Calories in penne with basil pesto
A typical serving of penne with basil pesto provides about 369 calories. Here are the full macros and nutrition facts.
Per serving · 1 plate (180 g)
Calories
369kcal
Protein
9.7g
Carbs
43.6g
Fat
17.6g
Per 100 g
| Calories | 205 kcal |
| Protein | 5.4 g |
| Carbs | 24.2 g |
| Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Data based on Open Food Facts and public nutrition databases.
Penne pasta tossed with a cold sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
Nutritional benefits
- Healthy fats from virgin olive oil
- Antibacterial properties from garlic
- Rich in antioxidant polyphenols
How to prepare it
- 1.Never heat pesto sauce directly over fire to avoid bitter basil
- 2.Mix with hot pasta and a dash of cooking water
- 3.Lightly toast the pine nuts to enhance their flavor
Lighter alternatives
Spinach pesto
More affordable and higher in iron
Zucchini noodles with pesto
Very low in calories
Sun-dried tomato pesto
Intense flavor and different nutritional profile
Healthy tip
Add green beans and boiled potatoes like in the original Genoa recipe to make it more complete.
Frequently asked questions
Is pesto high in calories?
Yes, due to the olive oil and nuts, it is very energy-dense.
How to prevent pesto from turning dark?
Cover it with a thin layer of olive oil in the jar to prevent air contact.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, it's recommended to freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
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