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Pesto Penne Pasta Calories
Penne pasta tossed 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 Pesto Penne Pasta (180 g) has 378 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 53.1 g of carbs, 11.2 g of protein, 14 g of fat and 4.1 g of fiber. Its 19.8 µg of Vitamin K covers 17% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Pesto Penne Pasta Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 180 g
378
KCAL / 180G
Carbs
53.1g
· 19% DV
Protein
11.2g
· 22% DV
Fat
14g
· 18% DV
Fiber
4.1g
· 15% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 55% · Protein 12% · Fat 33%
Pesto Penne Pasta nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (180 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 378 kcal | |
| Total fat | 14 g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 2.88 g | 14% |
| Trans fat | 0.02 g | |
| Sodium | 378 mg | 16% |
| Total carbohydrate | 53.1 g | 19% |
| Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% |
| 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 Pesto Penne Pasta?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 378 kcal |
| 1 piece (mini) | 60 g | 126 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 110 g | 231 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 120 g | 252 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 160 g | 336 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
| 1 serving (jumbo) | 350 g | 735 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Penne Pasta
How do you make pesto penne pasta?
Pesto penne pasta is made by tossing cooked penne with pesto, olive oil, and Parmesan. Reserve a little pasta water, drain the penne, then stir in the pesto off the heat with a splash of water so the sauce coats the pasta.
What is in pesto penne pasta?
Pesto penne pasta combines penne with basil pesto, olive oil, and Parmesan. Traditional basil pesto often includes garlic, pine nuts, and cheese as well; jarred pesto recipes vary, so the exact ingredients depend on the product used.
Should pesto penne pasta be served hot or cold?
Pesto penne pasta can be served warm or cold. Warm pasta is usually tossed with pesto just before serving, while chilled pesto penne works as a pasta salad; loosen the sauce with a little oil or lemon juice if it thickens.
How do you keep pesto penne pasta from drying out?
Keep pesto penne pasta from drying out by tossing the pesto with the penne while it is still warm and adding a splash of reserved pasta water. If leftovers seem dry, stir in a little water or olive oil before serving.
What can you add to pesto penne pasta?
Cherry tomatoes, spinach, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or white beans all work well in pesto penne pasta. Add vegetables or protein to make it more substantial, but avoid adding too many strongly seasoned ingredients that compete with the basil pesto.
How do you make pesto penne pasta with jarred pesto taste fresher?
Freshen pesto penne pasta made with jarred pesto by stirring in lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon and adding freshly grated Parmesan. Mix the sauce into hot, drained penne off the heat; extra basil leaves also bring a brighter aroma.
Where does pesto penne pasta come from?
Pesto penne pasta is a modern pairing of penne with pesto, rather than one single traditional regional recipe. Basil pesto is associated with Liguria in northwestern Italy, while penne is a tube-shaped pasta commonly used with many sauces.
Can you make pesto penne pasta without pine nuts?
Yes, pesto penne pasta can be made with pesto that uses walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. The flavor and texture will change, so blend the substitute with basil, olive oil, garlic, and cheese until the sauce is smooth.
How should you reheat leftover pesto penne pasta?
Reheat leftover pesto penne pasta gently in a pan with a small splash of water, stirring until warm. Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce oily and dull the basil flavor. You can also eat the leftovers cold as a pasta salad.
Can pesto penne pasta be made with whole-wheat penne?
Yes, whole-wheat penne works in pesto penne pasta and holds the sauce well. Its nuttier flavor pairs naturally with basil pesto; cook it until just tender and reserve some cooking water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
Pesto Penne Pasta Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin K
19.8µg · 17% DV
B1
0.16mg · 13% DV
Vitamin E
1.62mg · 11% DV
Vitamin A
81µg · 9% DV
Minerals
Sodium
378mg · 16% DV
Selenium
8.82µg · 16% DV
Copper
0.14mg · 16% DV
Phosphorus
112mg · 16% DV
Potassium ⭐
148mg · 4% DV
Pesto Penne Pasta Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Pesto Penne Pasta
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 Pesto Penne Pasta?
Pesto Penne Pasta brings together ridged, tube-shaped penne and pesto, an Italian sauce traditionally made with basil, olive oil and Parmesan. The sauce clings to the pasta’s grooves, so its herbal, savoury flavour comes through in each bite. It is commonly served warm as a simple lunch or dinner in Italy and has become a familiar pasta dish in many other places too.
The texture depends on how firmly the penne is cooked and how generously it is coated: expect tender pasta with a rich, fragrant sauce. It is mainly a carbohydrate-based meal, with some fat from the olive oil and a little protein from the cheese; a 100 g portion provides 210 calories. Add a green salad or extra vegetables for freshness, or use a lighter hand with the pesto if you prefer a less rich plate.
How Nutritious Is Pesto 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 Pesto 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 Pesto Penne Pasta Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Pesto 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
Pesto Penne Pasta Fat Profile
SATURATED
2.88g
MONOUNSATURATED
7.56g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.34g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2.9:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.