Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi is a frozen entrée that combines soft potato gnocchi with a creamy cheese sauce and cracked black pepper. It's inspired by the traditional Roman dish “cacio e pepe,” which translates to “cheese and pepper.” Sold in a 14.1-ounce bag for $2.99, this freezer-friendly option can be cooked on the stovetop or in the microwave in under 10 minutes.

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Review
This product had a lot going for it right out of the gate. The packaging suggests a comforting, carb-forward meal with the elegance of an Italian classic. Once cooked, the gnocchi are tender, maybe even too tender depending on your method, and bathed in a silky sauce that’s mild, cheesy, and generously speckled with ground black pepper.
The sauce is what makes or breaks this. On one hand, it’s rich and savory with real provolone and Romano cheese flavors. On the other, it lacks the boldness or complexity you’d get from a freshly made cacio e pepe. The black pepper is present but doesn’t have the sharp bite you'd expect from the traditional dish. It's closer to creamy mac and cheese with pepper stirred in than it is to its Roman namesake.
Texture-wise, the gnocchi can toe the line between pleasantly pillowy and overly soft, especially if prepared in the microwave. The stovetop method gives you slightly more control and helps the sauce cling better, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the cooking time. If you’re hoping for that seared, pan-crisped finish you get from skillet gnocchi, this product won’t deliver that unless you fully drain the sauce and crisp it separately.
The portion is generous enough for one hungry person or two modest servings. It's not quite a full dinner on its own, but it makes a solid base. You can tell it's designed for convenience and mild crowd-pleasing flavor rather than bold culinary impact.
Overall, it’s not bad, especially for the price, but it’s not something I’d serve guests either. If you love gnocchi and want an easy weeknight side or lunch, this fits the bill. But if you’re expecting restaurant-quality cacio e pepe, you’ll likely find it underwhelming.

Other Cacio e Pepe products
And yes, there is also an entire line of cacio e pepe-inspired items. Here is a list of the ones I've tried.
- Trader Joe's Cacio E Pepe Ravioli
- Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe
- Trader Joe's Cacio E Pepe Sauce (it's on my shelf waiting to be reviewed)
Where to buy
Since this is a frozen item, this item is only available at Trader Joe's.
How to Serve
- Cook according to the stovetop instructions for the best texture.
- Serve hot in a shallow bowl with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a twist of black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for added color and kick.

Creative Uses
- For a slightly crispy finish, cook the gnocchi separately in a nonstick skillet with a bit of olive oil, then spoon over the sauce.
- Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to bulk it up and add some earthiness.
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crisp pancetta to turn it into a main course.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi
The following are commonly asked questions:
No. The cheese used contains animal rennet, so it is not suitable for vegetarians.
About 7–10 minutes on the stovetop, or slightly less in the microwave.
It can be, but it’s better treated as a side or base for a larger meal unless you’re adding protein or vegetables.

Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi delivers on convenience and comfort, but it doesn’t quite live up to the bold simplicity of the dish it’s inspired by. It’s a solid freezer option for when you want something warm, starchy, and cheesy without spending more than 10 minutes in the kitchen. Best enjoyed with a few creative add-ins and a light expectation for authenticity.
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Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi

Product Name: Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi
Product Description: Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi is a long standing favorite in the freezer aisle.
Price: $2.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi is one of several cacio e pepe products now available.
Pros
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Quick and convenient: Ready in under 10 minutes from frozen.
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Rich, cheesy flavor: Provolone and Romano cheese bring a savory creaminess.
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Affordable: At under $3 per bag, it’s a budget-friendly meal
Cons
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Texture: Gnocchi can become overly soft if overcooked.
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Sauce Consistency: Some may find the sauce thinner than traditional cacio e pepe.
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Serving Size: Portion may be small for hearty appetites.
Jamie Moxham says
My husband loved it! He isn’t easy to please! 🙏 thank you
Look for more with different sauces
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Jamie!