Calories in Pasta: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Pasta is one of the most popular staple foods worldwide, made from durum wheat semolina and water. Cooked enriched spaghetti is a solid source of complex carbohydrates, B vitamins (including folate and thiamin), iron, and selenium. Here is a full breakdown of pasta nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Pasta is naturally low in fat and sodium. Enriched varieties are a meaningful source of iron and folic acid. Pairing pasta with vegetables, lean protein, and a light sauce creates a balanced and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does dry pasta have more calories per gram than cooked pasta?

Dry pasta absorbs water during cooking, roughly doubling in weight. A 2 oz (57 g) serving of dry spaghetti yields about 1 cup (140 g) of cooked pasta. The calorie content stays the same, but because the cooked pasta weighs more due to water, the calories per gram are lower.

Is whole wheat pasta healthier than regular pasta?

Whole wheat pasta contains more fiber (about 6 g per cup versus 2.5 g) and slightly more protein than enriched white pasta. It also retains more magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins from the whole grain. However, enriched regular pasta is fortified with iron and folic acid, so both have nutritional merits.

Is pasta fattening?

Pasta itself is not inherently fattening. A one-cup serving of cooked spaghetti has only 220 calories and about 1 g of fat. Weight gain from pasta meals typically comes from large portions and calorie-dense sauces like alfredo or pesto with added cheese. Keeping portions moderate and choosing lighter sauces helps keep pasta meals in a healthy calorie range.

How much protein is in pasta?

A one-cup serving of cooked enriched spaghetti provides about 8 grams of protein. While pasta is not a complete protein source on its own, combining it with legumes, meat, fish, or cheese easily rounds out the amino acid profile. Legume-based pastas can contain 15 to 25 grams of protein per serving.

What is a healthy portion size for pasta?

A standard serving of cooked pasta is one cup, which provides about 220 calories. Many restaurants serve two to three cups per plate, so it is easy to overeat without realizing it. Using a measuring cup or a food scale to portion out your pasta can help you stay on track with your calorie goals.