Alfredo Noodles with Chicken
Fettuccini and powdered alfredo sauce that actually rehydrate into something textured, not gluey.
- calories
- 280
- weight
- 5 oz
- cal / oz
- 56
- protein
- 22 g
- serves
- 1, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 13 min
- total time
- 15 min
- water
- 355 ml boiled
- cost
- $$
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Canister stove
- Alcohol / Esbit
- Backpacking
- Thru-hike
- One pot
- Grab and go
- Shelf stable
- Dump and stir
Ingredients
| Fettuccini pasta with egg | 2.5 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered alfredo sauce | 1.5 oz | |
| Freeze-dried chicken | 0.75 oz | |
| Freeze-dried red bell pepper | 0.25 oz |
Method
- Boil 355 ml of water.
- Pour the pasta, sauce, chicken, and pepper into your pot or mug.
- Add the boiling water and stir very thoroughly. The sauce will begin thickening at once.
- Cover and let sit for 13 minutes. Give it 15 at altitude or in cold weather.
- Stir well before eating. The pasta and sauce separate if left alone.
Powdered alfredo sauce rehydrates better than cream-based versions do on the trail, and small freeze-dried chicken pieces reconstitute without turning to paste. The pasta-to-sauce ratio is dialed in, which is rare in dehydrated meals; most are either soup or concrete. Fresh alfredo is either too rich or too thin. This version splits the difference.
The steep time is non-negotiable. Rushing leaves hard noodles. The 15-minute version at altitude or in cold isn’t wasted time—it’s the minimum the pasta needs to fully soften. Stir well before eating. The sauce and pasta separate if they sit, and a quick stir brings them back together.
Packing
Mix pasta, sauce, chicken, and pepper into a single quart freezer bag at home. Combine them right before use or let them mingle overnight without water.
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder if you carry them.
- A packet of powdered parmesan isn't necessary but won't hurt.
https://trailcooking.com/2023/05/26/commercial-meal-review-backpackers-pantry-fettuccini-alfredo-with-chicken