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Alfredo Pasta

🥛 Vegetarian

A creamy, protein-rich pasta dish perfect for refueling after a long day on the trail. The combination of pasta, pea protein, and creamy alfredo sauce makes for a satisfying meal.

Alfredo Pasta
878
Calories
233g
Weight
44.3g
Protein
15m
Prep Time
1
Servings

Adjust Calories

878
calories
439 cal (0.5x)100%2634 cal (3x)

Ingredients

  • Angel Hair Pasta Noodles
    150g • 536 cal • 21g proteinor 1 ½ cup
  • Texturized Pea Protein
    12g • 51 cal • 9.7g proteinor 4 tbsp
  • Walnuts (Optional)
    11g • 71 cal • 1.6g protein
  • Freeze-Dried Peas (Optional)
    11g • 43 cal • 2.8g proteinor 4 tbsp
  • Alfredo Sauce Packet
    44g • 140 cal • 8g protein
  • Powdered Oat Milk
    11g • 60 cal • 1g proteinor 1 tbsp
  • Garlic Powder
    1 tsp
  • Nutritional Yeast
    5g • 20 cal • 3g proteinor 1 tbsp
  • Salt
    ½ tsp
  • Black Pepper
    ¼ tsp

Prep Instructions

  1. 1To a sandwich size plastic bag add pasta, texturized pea protien, walnuts and freezed dried peas if using.
  2. 2In a small plastic bag add the powdered alfredo sauce packet, powdered oat milk, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. Add a few chili pepper flakes if you want a little spice. Seal the bag and place the powder bag in the pasta bag. Seal up the pasta bag and you're ready to hit the trail!

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1When you're ready to eat, bring 14oz (~400ml) water to a boil
  2. 2Add angel hair pasta and let it sit in the boiled water (turn off heat) for 8-10 minutes
  3. 3When it is done cooking you should have about 4 TBSP of water left in the pot, if you're pasta is still swimming in water drain some out. Pour your powdered sauce mixture into the pasta and stir, if needed add another TBSP of water. Enjoy!

✨ Notes

Walnuts and freeze dried peas are optional in this recipe (note that not using them or using one and not the other may change the calorie/protein/weight). I like the bit of crunch from the walnuts and the freshness from the peas but you should customize it to your tastes! For the Alfredo Sauce Packet I like Simply Organic's (available at Safeway, Whole Foods, QFC and Walmart).

About This Recipe

This Alfredo Pasta is a hearty, protein-packed version of the classic Italian dish, making it perfect for backpacking and trail meals. The addition of texturized pea protein and nutritional yeast boosts the protein content without adding excessive weight, while the pasta provides the carbohydrates.

The combination of ingredients creates a complete meal with balanced macronutrients—carbs for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and healthy fats from walnuts for sustained fuel.

Tips

  • Prep at home: Pre-portion the pasta, pea protein, walnuts, and other dry ingredients into a plastic bag to minimize packing weight
  • Freeze-dried peas: These are optional but add a nice texture and fresh flavor; they rehydrate quickly in the hot pasta
  • Easy cleanup: Mix in a lightweight aluminum pot to minimize clean up. You could also pack the pasta in a mylar bag, but since I'm already bringing a pot I like to save the weight and size in my pack and just pack the food in a lightweight plastic bag.

Storage

Keep all dry ingredients sealed in a their bag. This recipe will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks on the trail as long as it stays dry. The Alfredo sauce packet should be kept dry and away from moisture. It may start to clump if it gets a little moisture but should still rehydrate (might require a little more mixing).

Nutritional Benefits

  • Pasta: Quick-digesting carbohydrates for immediate energy
  • Texturized Pea Protein: Complete plant protein for muscle recovery and maintenance
  • Walnuts: Omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats for sustained energy
  • Nutritional Yeast: B vitamins and additional protein for energy metabolism
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy comfort that adds tasty goodness

Customization Options

  • Increase vegetables: Add dried mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or any dried or freeze dried veggies you have
  • Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for more flavor
  • Protein boost: Mix in 1-2 tbsp of hemp seeds or additional nutritional yeast for extra protein

Brands Used

If you want to match the exact recipe, here are the specific products I used:

  • De Cecco Angel Hair Pasta
  • Puris Pantry Texturized Pea Protein
  • Mother Earth Products Freeze Dried Peas
  • Simply Organic Alfredo Sauce
  • Anthony's Premium Oat Milk Powder