How many calories is 200 grams of chicken pasta?

Quick Answer

200 grams of chicken pasta contains approximately 360 calories. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation method. Chicken pasta is a nutritious meal that provides protein, carbohydrates, and other important nutrients. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, 200 grams of chicken pasta can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Calculating Calories in Chicken Pasta

To determine the calorie count of chicken pasta, we need to look at the calories contained in each of the main ingredients:

Pasta

– Dry pasta contains approximately 350 calories per 100 grams. This varies slightly between different types of pasta – for example 100g of dry spaghetti contains 360 calories while 100g of penne contains 368 calories.
– When pasta is cooked, it absorbs water which increases the weight. 100g of cooked pasta contains approximately 160 calories.
– For 200g of cooked pasta, this would equal 320 calories.

Chicken

– 100g of cooked chicken breast (with no skin) contains approximately 165 calories.
– The chicken in pasta dishes is often diced or shredded. This can make it hard to determine the exact weight, but we can estimate that 200g of cooked pasta contains around 80-100g of chicken.
– So 80-100g of chicken would add 130-165 calories.

Sauce

– Tomato or cream based sauces contain around 100 calories per 100ml.
– A 200g pasta portion may have around 50-100ml of sauce.
– This would add approximately 50-100 calories.

Other Ingredients

– Onions, garlic, herbs and spices have a relatively low calorie content. For a 200g portion they may contribute up to 50 calories.
– Ingredients like cheese or olive oil can significantly increase the calorie content. 100g of parmesan cheese contains approximately 400 calories for example.

Total Calories in 200g Chicken Pasta

Adding up the estimated calories from each ingredient:

– Pasta: 320 calories
– Chicken: 130-165 calories
– Sauce: 50-100 calories
– Other ingredients: up to 50 calories

This gives us an estimated total of 550-635 calories for a 200g portion of chicken pasta.

For a simpler estimate, we can assume the following averages:

– 200g pasta: 320 calories
– 100g chicken: 165 calories
– 75ml sauce: 75 calories
– Total: Approximately 560 calories

So for a round number approximation, 200g of chicken pasta contains approximately 360 calories.

This number can vary based on the specific recipe. Factors like the following can increase or decrease the calorie count:

– Type of pasta used – wholewheat or gluten-free pasta may be slightly higher in calories
– Lean chicken breast vs chicken thigh which has higher fat content
– Type of sauce – a creamy alfredo sauce may be higher in calories than a tomato sauce
– Added vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms etc which increase volume without adding many calories
– Use of additional ingredients like cheese, oil, butter, cream etc
– Cooking method – frying in oil increases calorie content compared to boiling

So while we can estimate an average of 360 calories for a chicken pasta portion, the specifics of the recipe can result in this varying from around 300 to over 500 calories.

Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken Pasta

While calories provide an indication of the energy content of chicken pasta, looking at the full nutritional breakdown can give a better understanding of its nutritional value:

Protein

– Chicken and pasta both provide protein.
– 100g of chicken breast contains around 31g of protein.
– 100g of pasta contains around 12g of protein.
– For 200g pasta with 100g chicken, this equals around 43g of protein.
– Protein is important for building and repairing muscles and tissues in the body.

Carbohydrates

– Pasta is mostly made up of carbs from wheat flour.
– 200g of pasta contains around 50-60g of carbs.
– Carbs provide the body with glucose which is used for energy.

Fat

– Chicken breast is a lean source of protein and contains little fat.
– The sauce contributes most of the fat content. A tomato sauce has around 5g of fat per 100ml.
– So a 200g chicken pasta portion likely contains 10-15g of fat.
– Fat helps with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provides fatty acids for health.

Fiber

– Wholewheat or high fiber pasta varieties contain around 4g of fiber per 100g.
– So 200g of pasta would provide around 8g of fiber.
– Fiber promotes good digestion and bowel function.

Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken pasta can contribute B vitamins like niacin, vitamins A, E, K, iron, selenium, phosphorus and other micronutrients. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and lycopene.

So in summary, 200g of chicken pasta provides a nutritious blend of protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. It is a balanced meal when eaten as part of a healthy diet.

Benefits of Chicken Pasta

Here are some of the main benefits that chicken pasta offers as part of a balanced diet:

High in Protein

The chicken provides a lean source of protein which helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Protein also helps you to feel fuller for longer after eating.

Complex Carbohydrates

The pasta provides a good source of energizing complex carbohydrates. Wholewheat or high fiber pasta varietes have a lower glycemic index, meaning they do not spike blood sugar levels as dramatically.

Nutrient Dense

Chicken pasta can contain a range of vitamins and minerals from ingredients like tomatoes, chicken, onions and garlic. Choose recipes with lots of vegetables to maximize nutrition.

Versatile Ingredients

Both chicken and pasta are versatile ingredients that can be adapted in many ways, allowing for lots of variations in flavors, textures and nutrition.

Child Friendly

Many children love pasta and chicken, so this can be an easy way to provide balanced nutrition in kid friendly meals.

Cost Effective

Chicken and pasta are relatively affordable ingredients, making this a budget friendly meal option. Dried pasta and frozen chicken allow for even more cost savings.

So in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle, chicken pasta can be a nutritious and tasty choice.

Healthiest Ways to Prepare Chicken Pasta

Here are some tips for making chicken pasta as healthy as possible:

Choose Wholegrain/High Fiber Pasta

Opt for wholewheat or multigrain varieties over plain white pasta. These have a lower glycemic index and provide more nutrients and fiber.

Use Lean Protein

Skinless chicken breast is the leanest option. Thighs or legs are higher in fat and calories.

Load up on Vegetables

Onions, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli etc all add nutrients without many extra calories.

Make your own Tomato Based Sauce

Homemade sauce allows you to control nutrients and avoid added sugar. Canned tomatoes and fresh herbs make quick healthy sauce.

Limit Oil

Saute vegetables in broth instead of oil when making the sauce to limit excess calories.

Go Easy on Cheese

Parmesan adds flavor but is high in calories – sprinkle lightly rather than smothering.

Choose Healthy Cooking Methods

Steaming, boiling or baking instead of frying to avoid excess oil.

Control Portions

Stick to around 200g dry pasta and 100g chicken per adult portion to keep calories in check.

Balance with Vegetables

Serve pasta with a green salad or steamed broccoli to increase nutrition.

So in summary, be choosy about each ingredient and preparation method to maximize the nutritional value of your chicken pasta.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the calories and nutrition in chicken pasta:

Is chicken pasta healthy?

Yes, when prepared with lean protein, whole grains, lots of vegetables and healthy cooking methods, chicken pasta can be a very healthy meal choice as part of a balanced diet.

Is chicken pasta good for weight loss?

Chicken pasta can be an excellent choice for weight loss diets when portion sizes are controlled. Protein and fiber keep you feeling fuller longer while calories are kept reasonable.

How many calories in chicken pesto pasta?

A 200g portion of pesto chicken pasta contains around 400-550 calories depending on the specific recipe. The olive oil and parmesan cheese in pesto sauce increases the calorie content compared to a tomato based sauce.

What is the healthiest pasta?

For the healthiest choice, pick a pasta made from wholewheat, multigrain, or legume flour. These have more fiber and nutrients than plain white pasta. Popular options include wholewheat spaghetti, penne or fusilli.

Is pasta high carb?

Yes, pasta is primarily a high carb food since it is made from wheat flour. However, it has a lower glycemic index than many other refined carbs. When combined with protein from chicken and healthy fats it can be part of a balanced diet.

Is chicken pasta gluten free?

Traditional pasta contains gluten from wheat flour so is not gluten free. Gluten free alternatives include pasta made from rice, quinoa, chickpeas or lentils. This can be used to make gluten free chicken pasta.

So in summary, yes chicken pasta can be a nutritious choice when prepared mindfully. Limit portions, choose healthy ingredients, and balance with vegetables and plant foods.

Chicken Pasta Recipes

Here are some healthy and delicious chicken pasta recipe ideas:

Chicken Tomato Pasta

Saute chicken with onions and garlic. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, italian herbs and seasonings. Toss with wholewheat pasta and garnish with basil.

Chicken Pesto Zoodles

Spiralized zucchini noodles provide a lighter carb alternative. Toss with chicken, homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and parmesan.

Chicken Veggie Pasta Bake

Mix pasta, chicken and steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella and bake until browned and crispy.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Saute chicken with mushrooms and garlic. Add to pasta with a light mornay sauce made from milk and parmesan.

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

Use greek yogurt instead of cream to make a creamy sauce. Add chicken, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, artichokes and feta cheese.

Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta

Stir fry chicken and vegetables like carrots, peppers and snap peas. Toss through pasta with a Thai peanut sauce.

So get creative with the variations to enjoy lots of flavorful and nutritious chicken pasta meals.

Chicken Pasta for Weight Loss

Here are some tips for turning chicken pasta into a weight loss friendly meal:

Choose Portion Controlled Pasta

Look for wholewheat pasta that comes in portion controlled bags or measure out 200g dried pasta per serving.

Bulk up on Vegetables

Double the amount of vegetables to pasta – choose low calorie options like zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms etc.

Use Lean Protein

Skinless chicken breast or thigh fillets instead of fattier cuts with skin. Tofu is a plant based alternative.

Make a Light Sauce

Tomato based sauces are lower in calories than creamy sauces. Enjoy pesto or cream sauces as an occasional treat.

Avoid Extra Cheese

Grate parmesan lightly rather than adding big chunks of full fat cheese. Leave it off altogether.

Use Healthy Fats

Saute chicken and vegetables in a little olive oil instead of slathering in butter.

Skip the Garlic Bread

Enjoy chicken pasta on its own or with a side salad instead of carby garlic bread.

Fill Up On Protein and Fiber

The protein and fiber will keep you feeling satisfied while limiting overall calorie intake.

So with smart ingredient choices and controlled portions, chicken pasta can be an effective component of a weight loss diet.

Conclusion

To summarize key points:

– 200 grams of chicken pasta contains approximately 360 calories, though this can vary based on specific ingredients used.

– Chicken breast provides lean protein. Wholegrain pasta offers complex carbohydrates. And vegetables add key micronutrients.

– When prepared with healthy ingredients and cooking methods, chicken pasta can be a nutritious choice as part of a balanced diet.

– Controlling portion sizes and pairing with vegetables makes chicken pasta ideal for weight loss diets.

– There are endless healthy and tasty ways to adapt chicken pasta recipes by varying vegetables, seasonings and sauces.

– Chicken pasta makes for a versatile, budget friendly, child friendly and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your nutritional needs.

So enjoy experimenting with healthy chicken pasta recipes that work for your lifestyle!

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