Carrabba’s Italian Grill Nutrition Facts
| Food | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arancini | 430 | 12 | 22 | > |
| Antipasti Plate with Bruschette Paolo | 920 | 40 | 61 | > |
| Appletini | 150 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Bacon and Caramelized Onion Flatbread | 650 | 30 | 36 | > |
| Arnold Palmer with Unsweetened Iced Tea | 80 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Arnold Palmer with Sweet Tea | 110 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Blackberry Sangria | 260 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Baked Ravioli Parmesan | 810 | 34 | 42 | > |
| Bread with Herbs and Oil | 300 | 6 | 14 | > |
| Brick Oven Baked Fontina Bruschette (Seasonal) | 570 | 23 | 39 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Black Olives | 45 | 0 | 5 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Cheese Only | 650 | 27 | 23 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Meatballs | 230 | 20 | 14 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Pepperoni | 80 | 4 | 7 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Red Onions | 15 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Sauteed Mushrooms | 40 | 2 | 3 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Sausage | 170 | 17 | 11 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Roasted Red Peppers | 5 | 0 | 0 | > |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | 790 | 47 | 59 | > |
| Caesar Salad | 610 | 15 | 55 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Whole Milk Mozzarella | 240 | 15 | 21 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Sundried Tomatoes | 90 | 3 | 9 | > |
| Build Your Own Pizza, Tomato Roma | 45 | 2 | 1 | > |
| Caffe Latte with Almond Biscotti | 110 | 6 | 4 | > |
| Caesar Salad with Shrimp with Light Balsamic Vinaigrette | 280 | 29 | 11 | > |
| Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Regular | 940 | 32 | 66 | > |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken with Light Balsamic Vinaigrette | 360 | 41 | 13 | > |
| Caesar Salad with Light Balsamic Vinaigrette | 180 | 9 | 9 | > |
| Caesar Salad with Shrimp | 710 | 35 | 57 | > |
| Caprese Panini | 520 | 20 | 28 | > |
| Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Small | 670 | 22 | 49 | > |
| Calamari with Spicy Italian Peppers and Lemon Butter, Small | 1260 | 22 | 107 | > |
| Cappuccino with Almond Biscotti | 100 | 4 | 3 | > |
| Calamari with Spicy Italian Peppers and Lemon Butter, Regular | 1510 | 29 | 126 | > |
| Caprese Panini, Half | 370 | 19 | 21 | > |
| Carrabba’s Italian Classics | 700 | 59 | 38 | > |
| Caprese Panini with Chicken, Half | 350 | 26 | 16 | > |
| Caprese Panini with Chicken | 700 | 52 | 33 | > |
| Chicken Bryan Panini | 730 | 37 | 42 | > |
| Carnevale Pizza | 710 | 32 | 27 | > |
| Chicken Bryan, Regular | 620 | 59 | 40 | > |
| Chicken Bryan, Small | 420 | 36 | 29 | > |
| Chicken Bryan Panini, Half | 370 | 19 | 21 | > |
| Chicken Bryan Pizza | 900 | 44 | 45 | > |
| Chicken Marsala, Regular | 460 | 53 | 23 | > |
| Chicken Marsala, Small | 330 | 33 | 19 | > |
| Chicken Parmesan Panini | 730 | 37 | 42 | > |
| Chicken Parmesan Panini, Half | 370 | 19 | 21 | > |
| Chicken Parmesan, Regular (without Cavatappi Amatriciana) | 640 | 72 | 29 | > |
| Chicken Trio | 940 | 93 | 57 | > |
Serving Italian food with a Western twist, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a popular spot for family dinners or late night get-togethers across the country. From pasta to a variety of grilled meats and seafood, there are many tasty dishes to try at this chain of restaurants. But, as with most restaurants, it can be difficult to monitor the amount of butter, salt, cream, and other fats that make Carrabba’s menu meals so delicious.
We spoke with Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN, CLT, to help decipher the dishes on Carrabba’s menu to find the healthier and less healthy options at your disposal. Ellisha H./Yelp 250 calories, 16 g fat (9 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1090 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 22 g protein
Grilled asparagus wrapped in ham is a small dish, similar to a side, that offers an attractive way to infuse some veggies and protein into your meal.
“Most of us don’t focus on veggies when we eat out, but this is a really tasty way to get in some veggies but with the added protein of the ham,” says Pine. It’s also ideal for anyone limiting carbs in their diet.
Michael A./Yelp 1,200 calories, 89 g fat (28 g saturated fat, 6 g trans fat), 3,390 mg sodium, 72 g carbs (8 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 30 g protein
Typically, appetizers are shared between everyone at the table. But even so, calamari paired with two decadent sauces can actually exceed your daily nutritional goals in just one meal, and that’s before the main course comes out.
“Unless you’re sharing this appetizer with a bunch of friends, you’re better off skipping this one,” says Pine. ‘Not only does it have 1,200 calories, but also six grams of trans fat. We want to avoid trans fat at all costs because it can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower HDL (good) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. Seeing a plate with six grams of trans fat is obscene. It also contains the same amount of sodium as approximately 300 potato chips! ‘
Even split among friends, this trans fat-laden snack should be avoided, especially if you want to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.
Greyson N./Yelp 120 calories, 4.5 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 680 mg sodium, 16 g carbs (5 g fiber, 0 g sugar) , 5 g of protein
Soup is a great option as a side dish, starter or a full meal. Pine recommends the cup of minestrone soup for a healthier, lighter option to start your meal.
“It’s low in calories, sugar-free and has 5 grams of fiber to help fill you up so you eat less of the entree,” she said. From there, you can take the leftovers for another meal. Win / Win.
If you prefer a salad as your starter, though, Johnny Rocco is a delicious protein-packed option, though it should still serve as an occasional choice because of its high sodium count, coming in at 1,800 milligrams.
‘Aside from the sodium, the numbers on this starter salad look pretty good,’ Pine said. ‘Five hundred and forty calories is a respectable amount of intake, as is 28 grams of protein from seafood, plus a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. With 11 grams of carbs, it can even satisfy the low-carb crowd. ‘
Catherine S./Yelp 890 calories, 37 g fat (21 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 1,640 mg sodium, 87 g carbs (5 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 45 g of protein
It’s no secret that pizza isn’t often a healthy option on a menu, so you can probably guess that the famous Chicken Bryan Pizza at Carrabba’s is one of the least nutritious options available in the pizza, soup, and salad sections.
‘Pizza isn’t exactly a healthy food, but if you’re opting for a pie, Chicken Bryan Pizza probably isn’t the best choice,’ says Pine. ‘It’s the only pizza that contains trans fat and has roughly the amount of saturated fat that the average person eating 2,000 calories a day would do in an entire day.’
But don’t trust just any salad as a good-for-you option either. Some of the salads, like the Italian chicken salad, are actually one of the worst meals for your health, even though they seem like a healthy choice.
‘Eleven grams of sugar in a salad seems a little high to me, as does the 870 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat. There are [there are] more calories in this salad than chicken Parmesan,’ says Pine.
Clyde E./Yelp 630 calories, 11 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 2010 mg sodium, 112 g carbs (23 g fiber, 17 g sugar), 23 g protein
Pasta is not always a bad option! Sometimes the large amounts of excess fat and calories are actually hiding in the sauce. That’s why options like whole-grain spaghetti with Pomodoro sauce are a little healthier, although you’ll still want to be mindful of sodium levels.
“At 630 calories, this whole-grain pasta dish is still high in sodium, but it has the fewest calories and saturated fat of any other pasta dish on the menu,” says Pine. “Also, it has 23 grams of fiber. Portions are large, so it’s best to order a to-go box. ‘
Courtesy Carrabba’s 1,510 calories, 81 g fat (42 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 3,610 mg sodium, 118 g carbs (24 g fiber, 16 g sugar), 76 g of protein
Wholegrain pasta sounds healthy, and it can be, but this deceptive dish is full of harmful fats, sodium, and calories.
“Just because this pasta dish has wholegrain pasta doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” says Pine. ‘There’s the equivalent amount of saturated fat in six tablespoons of butter and the same amount of salt as eating about 15 spears of dill pickles!’
Jean L./Yelp 290 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 790 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 52 g protein
Grilled chicken is often praised for its health benefits, and luckily, Carrabba’s offers delicious grilled Tuscan chicken that’s very low in carbs and calories and pairs well with healthier small plates, side dishes, or salads.
Pine said those who are concerned about their sodium intake can try ordering the meat without adding salt to the chicken.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill / Facebook 690 calories, 34 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 1,950 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (7 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 69 g of protein Chicken is generally considered a lean protein that’s good for health, but when it’s smothered in soda sauce and a large amount of fatty melted cheese, the health benefits are quickly lost.
Pine noted that chicken parmesan doesn’t have the most calories in this menu category, but calories don’t always determine nutritional value. She explained that this dish has the highest amounts of saturated and trans fats, as well as sodium, which almost exceeds the recommended daily limit.
Shutterstock210 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1780 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 37 g protein
For a lean option that’s low in calories and fat, Jobs still offers plenty of flavor thanks to its grilled exterior.
“At just 210 calories, this main course gives you plenty of wiggle room for other items in the meal,” Pine explained. ‘My only complaint is the high amount of sodium at 1,780 milligrams. Try asking the kitchen to use less salt than usual when salting your fish. ‘ Courtesy of Carrabba’s Italian Grill970 calories, 65 g fat (18 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 2,610 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (4 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 55 g protein Just as chicken parmesan is the most unhealthy option in the chicken category, shrimp parmesan does not bode well for the seafood category. Pine explained that the calories in this dish alone are about half of what an average person should consume in an entire day, and the amount of sodium is similar to dumping a full teaspoon of salt into the meal.
T.C./Yelp 320 calories, 19 g fat (8 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 400 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 34 g protein
Grilled beef is a tasty way to meet your protein needs, and the 6-ounce Tuscan Grilled Sirloin is just the right size, with less calories and sodium than most other things in this category and on the entire menu.
“Protein portions at restaurants are often very large, so I would go for this 180-gram sirloin with 320 calories,” Pine said. ‘Loin is also a leaner option, with less fat than loin eye. Since the entrees come with soup or salad, this steak would allow you to eat one of them without breaking the calorie bank. Or, for an extra cost, you can substitute grilled asparagus for the soup or salad. I really love the fact that there’s only 400 milligrams of sodium in this option, which is pretty good for a restaurant dish. I ordered the simply grilled version, which is prepared with Mr. C’s Grill Baste, olive oil and herbs. ‘
While there is an option to add a topping, Pine suggests skipping it to avoid excess calories, fat, and sodium.
Shutterstock 1,030 calories, 59 g fat (21 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 2,430 mg sodium, 9 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 108 g protein
It’s obvious that ordering two pork chops, a fatty cut of beef, with a rich, creamy topping, will be loaded with fat and sodium. If you decide to indulge, it’s best to share your plate with someone.
“That monster protein serving of two chops with the extra topping will cost you 1,030 calories, 21 grams of saturated fat, and 2,430 milligrams of sodium,” warns Pine. – And that’s without the soup or salad that comes with the dish. That’s more sodium than recommended in an entire day and equivalent to eating approximately seven spears of dill pickles.
Shutterstock25 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 2 g protein
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish packed with nutritional benefits, steamed asparagus is your best bet.
‘Steamed asparagus is the perfect choice for a healthy side dish,’ Pine said. “It’s packed with vitamins like C, A, K and folate, and it’s very low in calories. This is the perfect choice to accompany your protein. ‘
Rachel B./Yelp 690 calories, 49 g fat (33 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 860 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 18 g protein
Fettuccine Alfredo is known for its creamy, cheesy, high-calorie, fatty sauce. This side dish is no exception, which is alarming, especially since it’s meant to be just that—a side dish that accompanies a full meal.
“This side dish is more like an entree with nearly 700 calories and 33 grams of saturated fat from cream and cheese,” says Pine. Comparatively, for someone who eats 2,000 calories a day, it is recommended to consume no more than 20 grams of saturated fat. This excess saturated fat can cause problems for the heart and arteries.
Precious L./Yelp 470 calories, 186 g fat (22 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 85 mg sodium, 40 g carbs (2 g fiber, 24 g sugar), 7 g protein
You don’t have to completely avoid cannoli if you want an after-dinner treat. Just be sure to reserve it for occasional consumption – and forgo the cake option.
‘With 470 calories and 24 grams of sugar, cannoli is by far the least offensive choice on the dessert list,’ Pine said.
After a lean protein meal like Simply Grilled Mahi or Tuscan Grilled Chicken with a salad or steamed asparagus, cannoli can play a big part in a nutritious meal at Carrabba’s – it can nourish your soul!
