Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin isn’t afraid of carbs — in fact, she credits them as essential fuel for her elite training and race-day performance. The 30-year-old alpine skiing superstar, fresh off her dominant slalom gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games (her third Olympic gold overall), has long championed pasta as a powerhouse recovery meal that keeps her energized and ready to attack the slopes.
“Pasta gives me energy. It’s like caffeine for me,” Shiffrin once shared in a candid interview. “I always have pasta after a race and after training to fuel me up and get me ready for tomorrow.” For the champion skier, carbs aren’t the enemy — they’re the reliable boost that powers her through grueling sessions and high-stakes competitions. Whether it’s a post-training bowl or a pre-race carb-load, pasta remains a staple in her diet, helping her maintain the stamina needed to dominate technical events like slalom.
To celebrate her love of the dish, Shiffrin previously partnered with brands and shared simple, nutritious recipes that blend flavor with performance benefits. One standout favorite? Spring Peas & Basil Pesto Spaghetti — a fresh, vibrant pasta that’s quick to make and packed with veggies, herbs, and cheese for balanced recovery nutrition.
Spring Peas & Basil Pesto Spaghetti (Serves 7 | Hands-on: 15 min | Total: 25 min)
Ingredients:
1 box whole grain spaghetti (e.g., Barilla Whole Grain)
1 cup spring peas
10 fresh basil leaves
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 ice cubes (for blanching peas)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
In a separate bowl, blanch the peas briefly in boiling water, then shock them in ice water to preserve color and crispness. Drain.
In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, Parmesan, olive oil, and blanched peas. Pulse into a smooth pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Drain pasta and toss with the pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes for brightness and extra texture.
Serve warm — simple, delicious, and perfect for refueling after a big day on the mountain!
This light yet satisfying dish highlights seasonal ingredients while delivering the carbs Shiffrin swears by for sustained energy. Whether you’re an athlete chasing goals or just craving a wholesome meal, her approach proves that smart fueling can be both tasty and effective.
From the podium to the plate, Mikaela Shiffrin continues to inspire — proving that greatness starts with what you put on your fork (and plate)! Who’s ready to cook up this champion-approved pasta? Tag a friend and drop your fave carb-loading dish below! 🍝🏔️❤️
