Kamil Perry
Cheese tortellini with pesto sauce is a delicious and indulgent dish, but how many calories does it contain? Well, it varies depending on the recipe and the brand. For example, one cup of Giovanni Rana's pesto cheese tortellini contains 250 calories, while a recipe for cheese tortellini with basil-pesto sauce from SparkRecipes clocks in at 330 calories per cup. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and the specific ingredients used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 54% carbs, 31% fat, 15% protein |
| Pine Nuts (calories) | 46 |
| Parmesan Cheese (calories) | 24 |
| Olive Oil (calories) | 24 |
| Cherry Tomatoes (calories) | 9 |
| Basil (calories) | 5 |
| Garlic (calories) | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
A cup of pesto cheese tortellini contains 250 calories
The calorie count for pesto cheese tortellini can also depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the dish. For instance, when pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, pepper, and salt are added to a cup of pesto cheese tortellini, the total calorie count increases. Each of these ingredients contributes calories to the dish, with pine nuts contributing the most at 46 calories per 0.05 cup.
The type and quantity of cheese used in the tortellini can also affect the calorie count. For example, a cup of giant three-cheese tortellini contains 330 calories, significantly more than the 250 calories in a cup of pesto cheese tortellini. The higher calorie count in the three-cheese tortellini is likely due to the greater quantity of cheese used.
It's important to note that the cooking method and the addition of other ingredients can also impact the overall calorie content of the dish. For instance, if the tortellini is fried or baked with additional toppings, the calorie count will be higher than when it is boiled or steamed.
When considering the calorie content of pesto cheese tortellini, it's worth remembering that a balanced diet typically includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods. While calorie counting can be informative, it's also important to consider the nutritional value of the food, including its macro and micronutrient content, to ensure a healthy and well-rounded diet.
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Giant Three Cheese Tortellini is 330 calories per cup
A cup of Giant Three Cheese Tortellini contains 330 calories. This calorie count does not include the pesto sauce.
Pesto cheese tortellini from Giovanni Rana has a lower calorie count of 250 calories per cup. However, this option may not feature three types of cheese.
To make a cheese tortellini with pesto sauce, you could add 0.05 cups of pine nuts (46 calories), 2.4 teaspoons of Parmesan cheese (24 calories), 0.2 tablespoons of olive oil (24 calories), three cherry tomatoes (9 calories), 6.4 tablespoons of basil (5 calories), and 0.2 cloves of garlic (1 calorie).
The total calorie count for these additional ingredients is 109. Combined with the Giant Three Cheese Tortellini, this brings the overall calorie count to 439 for the dish.
This dish could be a tasty and indulgent option for a special occasion or a hearty meal for those with higher calorie requirements.
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Pine nuts add 46 calories to the dish
Pine nuts are a great addition to a dish of cheese tortellini with pesto sauce, but they do add to the overall calorie count. A cup of pesto cheese tortellini contains around 250 calories, while a serving of cheese tortellini with basil-pesto sauce can contain up to 330 calories.
Pine nuts, in particular, contribute a significant amount of calories to the dish. According to one source, just 0.05 cups of pine nuts add 46 calories to the dish. This is a relatively high number compared to the other ingredients in the dish. For example, the same amount of Parmesan cheese or olive oil would only contribute about 24 calories each, while fresh cherry tomatoes would add less than 10 calories to the dish.
The calorie contribution of pine nuts is worth considering when preparing this dish, especially if you are conscious of your calorie intake. While pine nuts offer nutritional benefits, such as healthy fats and vitamins, they are also calorie-dense. This means that a small amount can significantly impact the overall calorie count of the meal.
When adding pine nuts to cheese tortellini with pesto sauce, it is important to be mindful of the portion size to ensure you are aware of the total calorie intake. This is especially important if you are trying to maintain a specific calorie budget for your meals. However, it is important to note that the calorie content of a dish can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.
Overall, while pine nuts add a delicious crunch and flavour to the dish, they do contribute a notable amount of calories. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider using them sparingly or combining them with other lower-calorie ingredients to create a more balanced dish that fits within your dietary needs.
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Parmesan cheese adds 24 calories
A cup of pesto cheese tortellini contains around 250 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the brand and the ingredients used. For example, a cup of Giant Three Cheese Tortellini with basil-pesto sauce contains 330 calories.
When it comes to the calorie contribution of Parmesan cheese in this dish, it is important to note that it adds 24 calories per serving. This calorie count is based on a specific amount of Parmesan cheese, which is 2.4 teaspoons, as outlined in the source. This amount of cheese may vary depending on the recipe and personal preference, which would, in turn, impact the overall calorie count.
The calorie content of Parmesan cheese, and cheese more generally, is derived from its fat and protein content. Cheese is a dairy product that undergoes a fermentation process, which results in the development of unique flavours and textures, as well as a concentration of calories. During the fermentation process, bacteria convert the lactose, or milk sugar, present in the dairy into lactic acid. This process not only contributes to the characteristic tangy flavour of cheese but also reduces the sugar content, resulting in a food that is predominantly composed of fat and protein.
Parmesan cheese, in particular, is known for its distinct sharp flavour and granular texture. It is made from cow's milk that has been partially skimmed, which means some of the fat content has been removed. Despite this, Parmesan cheese still retains a relatively high-fat content, which contributes a significant proportion of its calories. In addition to its fat content, Parmesan cheese also contains a decent amount of protein, which also contributes to its calorie count.
When considering the nutritional value of Parmesan cheese and its impact on the overall calorie count of the dish, it is worth noting that it also contributes certain vitamins and minerals. Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also contains phosphorus, which plays a role in energy production and bone health. Additionally, Parmesan cheese provides smaller amounts of other nutrients, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, all of which contribute to its nutritional profile beyond just calories.
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Olive oil: 24 calories per serving
A single serving of olive oil used in the preparation of cheese tortellini with basil-pesto sauce contains 24 calories. This dish combines fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil with tortellini pasta. Each ingredient contributes to the overall calorie count of the dish, which is influenced by the number of servings and the quantity of each ingredient used.
Olive oil is a fundamental component of pesto sauce, providing a smooth texture and rich flavour. Its contribution of 24 calories per serving is relatively modest compared to other ingredients. For example, a single serving of pine nuts contains 46 calories, while the tortellini itself contributes 330 calories per cup.
The calorie count of olive oil is worth noting, as it can add up when used in significant quantities. A little olive oil goes a long way in terms of both flavour and calories. When preparing this dish, it's important to be mindful of the calorie contribution of each ingredient to ensure the final meal aligns with one's dietary needs and preferences.
The nutritional value of olive oil extends beyond its calorie content. It is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health and better control over blood sugar levels. These fats can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants such as oleic acid and polyphenols, which offer anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. These antioxidants may help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
In conclusion, while olive oil contributes a modest 24 calories per serving to the cheese tortellini with pesto sauce dish, its nutritional benefits extend beyond calorie content. Its healthy fats and antioxidants provide added value, making it a worthwhile ingredient in this flavourful and nutritious meal.
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Frequently asked questions
One cup of pesto cheese tortellini contains around 250-330 calories.
A recipe for cheese tortellini with basil pesto sauce may include: giant three cheese tortellini, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, pepper, salt, and of course, pesto sauce.
One cup of pesto cheese tortellini is roughly 54% carbs, 31% fat, and 15% protein.
