Pasta with tomato-based sauce, ready-to-heat
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a convenient, pre-cooked pasta dish tossed in a savory tomato-based sauce, designed for quick reheating. The texture is typically soft with a slightly firm bite, and the flavor profile is a balanced mix of tangy tomato, savory herbs, and mild sweetness. Nutritionally, it's a light, carbohydrate-rich option with modest protein and fat, making it a quick energy source.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, familiar taste and the sheer convenience it offers for a fast meal or snack. Its versatility allows it to be a standalone dish or a base for adding extra vegetables or protein.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its relatively high carbohydrate content compared to protein and fat, which can lead to blood sugar spikes if not paired with other foods. It may also be high in sodium, a common concern in ready-to-heat meals. To counteract this, pair it with a side of lean protein (like chicken or beans) and non-starchy vegetables, and practice portion control.
Key benefits
- Quick and convenient meal solution
- Good source of carbohydrates for energy
- Low in fat per serving
- Contains dietary fiber
- Easy to portion control
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The tomato, a key ingredient in the sauce, was once thought to be poisonous in Europe and was initially grown as an ornamental plant before being widely accepted as food in the 18th century.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 72.7 g |
| Energy | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 19.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 16.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 45.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 173 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 338 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.35 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.09 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.90 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 2.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Folate, total | 43.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 33.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 66.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 9.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 15.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 184 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 5982 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 93.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.4 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.41 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.08 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.99 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.97 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 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 | 1.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is this a healthy meal option?
It can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with protein and vegetables, but it's relatively high in carbs and may be high in sodium. Checking the nutrition label for specific values is recommended.
How long does it last after opening?
Once opened, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
Can I add extra ingredients to it?
Yes, it's very versatile. You can add cooked chicken, beans, cheese, or extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and flavor.