto before adding it to pasta?

No, pesto is usually stirred into hot pasta without cooking it separately. Direct heat can dull the fresh basil flavour and make the oil separate, so mix the sauce in after taking the pasta off the heat.

What is the best pasta shape for pesto pasta?

Trofie is a classic choice for pesto pasta, while fusilli, farfalle, and linguine also work well. Twists and ridges catch the sauce, while long pasta lets you coat each strand evenly.

Why is my pesto pasta dry?

Pesto pasta often turns dry when the sauce is too thick or the drained pasta has cooled. Loosen the pesto with a little reserved pasta water and toss while the pasta is still warm so the sauce spreads evenly.

Why does pesto pasta turn brown?

Pesto pasta can darken when basil in the sauce oxidises after exposure to air, especially during storage. Toss the pesto with the pasta shortly before serving and keep leftovers in a sealed container to limit air contact.

Can you make pesto pasta without pine nuts?

Yes, pesto pasta works with pesto made using walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. The flavour and texture will change slightly, but the substitute can still provide the rich, nutty character associated with pesto.

What protein can you add to pesto pasta?

Chicken, prawns, or white beans all pair well with pesto pasta. Cook the protein separately, then fold it into the finished pasta so it heats through without making the basil sauce cook for too long.

How long does pesto pasta last in the fridge?

Pesto pasta keeps in the refrigerator for about three to four days when stored promptly in a sealed container. Reheat it gently with a splash of water, or eat it cold as a pasta salad.

Can you freeze pesto pasta?

Yes, you can freeze pesto pasta, though the pasta may soften and the sauce may separate slightly after thawing. Freeze it in an airtight container, then thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well while reheating gently.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 26, 2026