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Trader Joe's Cacio E Pepe Ravioli Review: The Pasta That Slapped Me with Cheese and Pepper (and I Liked It)

Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli features pillowy pasta stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, kicked up with cracked black pepper. Each 8.8-ounce refrigerated package rings up around $3.49, and the ravioli come shaped like tiny golden suns ready to brighten your dinner plate.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli

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Review

Let's be clear: this ravioli doesn't tiptoe in with subtle flavors-it kicks the door down holding a wedge of cheese in one hand and a pepper mill in the other.

The pasta is thin and delicate, which cooks quickly without turning mushy. Inside, the filling is rich and salty with the distinct tang of Pecorino Romano. The ricotta adds creaminess, while the black pepper is no wallflower-it's bold and lingers in a way that screams "I'm the main character."

If you're into Cacio e Pepe, this is basically its ravioli-shaped cousin who just got back from a study abroad trip in Rome and can't stop talking about it. If you're sensitive to spice, the pepper might punch a little too hard. But if you like drama in your food, this one delivers.

Like many other ravioli flavors in the refrigerated case, this one is a solid choice.

How to Serve

Classic & Simple: Toss with browned butter, more cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Creamy Upgrade: Heat with a splash of cream and lemon zest for a decadent sauce.
Olive Oil & Herbs: Drizzle with good olive oil and chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Creative Uses

Crispy Ravioli Appetizer: Pan-fry until golden and serve with a garlicky dip.
Pasta Salad (but make it bougie): Chill, toss with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Ravioli Gratin: Layer with béchamel and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and browned.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli

FAQs about Trader Joe's Cacio E Pepe Ravioli

Below are some common questions about this product:

How do you make Trader Joe's Cacio e pepe ravioli?

Have a pot of boiling salted water. Add the ravioli. The ravioli should be cooked in 3-4 minutes

Is it spicy?

It's not hot spicy, but the black pepper is bold and lingers.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. You can freeze it, just be sure to cook it straight from frozen and adjust cook time.

How many servings are in a package?

It says three-but it's more like one and a half if you've had a long day and need comfort.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli is a strong contender for weeknight MVP. If you love bold cheese and aren't afraid of a little black pepper drama, this is a fast, flavorful option that brings comfort food vibes with minimal effort. Just maybe grab two packs-because one probably won't be enough.

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Trader Joe's Citronella Candle

While summer may be over, I find that I actually spend more time outside during the Fall. For me, New York humidity makes it so hard to sit outside. And yes, some days are pretty unbearable.

Testing this out

And not for anything, the mosquitos here in New York are pretty darn intolerable as well.

Thus, the last time I was at Trader Joe's I found this citronella candle. Normally, I've never found them to work well, but for $4.99, what did I have to lose?

Well, I'll tell you this much, this citronella candle is far more potent than other ones that I've tried. And when the can says to extinguish after 2 hours, they aren't kidding.

I went out to my deck a couple of hours later and you could still smell the aftermath of this candle. And that was with a decent breeze. Anyone who stepped on the deck asked if the candle was still lit.

Now, some people seem to attract mosquitos more than others. I feel like I am a human magnet for them.

The last few times I've sat on the deck I was basically chased inside because of the bugs.

But with this candle, it seemed to be potent enough to keep them away. I can say that I wasn't bit once while I sat outside for 4 hours.

It's not exactly a scientific experiment on the efficacy of this candle. But to be able to sit outside for a while was nice for a change.

Now, I will warn you this candle is potent. So if you are repelled by strong aromas, then you too might be chased inside by this candle.

My only other complaint with this is once you pop open this can, there is no cover. Any candle with an aroma I always feel it is best to cover it once again. I did buy two of these so one candle is covering up the other.

But if the container is correct, you should be able to burn this about 14 times before it runs out. That I haven't tested.

Overall

But overall, I'd repurchase Trader Joe's Citronella Candle. It got the job done. But feel free to put some space between you and it because of its strong aroma.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The visual rundown

Trader Joe's Citronella Candle:

Instructions

Directions for using Trader Joe's Citronella Candle

Warnings about Trader Joe's Citronella Candle

What this looks like opened up:

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Fiochetti with Pink Sauce Review: Pasta So Good I’d Ghost Spaghetti for It

Meet the pasta mashup you didn't know you needed: cheese-filled fiocchetti sunk into that dreamy pink sauce that's part tomato, part cream, and all cozy. You toss it in a skillet or microwave, and in about ten minutes, you have something that feels like real cooking. But does it rise above frozen dinner status? Spoiler: it floats somewhere in the comfort zone with potential.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce

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Review

This frozen gem is egg-pasta pockets filled with a trio of Italian cheeses, all smothered in a saucy mix of cream, tomato, garlic, lemon, and basil. The package says it makes three servings, but in reality, it's solid two adult portions, or one epic solo meal.

First spoonful and you get that creamy tomato warmth with a zing of lemon and basil notes that whisper summer comfort. The sauce feels lively, not heavy, so it doesn't sit on your stomach like a stone. I'm here for it.

These pasta pouches plump up nicely and give a good bite. The cheese mix inside is silky and melts just right, though sometimes it teases more grated cheese than ooze, but still cozy.

The sauce is the star and there's a lot of it. Think bowl-licking territory especially once your pasta finishes. That abundance means leftovers may need thickening or chilling before round two.

What's missing? Protein and personality. Standalone, it's fine, but this dish begs for jazzing up. Imagine adding shrimp, baby meatballs or sausage, and your tastebuds will thank you, mine did when I tried it.

Overall this is the kind of easy pasta I'll reach for on busy nights. It hits comfort food heaven when dressed up with extras, and delivers decent flavor on its own.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce

How to Serve

Stir in cooked sausage shrimp chicken broccoli or peas for a full meal
Follow skillet or microwave instructions until pasta is tender and sauce thickens
Top with grated parmesan fresh basil or red pepper flakes for an easy upgrade

Heating instructions for Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce

Creative Uses

Use as a decadent pizza sauce base for a pink creamy twist
Bake in a casserole with breadcrumbs and cheese for a baked pasta option
Stir into soup with kale or spinach for a creamy tomato broth remix

A fully heated through bag of Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce in a white bowl next to the original bag.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiochetti with Pink Sauce

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

How many servings are in a bag?

Label says three but it's really two hearty portions or one generous solo dinner

Can I cook it on stove or in microwave?

Yes. The skillet gives a creamy, thick sauce, while the microwave is easy and quick.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian, but not suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce is cozy, easy, and creamy with a bright pink sauce you'll want to spoon. On its own, it delivers comfort with minimal effort but gives you bonus points the moment you add protein or veggies. Whether you're eating solo or sharing, it is a win for busy nights or slow comforts that feel homemade with a little twist.

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Trader Joe's Organic Watermelon Jerky

As we close in on the last days of summer, there was a product that reminded me of summer on a recent trip to Albany. And what road trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to Trader Joe's? When your travel is restricted, you make the best of it.

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Taste

One of the things that do fascinate me is how some products hit shelves in certain areas and how some items are never found in other locations. Trader Joe's Organic Watermelon Jerky is one of those items I've never seen near me in Westchester but was plentiful in the Colonie, NY store. Go figure.

Curiosity got the best of me, so naturally, a bag went into my cart. And for you loyal readers, you know I've already put up my own dehydrated watermelon recipe on the blog if you are ever curious about how to make this or if you find you have a lot of leftover watermelons.

But in this bag are tortilla chip thin slices of dehydrated watermelon. Calling it jerky is pushing it in my mind as when I think of jerky I tend to also think of all the spices and marinates that come along with it.

But each bite is a bit crisp and very sweet. All-natural sweetness as much of the moisture has been removed leaving behind a more concentrated bite of watermelon.

Now, one thing I wasn't wild about was the seeds here. They detracted from the texture. Perhaps if they had used a seedless watermelon this would have been more enjoyable.

But regardless, if you are a fan of dehydrated fruit and you like the taste of watermelon at the most concentrated level, then this is a product for you. However, if you love this product then be aware that is it is only seasonally available during the summer months.

Now, this is probably not going to be a universally loved product. This will have a niche of people who really enjoy this as the texture is so vastly different from its natural state.

Overall

For $3.69 it is a time saver if nothing else.

Would I buy this again? For me, Trader Joe's Organic Watermelon Jerky is a one-time buy. I liked making it at home better. Plus the seeds were a real turn-off for me.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The visual rundown

The bag of Trader Joe's Organic Watermelon Jerky:

The nutritional information and the ingredient

Out of the package you get:

An open bag of Trader Joe's Organic Watermelon Jerky showing two slices sticking out

And how does my recipe compare to what comes out of the bag? Here is the comparison. A bit more naturally hued with far less seeds. You can check out the recipe here:

Dehydrated watermelon on a wire rack with two dried slices off to the side — This is what homemade watermelon jerky looks like. You can check out the recipe here

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Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe Review: The Freezer Aisle’s Cheesy, Peppery Fever Dream

If the thought of making restaurant-worthy cacio e pepe at home feels daunting, Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe might just be your shortcut to weeknight pasta bliss. Forget scouring your pantry for Pecorino Romano and fresh black pepper, this frozen favorite delivers classic flavors in minutes.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe

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Review

Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a frozen pasta dish featuring spaghetti nests coated in a creamy Pecorino Romano cheese sauce accented with black pepper. At $3.99 per package, you get about six pasta nests-enough to satisfy two (or maybe three) people, depending on how hungry you are. Quick prep options include microwaving or heating on the stovetop.

'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect from a frozen version of cacio e pepe, a dish so famously simple yet deceptively hard to perfect. But Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe manages to hit most of the right notes.

When I opened the package, I found neatly arranged spaghetti nests with chunks of frozen sauce clinging to the pasta. After a quick stint on the stovetop with a splash of water, the sauce melted into a silky, creamy consistency that coated the spaghetti well. The flavor? A bold, cheesy, pepper-forward sauce that brings some real comfort.

The Pecorino Romano is pronounced, giving that sharp, salty bite you'd expect, while the black pepper adds a satisfying kick. I did notice that the sauce's consistency leans towards the thicker side, which some might find a bit too creamy compared to a homemade version. The pasta itself is a touch softer than al dente, but not mushy-acceptable for a frozen meal.

Portion-wise, I'd say the package realistically serves two, especially if you're making it the star of dinner. If you're looking for a more balanced meal, consider adding a side salad or a protein.

One thing I appreciated was that this didn't skimp on the black pepper-there's a generous amount here that might be too strong for some but perfect for those who love that peppery bite. The ingredient list is, of course, longer than a homemade recipe would require (gotta keep it shelf-stable!), but that's par for the course with frozen meals.

All in all, this dish captures the spirit of cacio e pepe, even if it's not a perfect replica of the homemade version.

Nutritional facts and ingredients in Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe

How to Prepare

Stovetop: Add the frozen contents with a few tablespoons of water to a nonstick skillet. Cover and heat over medium until the sauce melts and the pasta is heated through, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for about 7 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For an even richer experience, sprinkle extra Pecorino Romano or Parmesan on top before serving.

How to prepare Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe

Creative Uses

Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli, roasted cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spice It Up: Top with red pepper flakes, a drizzle of truffle oil, or fresh herbs for a gourmet twist.
Cheesy Finish: Finish with extra Pecorino Romano or Parmesan to boost the cheesy factor.

Fully cooked Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe in a white bowl

FAQs about Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti

Below are some common product questions I get from readers:

How do you make Trader Joe's cacio e pepe?

This can be made in the microwave in about 7 minutes or on the stove top in about 5 minutes.

How much is Trader Joe's cacio e pepe?

Each package is $3.99 for a package that is just over a pound in weight.

How many calories are there in each serving?

Each serving is 270 calories. A serving size is about a cup. There are 3 servings per bag.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a surprisingly good freezer find for those craving the comforting, peppery notes of this classic Italian dish. While it's not a perfect substitute for homemade, it delivers a satisfying bowl of pasta that's creamy, bold, and ready in minutes-perfect for busy weeknights.

If you are a fan of Cacio E Pepe, then check out their gnocchi or ravioli at Trader Joe's as well.

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