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What to order at an Italian restaurant

Pasta, pizza, and more done light.

By Beth Janes O'Keefe
Last updated October 1, 2024
What to order at an Italian restaurant

Tracking tip: Search for a specific restaurant’s menu item first; if it’s not in the database, track a similar dish from a different restaurant.

Points-saving hacks

  1. Top basic pastas with 1 tbsp grated parm and red pepper flakes to add extra flavor for just 1 Points value.

  2. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies to any pasta to grow your 1-cup portion for 0 extra Points—or get veggies in place of a pasta side.

  3. If given a choice, go with hollow pasta like penne; a serving appears larger compared to solid noodles and saves 1 Points value per cup.

  4. Love creamy pasta? Vodka sauce—marinara with cream, butter, and vodka—is only 5 Points per ½ cup versus Alfredo’s 16.

  5. When ordering chicken dishes (parm, marsala, piccata), ask for grilled chicken in place of the standard breaded and fried.

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