If you're looking for a tasty and healthy pasta sauce option, 1/2 cup (124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce may be a great choice! This delicious sauce contains only 80 calories per serving, making it a light option for anyone watching their calorie intake.

In addition to being low in calories, Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce is also a good source of nutrients. This sauce is made from whole, natural ingredients that add both flavor and nutrition to your pasta dishes. Some of the key nutrients in this pasta sauce include vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calories and nutritional profile of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce, as well as tips on how to use this delicious sauce in your favorite pasta dishes.

Calories in Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce

As previously mentioned, 1/2 cup (124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains only 80 calories. This low calorie count makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy pasta without overdoing it on calories. It's important to note that the exact calorie count of your pasta dish will depend on the type and amount of pasta you use, as well as any additional ingredients or toppings. However, using Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce as your base sauce can help you create a healthier, lower calorie pasta dish overall.

Serving Size

The serving size for Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce is 1/2 cup (124 g). This is enough sauce to cover approximately 2 cups of cooked pasta, depending on your personal preference. If you're looking to keep your calorie intake low, sticking to the recommended serving size is important. However, if you're looking for a heartier meal, you may want to increase the amount of sauce you use or add additional ingredients like protein or vegetables.

Total Fat

One serving (1/2 cup or 124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains 5 grams of total fat. Of this, 1 gram is saturated fat and 0 grams are trans fat. While 5 grams of fat may seem high, it's important to note that this is the total fat content of the pasta sauce and includes healthy unsaturated fats from the olive oil and pine nuts used to make traditional pesto sauce. These healthy fats can actually be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Cholesterol

One serving (1/2 cup or 124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains 0 mg of cholesterol. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to reduce their cholesterol intake, as well as individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Sodium

One serving (1/2 cup or 124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains 390 mg of sodium. While this may seem high, it's important to remember that many pasta sauces can be much higher in sodium. If you're trying to reduce your sodium intake, consider using Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce sparingly and using additional spices and herbs to add flavor to your pasta dishes.

Total Carbohydrates

One serving (1/2 cup or 124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains 7 grams of total carbohydrates. Of this, 2 grams are dietary fiber and 4 grams are natural sugars. While this may seem like a low amount of carbohydrates, keep in mind that pasta dishes are often served with bread or other carbohydrate-rich sides that can contribute to your overall intake.

Protein

One serving (1/2 cup or 124 g) of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains 2 grams of protein. While this may not seem like much, keep in mind that pasta dishes can be paired with protein-rich ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals in Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce

Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for overall health. Some key nutrients found in this sauce include vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost immune function. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, while calcium and magnesium are important for bone health.

Ingredients

The ingredients in Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce may vary depending on the brand or recipe used. However, some common ingredients include tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats. Garlic and onions have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including boosting immune function and reducing inflammation. Basil and pine nuts are both used to make traditional pesto sauce and add flavor and healthy fats to the sauce. Parmesan cheese is often used to add a salty, savory flavor to the sauce - however, if you're following a vegan or dairy-free diet, look for a plant-based version of the sauce that omits cheese.

How to use Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce

Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a simple yet flavorful meal.
• Use as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Spread on a homemade pizza crust and top with your favorite veggies and cheese for a healthy pizza night at home.
• Add to a chicken or shrimp pasta dish for added flavor and protein.

Get creative with your use of Pesto & Tomato Pasta Sauce and experiment with new pasta dishes and flavor combinations!