Component in creamy pasta sauces
Creamy pasta sauce is a rich, velvety coating for pasta, typically made with heavy cream, butter, and cheese like Parmesan, often with a base of sautéed garlic and onions. It's a staple of Italian-American cuisine, with variations like Alfredo or Carbonara, and is designed to cling to pasta shapes for a luxurious mouthfeel.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in fat and calories, primarily from dairy, with a moderate amount of protein from cheese and pasta. A typical serving provides calcium and some vitamins, but is calorie-dense, often ranging from 600-900 kcal per generous portion.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 55 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, creamy sauces represent a comforting, indulgent twist on Italian pasta, though purists debate their authenticity. Nutritionally, the high fat content slows digestion, making it more satiating but also a significant source of saturated fat.
