Ways to Fit Pasta Into Your Diet

Who doesn’t crave a big bowl of spaghetti every now and then? But then comes the question of how to fit it into a smart diet plan.

The answer is portion control.

On average, one cup of cooked pasta has between 180 and 220 calories. But that number can change depending on how long you cook it: The more water it absorbs, the fewer calories it has by measure. Also, it’s very likely that you’re putting far more than one cup of pasta in your dinner bowl, and a near certainty that restaurant portions are up to three times the size of that suggested serving.

For the most accurate count when you’re cooking at home, weigh the pasta dry and count 100 calories for each ounce you’re having. (Do choose whole grain pasta for its nutrients.) Depending on what you’ll add to it, you can generally have 2 to 3 ounces, which will cook up to a filling meal. (Be sure to make note of what that amount of pasta looks like when cooked so that you know how much to eat when facing a supersized plate at a restaurant.)

The key rule, home and away, is to keep pasta dishes light. Skip sauces made with butter, cream and heavy amounts of cheese in favor of tomato sauces. Cherry tomato halves, chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil are smart options. If you have more time, add steamed vegetables like broccoli.

Another way to stretch a pasta portion is to add an equal amount of vegetable spirals made with the kitchen tool called a spiralizer. Carrots, zucchini and summer squash are low-calorie options to try.

You can still get tangy cheese flavor by sprinkling one tablespoon of grated Parmesan on your pasta dish. It has just 22 calories and, by adding it after your dish is fully prepared, its flavor won’t get lost among the other ingredients.

More information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Mixing Bowl has many healthy pasta recipes, including simple pasta salads.