Trader Joe's 3 Cheese Pasta with Eggplant Review: A Penne for Your Thoughts

Trader Joe's frozen meals always keep me guessing. Some are generously portioned, while others make you do a double-take at the serving size. Enter Trader Joe's 3 Cheese Pasta with Eggplant: two tiny trays tucked inside the box that had me wondering if I accidentally bought dollhouse food. But don't let the size fool you: this dish packs a surprisingly hearty punch.

Review

Found in the frozen section, each box contains two small trays of pasta. The dish features al dente pasta tossed with a tomato-based sauce, layered with mozzarella, provola, and grating cheeses, and dotted with tender pieces of eggplant. The trays are microwave-friendly, making this an easy grab-and-go meal for lunch or a light dinner.

Cooking couldn't be simpler: pop a tray into the microwave and follow the directions - they were spot-on for me. In under five minutes, you've got a hot, cheesy pasta dish that feels like comfort food without the fuss.

At first glance, I thought the portions were laughably tiny. But once I dug in, I was surprised by how filling they actually were. The pasta had a good texture (not mushy, which can happen with frozen meals), the tomato sauce was flavorful, and the trio of cheeses gave it a creamy, melty richness. The eggplant wasn't an afterthought either: there was enough to balance the dish and add some substance.

One thing to note about the instructions, I'd still opt to cover this with a paper towel in the microwave, as anything with red sauce has a tendency to splatter. I'd also pull this out about 30 seconds before the recommended time as the edges of mine were getting oily.

A single package of this is not a shareable meal like the Trader Joe's Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce - think of it more as a solo lunch or a light dinner. The only thing missing for me was a slice of Trader Joe's Bake at Home Garlic Bread or a simple side salad to round it out. On its own, it's satisfying, but pair it with something extra and it feels like a complete meal.

Overall, it's simple, comforting, and exactly what you want out of a frozen pasta dish. I'd happily keep a box in the freezer for quick lunches.

Creative Serving Ideas & Pairings

• Lunch Upgrade: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
• Garlic Bread Duo: Serve with Trader Joe's Bake at Home Garlic Bread or Trader Joe's Garlic Gondolas for a full comfort-food vibe.
• Soup + Pasta Combo: Pair with a cup of Trader Joe's Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup for a light but satisfying meal.
• Eggplant Parm-Inspired Bake: Top the pasta with extra mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and broil for a faux eggplant parmesan bake.
• Mediterranean Plate: Serve with roasted zucchini, peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to bulk up the veggie side.
• Protein Boost: Pair with Trader Joe’s Italian-style chicken sausage, meatballs, or even roasted chickpeas for vegetarians.

Heating Instructions

This package gives two options for either microwave cooking or in the oven.

• Microwave- Remove packaging and place the tray in the microwave. Please note that the directions didn't say what temperature. Heat on high for about 3 minutes. Allow to stand 1 minute before serving.
• Oven- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove outer packaging and tray wrapper. Place on a baking sheet and heat for 25-30 minutes. Let it stand for 2 minutes before serving.

FAQs about Trader Joe's 3 Cheese Pasta with Eggplant

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's 3 Cheese Pasta with Eggplant may look like a light bite, but it's surprisingly satisfying. It won't win points for originality, but it's cheesy, filling, and comforting in all the right ways. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner - just add garlic bread or a salad if you want to make it feel more complete. This is another example of something simple, but well done. So no points for creativity, but all the points in execution.