Pasta with cream sauce and poultry, restaurant
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A decadent comfort dish where tender poultry is enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce over al dente pasta. The texture is luxuriously smooth with a savory, buttery depth, while the pasta provides a satisfying, starchy base. Per 100g, it offers a balanced macronutrient profile with a notable fat content from the cream and a moderate protein boost from the poultry.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for its rich, comforting flavor and creamy texture that feels indulgent yet familiar. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with various herbs, spices, and types of poultry, making it a staple in many cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and calorie content can be a concern for those watching their intake, and the refined carbs may cause blood sugar spikes. To counteract this, pair it with a side of fiber-rich vegetables like steamed broccoli or a leafy salad, and practice portion control by serving a smaller portion alongside a larger vegetable side.
Key benefits
- Provides a good source of protein for muscle maintenance.
- Offers a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Contains calcium and phosphorus from dairy in the cream sauce.
- Can be a satisfying and calorie-dense meal for active individuals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The classic Alfredo sauce, a cornerstone of creamy pasta dishes, was originally made with just butter and Parmesan cheese, with cream being a later American addition.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 63.8 g |
| Energy | 206 kcal |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 15.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.90 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.59 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 29.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.72 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 67.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 60.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 561 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.54 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 15.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Niacin | 1.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 36.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 32.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 58.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 11.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.11 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 51.0 ug |
| Retinol | 51.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 7.3 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.52 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.73 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.14 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.34 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 24.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is this dish high in calories?
Yes, it is relatively calorie-dense, with 206 kcal per 100g, primarily from fat and carbohydrates. A typical serving can easily exceed 500 kcal.
What type of poultry is typically used?
Chicken is the most common, but turkey, veal, or even duck can be used, each adding a slightly different flavor profile to the creamy sauce.
Can I make a lighter version?
Absolutely. You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, add more vegetables to bulk it up, and choose leaner poultry like chicken breast.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not in its traditional form, as pasta is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.