Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad is new and makes for a good grab and go item if you are going to a BBQ or need a quick side dish.
The cons: Could use a bit more acidity. If you plan on mixing everything in this bowl, you’ll need to move it to a new container.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is new to the refrigerate aisle and is vast improvement over some of the grab and go food items.
The cons: Mine only had a tiny wedge of lemon. If you are planning on eating this for lunch, then be ready for the fact this bowl is 500 calories. If you need to mix the ingredients, you’ll want to reach for a bigger bowl.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Fusilli with Vegetables and Basil Pesto is a quick meal. The veggies here are the highlight.
The cons: Not much in the way of pesto.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s 3 Cheese Vegetable Ravioli seems to the fresh pasta section in the refrigerated case.
The cons: Flavors here might not be for everyone. Some of mine were very stuck together. One leaked its filling
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Gigli is one of three new pastas that are organic and artisan.
The cons: This is a premium priced pasta, but is still affordable. A few pasta pieces lost their cool shape.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni with Red Pesto is a filling and tasty meal for one. There were a good amount of veggies in this.
The cons: Those who don’t love whole tomatoes might not appreciate their presence here. A bit high on the calorie side for a frozen meal.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Pesto Tortellini has been on the shelves for quite some time. It makes for a quick and easy meal.
The cons: Bland tasting pesto with almost no texture to it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Orecchiette is one of three new pastas on Trader Joe’s shelves. All three are labeled as organic and kosher.
The cons: Mine took closer to 18 minutes to reach an al dente texture. Be sure to test before draining these.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Capunti is a new and tasty pasta in a fun shape.
The cons: Other than the fun shape, there was nothing stand out about this pasta.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Shells with Brie and Asparagus is a decent variation on mac and cheese.
The cons: Watch the calorie count here. This package is considered 2 servings, so if you are bringing this for lunch just be aware you will be consuming over 600 calories in this one package.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Marinara Sauce with Barolo Wine is new and has an almost homemade taste to it. This is far more complex than most other sauces. The smell of this had me both smiling and thinking about Julia Child.
The cons: Slightly more expensive than some of the other sauces on the shelves. Jar indicates that the whole jar should be consumed in three days.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Linguine is well priced but otherwise completely average pasta.
The cons: The plastic bag saves space but can also lead to more breakage.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Winter Snowflake Pasta is one of many seasonal and whimsical shapes of pasta that Trader Joe’s offers on a rotating basis.
The cons: This pasta is special because of its shape, but there is nothing else that stands out about this product. For me, the cooking directions were off.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Egg Fettuccine Pasta is excellent. Fresh pasta is always better than boxed, but this was the closest substitute for “real” pasta I’ve ever tried.
The cons: Price. Gluten free products seem to command a premium. With any pasta product, I disagree with the serving sizes. I think two servings is the realistic size expectations
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Puttanesca Sauce is a thick sauce that has a lot going on. It’s got sweet tomatoes, but savory elements too with a touch of heat.
The cons: If you are not a fan of olives, capers, or the subtle taste of anchovies, then this is not the sauce you should reach for.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce is thick, rich, creamy and will have you thinking that it is just a well made cream sauce.
The cons: It’s seasonal. I wished they would change the name and just sell this all year long. Sodium is high, but the flavor is good.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta is whimsical and seasonal pasta. My inner kid couldn’t wait to get these home.
The cons: I think they need to check the cooking directions. I needed an addition 5 minute to reach al dente.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is new, frozen, filling, and the first fall seasonal item that I’ve found at my local Trader Joe’s.
The cons: It’s still mac and cheese so don’t expect this to be diet food. Mine was more spicy than I thought it would be. Based on the box design, this is likely seasonal.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Fusilli is basic pasta. Nothing more and nothing less. Price wise it is in line with other pastas at roughly a sale price of just under $1.
The cons: There is nothing really special about this pasta. It’s just basic pasta. The packaging might lead to more challenging home storage or breakage.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Arrabiata Sauce is a pretty good jarred sauce at a reasonable price.
The cons: You may want to add your own herbs to this.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Family Style Meat Lasagna is an adequate meal for about 4 people in the freezer section.
The cons: There was absolutely nothing that made me say, “wow” about this product.
The verdict:…
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet Corn, Burrata and Basil Ravioli is the newest addition to Trader Joe’s fresh pasta items. It’s very pretty to look at. The cheese and basil were nice.
The cons: Not much of a burrata taste and the corn is whole.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli is the mediocre quality you have come to expect from an item in the freezer aisle, but is below average for a Trader Joe’s freezer item. It’s ready quickly.
The cons: If you want really good ravioli, then reach for Trader Joe’s Spinach Ricotta Ravioli in the refrigerated aisle (and get some sauce).
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Bowtie Pasta is complete no frills pasta. It is priced well but…
The cons: There is nothing truly special about this pasta.
The verdict: …
