# Basil Pesto Alfredo Pasta With Chicken

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** WHOLE FOODS MARKET
- **Retailer listed:** Whole Foods
- **Category:** prepared-foods/prepared-meals
- **Listed price:** $13.99
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/whole-foods-basil-pesto-alfredo-pasta-with-chicken
- **Slug:** `whole-foods-basil-pesto-alfredo-pasta-with-chicken`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

This is a ready-to-heat multi-component meal with industrially processed sauces and additives (preservative nisin, rice starch, anti-caking powdered cellulose, acidifiant) and enriched pasta, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) due to industrial formulation and processing.

## Review

You might pull this from the prepared meals or refrigerated/frozen dinner section when you want a quick, restaurant-style pasta for a weeknight or easy weekend meal. It reads indulgent and comforting, but the long multi-component ingredient list (enriched pasta, industrial sauces) and additives like rice starch, nisin, powdered cellulose and ascorbic acid signal factory-formulated textures, stabilizers and shelf-life tweaks typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA hints).

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1 serving
- **Servings per container:** 4
- **Calories:** 580
- **Total fat:** 30g (38% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 12g (60% DV)
- **Trans fat:** 0g
- **Cholesterol:** 70mg (23% DV)
- **Sodium:** 1700mg (74% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 51g (19% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 4g (14% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 6g
- **Protein:** 25g

## Ingredients

Alfredo Sauce (half & half [milk, cream], parmesan cheese [pasteurized cow's milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], butter [cream, salt], roasted garlic, rice starch, sea salt, spices, nisin) Penne Pasta (durum wheat semolina, niacin, ferrous sulphate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Roasted Peppers (red peppers, water, salt, citric acid) Pesto Sauce (sunflower oil, basil, parmesan cheese [milk, salt, milk-clotting enzyme, starter cultures], extra virgin olive oil, pine nut, lemon juice, water, garlic puree, salt, acidifiant [ascorbic acid]) Shredded Parmesan (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, powdered cellulose [anti-caking]) Italian/flat Leaf Parsley Olive Oil Kosher Salt Black Pepper.

## Flagged ingredients

- **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, weekend-brunch, movie-night
- **Vibes:** indulgent, convenient, comforting

## FAQ

### Is the Basil Pesto Alfredo Pasta With Chicken healthy?

That depends on your perspective! With 25 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving, it's a solid choice for a quick meal. However, it does pack in 580 calories and 1700 mg of sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake or calories, you might want to savor it occasionally rather than daily.

### Is it vegan?

Nope, the Basil Pesto Alfredo Pasta is definitely not vegan. It features ingredients like chicken, butter, and parmesan cheese, all of which come from animals. So, if you're following a plant-based diet, it's best to skip this one.

### Is it gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this pasta dish isn't gluten-free. The penne pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, which contains gluten. If you're sensitive to gluten or celiac, you'll want to look for a gluten-free alternative instead.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically sunflower oil in the pesto sauce. Seed oils can be a bit of a hot topic, but they’re often used in dressings and sauces for their light flavor and texture. Just remember, moderation is key, and they’re not the worst thing you can find in a prepared meal!

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in this pasta dish. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, focusing on real ingredients like garlic and parmesan. So, if you're avoiding those sweeteners, you can enjoy this dish without worry.

### Is it high in sugar?

Not at all! The Basil Pesto Alfredo Pasta has only 6 grams of total sugars, which is quite low for a meal. This means you can enjoy it without that sugary guilt, making it a decent option for those watching their sugar intake.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider making your own pasta dish at home with whole grain pasta and a homemade pesto using fresh herbs and nuts. You could also try a veggie-based pasta or a protein-rich option like lentil pasta for a boost. It’s all about balance and finding what works for your lifestyle!

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! The Basil Pesto Alfredo Pasta is generally kid-friendly, thanks to its creamy sauce and familiar flavors. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if your little ones are sensitive to sodium or calories.

### Is it good for weight loss?

While this pasta dish is not low-calorie, it does provide a good amount of protein, which can help keep you feeling full. If you're on a weight loss journey, enjoy it in moderation and pair it with a side of veggies to up the fiber and nutrients!

### Is it ultra-processed?

This dish falls somewhere in the middle of the processing spectrum. It does contain processed ingredients, like the Alfredo sauce and pesto, but it’s not as heavily processed as some other convenience foods. It’s all about finding that balance — sometimes a little processing is okay for a quick meal!

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