So in addition to the usual fall flavors of maple and pumpkin, we now have 2 cacio e pepe varieties on shelves: the frozen spaghetti and now this refrigerated ravioli.
Taste
I do find the fresh pasta section to be pretty strong at Trader Joe's. And this flavor in the big scheme of things isn't too adventurous.
As always, the pasta after being cooked for 3-4 minutes, yields a tender and fully cooked pasta. And not like boxed pasta. It's fresh pasta.
Now, this pasta is relatively heavily peppered which adds a nice sharp bite.
The filling is more than just a regular cheese ravioli. It is far more assertive in the Pecorino Romano flavor so it is extra nutty and salty. Not a bad thing in my mind.
Plus a quick dinner in under 15 minutes is always a win in my mind. Especially when it is nice and fresh tasting.
And trust me, nothing beats fresh pasta. Nothing from a box that is.
I opted for just plain butter as a topping. But like a cheese ravioli, this variety is pretty flexible when it comes to figuring out a sauce as there is very little that would cause a clash. So if you want an alfredo, or maybe some cacio e pepe with your cacio e pepe then feel free. Even a fresh pesto would work or the refrigerated pesto from Trader Joe's would work as well. And yes, a red sauce would work as well.
For $3.49 this is another good one to grab.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions about this product
Have a pot of boiling salted water. Add the ravioli. The ravioli should be cooked in 3-4 minutes
This ravioli is like a blank canvas for sauce: tomato sauce, alfredo, or pesto would work well with this variety.
Overall
Just be warned, this is supposed to be three servings. I found it closer to 2 servings, but my husband sat down and polished off one of these boxes in one sitting.
So plan accordingly, otherwise, this is a thumbs up from me.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli again. It made for a solid weeknight dinner. Add in some meatballs or vegan meatballs and you have a super easy and delicious tasting meal.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
The visual rundown
The package of Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli:
The nutritional information and the ingredients
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 Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
Product Name: Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
Product Description: Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli is refrigerated and fresh tasting ravioli.
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe Ravioli is a new ravioli
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Nice sharp bite of pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese
- Cooking directions are on point
- These also freeze well in the package they are in if you can't cook them in time
Cons
- Nothing stands out.
Great idea for "lazy lasagna" adding sauce & mozz cheese.
Great idea!
I did not see this fresh pasta in the cold case on my last TJ's run, but will def pick up couple on my next trip. Mahalo for the heads up Breanda!