Pasta & Noodles: Calories

Types and Calorie Content

Whether you’re using penne, ravioli, pierogies, or soba noodles, there are plenty of variations of these carbohydrates found in each culture. And with even more types of sauces to enjoy them with, it can be easy to get creative with pasta and noodle dishes.

If you’re looking for low-cal and nutritious, opting for whole grain versions is a great start. You can also explore the world of noodles made from lentils, chickpeas and other legumes. Popular pasta chains, such as Noodles and Company, typically offer their nutritional information either online or in-house for further help when logging your meal.

Healthy Meal Ideas

Noodles and pasta can be a great base for filling meals, but it’s important to consider adding other elements to your meal to make them more nutritious. For types like ravioli or pierogies, a great way can be to fill them with vegetables for some extra nutritional value. Opting for tomato-based sauces or vegetable-based sauces can also help cut calories compared to creamier sauces. Pesto, such as one made from basil and pine nuts, is also a healthy option. Although, pesto can be high in calories, so watch your portion sizes. Finally, low sodium sauces, such as soy sauce or teriyaki, can help reduce the calorie count for Asian-inspired noodle dishes.

What are some creative ways you’ll be enjoying your noodles and pasta?