If you're looking for a tasty and filling meal, 1 1/2 cups (340 g) of Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets might be the perfect option for you. This pasta dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. In fact, it contains only 320 calories per serving, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a satisfying meal without consuming too many calories.

Apart from the low-calorie count, Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is also rich in several essential macronutrients and micronutrients. For example, it contains a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. Additionally, the dish provides various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, all of which are necessary for maintaining good health and well-being.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional value of Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets, its ingredients, and how you can make it a part of your regular diet. We'll also discuss some tips and strategies that can enable you to enjoy this dish without going overboard on calories and other nutrients. So, let's get started!

Calories in Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets

As mentioned earlier, one serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) of Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets contains only 320 calories. This calorie count is primarily due to the pasta, Alfredo sauce, and broccoli used in the recipe. However, the exact number of calories in your dish may vary depending on the amounts of these ingredients that you use, as well as any additional seasoning or toppings that you add. Keep in mind that although Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a relatively low-calorie dish, overeating can still lead to weight gain over time. Therefore, it's essential to consume it in moderation and pair it with other nutritious foods to meet your daily calorie and nutrient needs.

Meal Size

The serving size for Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is 1 1/2 cups or 340 g. This amount is considered to be a single serving, and it provides a fulfilling meal that won't leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. However, you can adjust the serving size based on your appetite and dietary preferences. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, you may want to reduce the serving size to 1 cup or 227 g, which would lower the calorie count to around 213. On the other hand, if you have a large appetite or need to consume more calories, you could increase the serving size or pair it with other nutrient-dense foods.

Ingredients

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is made with several ingredients, including rotini pasta, Alfredo sauce, broccoli florets, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is usually cooked in boiling water until it's tender, while the broccoli florets are steamed or boiled until they're slightly crispy. The Alfredo sauce, which is made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, is then added to the pasta and broccoli, along with the garlic, salt, and pepper, to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Some variations of the recipe may also include chicken, shrimp, or other types of protein, depending on your dietary preferences or needs. Keep in mind that the calorie and nutrient content of the dish may vary depending on the specific ingredients that you use or the portions that you consume.

Fat Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a relatively high-fat dish due to its Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese. One serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) contains around 17 g of fat, which is equivalent to about a quarter of the daily recommended intake for an adult. The majority of the fat comes from saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which may raise your blood cholesterol levels if consumed in excess. Eating Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets in moderation and pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods can help you maintain a healthy balance of fats in your diet. Additionally, you can try using low-fat or light versions of the Alfredo sauce or Parmesan cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Protein Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a good source of protein, with one serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) containing around 14 g of protein. The protein in the dish comes from the rotini pasta, which is a good source of plant-based protein, as well as the Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting immune function. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, you can try adding more chicken, shrimp, or other types of protein to your Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets. Alternatively, you could pair it with a protein-rich side dish or snack, such as grilled chicken or hummus.

Carbohydrate Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a high-carbohydrate dish due to its pasta, sauce, and broccoli. One serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) contains around 44 g of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to about 15% of the daily recommended intake for an adult. The majority of the carbohydrates come from complex carbohydrates, such as starch and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, and promote satiety. If you're following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, you may need to avoid or limit Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets due to its high carbohydrate content. However, if you're looking to boost your carbohydrate intake, you could pair it with a high-carbohydrate side dish or snack, such as a slice of whole-grain bread or a piece of fruit.

Fiber Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a good source of fiber, with one serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) containing around 5 g of fiber. The fiber in the dish comes from the broccoli and pasta, which are both rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health, promoting satiety, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, you can try adding more vegetables or legumes to your Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets. Alternatively, you could pair it with a high-fiber side dish or snack, such as a cup of cooked quinoa or a handful of nuts.

Cholesterol Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a high-cholesterol dish, with one serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) containing around 75 mg of cholesterol. The majority of the cholesterol comes from the Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese, which are both high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consuming too much cholesterol can increase your risk of developing heart disease and other chronic health conditions. To reduce the overall cholesterol content of the dish, you can try using reduced-fat or non-fat versions of the Alfredo sauce or Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you could pair it with a low-cholesterol side dish or snack, such as a fresh salad or vegetable soup.

Sodium Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a high-sodium dish, with one serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) containing around 800 mg of sodium. The majority of the sodium comes from the Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese, which are both high in salt. Consuming too much sodium can increase your blood pressure, as well as your risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. To reduce the overall sodium content of the dish, you can try using low-sodium or salt-free versions of the Alfredo sauce or Parmesan cheese. Additionally, you could pair it with a low-sodium side dish or snack, such as raw vegetables or fresh fruit.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets is a rich source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. One serving (1 1/2 cups or 340 g) contains around 29% of the daily recommended intake for calcium, 86% for vitamin C, and 45% for vitamin A. These nutrients are essential for supporting bone health, immune function, and vision, among other things. Apart from these vitamins and minerals, Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets also contains small amounts of other micronutrients, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including Rotini Alfredo with Broccoli Florets, can help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs.