Olive Garden Spaghetti And Meatballs Calories
Italian cuisine has always been a favorite among foodies. Olive Garden, an American-Italian restaurant chain, is known for its delicious pasta dishes, especially the spaghetti and meatballs. But if you're watching your calorie intake, you may wonder if it's worth it to indulge in this classic dish. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Olive Garden spaghetti and meatballs calories and determine if it's a healthy choice.
What Are The Nutritional Facts?
According to the Olive Garden website, a serving of spaghetti and meatballs (including the marinara sauce) contains 780 calories, 28 grams of fat, 96 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of protein. It also has 1,960 milligrams of sodium, which is almost the entire recommended daily intake. It's worth noting that this serving size is quite large, so if you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to split it with someone or take half of it home.
How Does It Compare To Other Pasta Dishes?
When it comes to calorie count, spaghetti and meatballs is not the healthiest pasta option. For example, a serving of fettuccine alfredo has 1,220 calories and 75 grams of fat, and a serving of chicken carbonara has 1,590 calories and 114 grams of fat. However, there are also healthier pasta dishes on the Olive Garden menu, such as the linguine di mare, which contains only 610 calories and has a significant amount of seafood and vegetables.
Is It Possible To Make It Healthier?
If you're determined to enjoy Olive Garden spaghetti and meatballs, there are a few things you can do to make it healthier. First, you can ask for whole wheat pasta instead of the regular one. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and lower in calories, which can help you feel fuller for longer. You can also ask for less sauce or skip the sauce altogether to reduce your calorie intake. Finally, you can ask for extra vegetables (such as spinach or broccoli) to add more nutrients to your meal.
Conclusion
Olive Garden spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by many, but it's not the healthiest option on the menu. A serving contains a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium, which can easily exceed your recommended daily intake. If you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider other pasta dishes or split the serving with someone. However, if you're determined to enjoy it, there are ways to make it healthier, such as opting for whole wheat pasta and adding extra vegetables.
