Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When it comes to pasta, there are endless options! Pasta bolognese, carbonara, marinara, pesto, penne, spaghetti…and so much more. But can pasta fit into a kidney-friendly diet? Yes, it can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What Should You Know About Pasta?
Pasta originates from Italy and is typically made from flour and egg or water. This tasty dish mainly contains carbohydrates, but it also contains some protein. It is typically considered a low-sodium and low-fat food.
Here is the nutrition information for 1 cup (or 2 ounces) of cooked rotini pasta:
- 169 calories
- 6 gm protein
- 1 gm fat
- 33 gm carbohydrates
- 2 gm fiber
Pasta in Your Chronic Kidney Disease Diet
If you have CKD, you may be following a low-protein diet. Pasta is typically a lower protein food, making it a great base for your meal. If you have diabetes and CKD, remember that enjoying balanced meals is important for blood sugar control.
It may be helpful for you to include more fiber, fat, and protein to your pasta dishes for blood sugar control. Please speak with a renal dietitian to make sure you are on the right kidney-friendly diet for your body.
Types of Pasta: Which Are Better for CKD?
There are so many different types of pasta in the grocery store. From white pasta to whole wheat to bean-based pasta. While the shape of the pasta does not typically alter the nutritional status, the ingredients in the pasta do. Which one is right for you if you have CKD? Let’s break it down together:
- Regular white pasta - typically lower in potassium, protein, and fiber.
- Whole wheat or whole grain pasta - typically higher in potassium, protein, and fiber
- Bean-based pasta (black bean, chickpea, edamame, lentil, etc.) - typically highest in potassium, protein, and fiber
- Egg-based pasta (egg noodles) - typically lower in potassium and fiber but moderate in protein
Which Pasta is Right for You?
Everyone with CKD has different nutrient needs, so what works best for you might not work for someone else with CKD. For example, not everyone with CKD needs to follow a low-potassium diet. If you need to follow a low-potassium diet, white or whole wheat/whole grain may be better than chickpea or edamame pasta.
With that being said, portion size here is also key. If you love to enjoy a higher potassium or higher protein pasta, try having a smaller portion. You could also have half whole wheat or white pasta and half bean-based pasta to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds!
Pasta Sauces and Chronic Kidney Disease
Pasta is very low in sodium because it is typically made with flour, water, and eggs. When following a low-sodium diet with CKD, paying attention to your pasta sauce and toppings is more important than the pasta itself!
When you are choosing a sauce for your pasta, it’s essential to read the nutrition label. Aim for pasta sauces that are considered low sodium. This means that they contain less than 140mg of sodium per serving. If you are not adding any salt to your pasta dish, then it’s okay to choose sauces that are higher in sodium, but keep in mind your portion size.
Kidney-Friendly Sauce Options
Some of my favorite low-sodium pasta sauces for CKD are:
- Silver Palate low sodium marinara sauce
- Victoria’s low sodium marinara sauce
- Yo Mama’s Marinara Magnifica
- Franceso Rinaldi no salt added sauce
- Sprouts no salt added sauce
Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipes
Instead of using store-bought sauces, you can also make your own from scratch. This way, you are in control of the ingredients you are adding and their sodium content. Check out some of my favorite lower-sodium sauce recipes below.
How to Make a Balanced Meal with Pasta for Your Chronic Kidney Disease
When it comes to making a balanced meal with pasta, adding fiber, healthy fats, and a small amount of protein can be helpful. Why? This helps to keep you well nourished, full, and satisfied, and it also helps to control blood sugars. Here are some easy ways to make a balanced pasta dish:
- Pasta + broccoli + olive oil and garlic + grilled tofu
- Pasta + red pepper sauce + spinach + pine nuts
- Pasta + pesto + arugula + grilled chicken
- Half regular pasta + half zucchini noodles + marinara sauce + fresh mozzarella cheese
CKD-Friendly Pasta Recipes
Some of my favorite kidney-friendly pasta recipes are below:
- Pasta primavera
- Pasta aglio e olio
- Low sodium pasta salad
- Low sodium spaghetti
- Baked cauliflower and broccoli mac and cheese
The Bottom Line for Pasta and Chronic Kidney Disease
Surprisingly, pasta is a kidney-friendly food and can be enjoyed when you have CKD. That said, what you add to pasta (sauces, toppings, cheese, etc.) can increase your meal's potassium, protein, and sodium content.
If you follow a low-sodium, protein, or potassium diet, it’s important to keep this in mind. Try choosing lower-sodium sauces and adding vegetables and plant-based proteins to your favorite pasta dishes to make them more kidney-friendly. Enjoy!
