Calories in Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta

📏 Serving Size: 1 Serving (214.0g)

🧪 Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
  • Calories 179.8
  • Total Fat 1.0 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.0 g
  • Cholesterol 19.3 mg
  • Sodium 280.3 mg
  • Potassium 0.0 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 31.0 g
  • Dietary Fiber 3.0 g
  • Sugars 11.0 g
  • Protein 12.0 g
Vitamins & Minerals
  • Vitamin A 1249.8 IU
  • Vitamin B-12 0.0 µg
  • Vitamin B-6 0.0 mg
  • Vitamin C 53.9 mg
  • Vitamin D 0.0 IU
  • Vitamin E 0.0 mg
  • Calcium 19.3 mg
  • Copper 0.0 mg
  • Folate 0.0 µg
  • Iron 1.4 mg
  • Magnesium 0.0 mg
  • Manganese 0.0 mg
  • Niacin 0.0 mg
  • Pantothenic Acid 0.0 mg
  • Phosphorus 0.0 mg
  • Riboflavin 0.0 mg
  • Thiamin 0.0 mg
  • Zinc 0.0 mg

Note: Nutrition information comes from the USDA Food Central Database. Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet (FDA). Actual requirements vary by individual. Use at your own risk.

📋 Nutrition Summary

With 179.8 calories per serving (1 Serving (214.0g)), Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta is a moderately calorie-dense food worth tracking if you're managing your intake. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source at 31.0g per serving (68.5% of calories), with a good 3.0g of dietary fiber.

🏷️ Diet & Nutrition Tags

✅ Low Fat

Tags are generated automatically from USDA nutrition data using standard dietary thresholds. They are for general guidance only and are not medical advice.

📝 Ingredients

Zucchini, Red Bell Pepper, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets, Water, Orzo (semolina [wheat], Durum Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron [ferrous Sulfate], Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Asparagus, Balsamic Fig Glaze (balsamic Vinegar, Sugar, Fructose, Corn Syrup, Fig Base [fig, Water, Citric Acid], Raisin Paste, Water, Modified Corn Starch, Contains Less than 2% of Salt, Xanthan Gum), Red Onion, Dijon Mustard (water, Mustard Seed, Vinegar, Salt, White Wine, Citric Acid, Turmeric, Tartaric Acid, Spices), Fajita Seasoning (blend of Salt, Sodium Phosphates [20.00%], Dextrose, Spices, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Less than 2% Tricalcium Phosphate Added as Anticaking Agent), Salt (salt, Yellow Prussiate of Soda, Sodium Thiosulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Bicarbonate).

🔬 Ingredient Analysis

⚠️ Emulsifiers / Stabilisers ℹ️ Fortified / Enriched

Emulsifiers / Stabilisers: Xanthan Gum, Modified Corn Starch

Fortification / Enrichment Agents: Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Iodide

Detected additives are based on the ingredient list in the USDA Food Central Database. Always read the full product label as formulations can change. Presence of these ingredients does not necessarily indicate a health risk — consult a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice. Fortification agents are synthetic vitamins or minerals added to restore nutrients lost during processing or to boost nutritional content. They are added for public health reasons and are widely considered safe.

🤖 AI Nutrition Coach

AI POWERED

Ask anything about Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta — how it fits your diet, what to pair it with, or how it compares nutritionally.

5 questions remaining

📊 % Daily Value

The following shows how one serving of Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta contributes to the recommended daily intake for key nutrients, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories179.8 kcal9%
Total Fat1.0 g1%
Cholesterol19.3 mg6%
Sodium280.3 mg12%
Total Carbohydrate31.0 g11%
Dietary Fiber3.0 g11%
Total Sugars11.0 g22%
Protein12.0 g24%
Vitamin A1249.8 IU25% ✅
Vitamin C53.9 mg60% ✅
Calcium19.3 mg1%
Iron1.4 mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ✅ marks ≥20% DV (FDA "good source" threshold); ⭐ marks ≥100% DV (a full day's value).

🔥 Calorie Analysis

Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta accounts for 9% of a standard 2,000 calorie daily diet per serving. The majority of the calories for this food comes from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates make up 68.5% of the calories.

Carbs 68.5%
Protein 26.5%
Fat 5% Carbs 68.5% Protein 26.5%

🏃 Exercise Burn Time

How long would it take to burn off the 179.8 calories in Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta? The table below shows burn time for a 170-pound person doing common exercises.

Exercise Minutes to Burn
Running: 10 minutes per mile 13.6 min
Walking: 17 minutes per mile 31.0 min
Cycling (Low Intensity) 19.7 min
HIIT 16.7 min
Badminton 25.5 min

Find more information on calories burned doing popular exercises.

💬 Nutrition Q&A: Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta

Is Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta good for weight loss?

This dish is relatively low in calories at 180 per serving and contains a good protein-to-calorie ratio that can help with satiety. However, the 31g of carbs and 11g of sugar are fairly substantial for the portion size, which may limit how filling it feels compared to higher-protein options.

Is Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta good for muscle building?

With 12g of protein per serving, this meal provides a modest amount but falls short of what's typically ideal for muscle-building goals, which usually benefit from 25-40g per meal. The low fat content (1g) also means you're missing out on important nutrients that support hormone production and recovery.

Is Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta good post-workout fuel?

The carb-to-protein ratio here leans heavily toward carbs (31g vs. 12g protein), making it better suited for replenishing energy stores than for optimal muscle recovery. You'd likely benefit from pairing this with an additional protein source to maximize the post-workout window.

Is Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta good fuel for endurance activities?

The balanced carbohydrates and moderate protein make this a reasonable option for fueling before or during endurance activities, especially since it includes vegetables for micronutrients. The 3g of fiber and modest sugar content mean it won't cause a dramatic blood sugar spike followed by a crash.

How might Balsamic Chicken and Orzo Pasta affect blood sugar?

While the dish contains 11g of sugar, the 3g of fiber and 12g of protein help moderate its glycemic impact. The balsamic glaze does add sweetness, but the overall carb quality from orzo and vegetables suggests this won't cause a sharp blood sugar spike in most people.

Nutrition Q&A answers are based on USDA nutritional data and are for general informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice.

📰 Featured Blog Post

Lowest Calorie Fruits Ranked Lowest Calorie Fruits Ranked

Not all fruits are equal when it comes to calories. While all fruits are nutritious, some are significantly lower in calories than others — making them ideal for weight loss, low-calorie snacking, and high-volume eating.

Read Post →