Pasta with mortadella sauce
Pasta with mortadella sauce is a creamy, savory Italian dish originating from Bologna, where mortadella, a finely ground pork sausage studded with pistachios or peppercorns, is typically melted into a rich sauce to coat pasta like penne or rigatoni. The sauce often includes cream, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes a splash of pasta water for silkiness, creating a comforting, indulgent meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbs from the pasta and fat from the mortadella and cream, with moderate protein from the meat and cheese, providing key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and calcium. A typical serving can range from 600 to 800 calories, depending on portion size and added ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 200 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, mortadella is a protected product with PGI status in the EU, reflecting its deep roots in Italian culinary heritage, and it's often humorously called 'Italian bologna' abroad. Nutritionally, the pistachios in traditional mortadella add healthy fats and antioxidants, making the dish a flavorful way to enjoy a balance of indulgence and subtle nutritional benefits.
