As fall rolls around, Trader Joe’s knows how to get us in the seasonal spirit, and their Organic Zucchette Pasta is no exception. This pumpkin-shaped pasta is as festive as it is tasty, making it the perfect addition to any autumn meal. Priced around $2.99 for a 14-ounce bag, it’s not only a fun novelty but also a versatile pantry staple for creating cozy, comforting dishes.
Product Description
Trader Joe’s Organic Zucchette Pasta is shaped like mini pumpkins, capturing the essence of fall. Made from organic durum wheat semolina, it offers a hearty texture that holds up well in a variety of dishes. The ridges in the pasta help sauces cling to each bite, making it perfect for creamy, cheesy, or tomato-based sauces. Whether you're whipping up a festive dinner or simply looking for a fun twist on your favorite pasta dish, this is a great seasonal find.
If you are wondering if this product is new, I'm here to tell you it shows up pretty much every year. It was not always organic, but now it is. See below for the original packaging.
Honest Review of Trader Joe’s Organic Zucchette Pasta
Texture: Zucchette pasta holds its shape well when cooked al dente, providing a chewy bite that feels substantial. Its ridges and hollow center make it ideal for capturing sauce, so every bite is flavorful. Whether used in simple pasta dishes or more complex recipes, the texture is perfect for fall-inspired meals.
Flavor: While the pasta itself doesn’t have an overwhelming flavor, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. The natural wheat taste is present, but it serves as a perfect blank canvas for whatever sauce or ingredients you choose to add. Whether you’re a fan of marinara, creamy Alfredo, or pesto, this pasta adapts well.
Appearance: The pumpkin shape is a big selling point here. It adds a festive element to any meal, and it’s a fun way to bring a little autumn to the dinner table, especially for kids or fall fanatics like me! Just be aware that not all of the pumpkins keep their shape during the cooking process.
How to Use
1. Cooking: Like most dried pasta, boil Trader Joe’s Organic Zucchette Pasta in salted water for about 12 (or so) minutes until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The previous pasta took closer to 14 minutes, so be sure to test this before draining all the water.
2. Pair with Your Favorite Sauce: Due to its ridged, pumpkin-like shape, this pasta holds sauce exceptionally well. Cream-based sauces like Alfredo or a rich pumpkin sage cream sauce work wonderfully, but it also pairs well with marinara, pesto, or even a light olive oil and garlic mix.
3. Add Some Seasonal Flair: Top with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or pair with sausage for a heartier fall meal. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs for a gourmet touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trader Joe's Organic Fall Zucchette Pasta
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes, the pasta is made with just durum wheat semolina and water, making it suitable for vegans.
No, despite its pumpkin shape, the flavor is similar to traditional wheat-based pasta.
Yes, you can freeze cooked pasta, though it’s best to slightly undercook it to avoid becoming too soft when reheating.
Where to buy
If you can't live without this product, then this item is available during the Fall, usually after Labor Day in most Trader Joe's. If you don't live near Trader Joe's then you can find this product on Amazon through third-party sellers. If that is sold out then ZPasta sells a pretty close product that seems like it is pretty much the same.
Conclusion
Now, to be fair if this helped a kid eat their dinner then the $2.99 price tag is worth it. I don't feel like I need an excuse to eat pasta, but I could have put dinner on the table in half the time. For me, this is a buy-once product. If I had kids, my answer might be different.
Until then, this seems to reappear year after year but be prepared for it to disappear as well.
Trader Joe’s Organic Zucchette Pasta is a festive, pumpkin-shaped pasta that’s perfect for fall meals. Made with organic durum wheat semolina, this pasta holds up well when cooked and pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, from creamy Alfredo to marinara. The ridges in the pasta make it great for capturing sauce in every bite. While the pumpkin shape adds a fun autumn touch, the pasta itself doesn’t have a distinct pumpkin flavor. Priced at $2.99, it’s a seasonal product that’s great for cozy, comforting meals but is only available during the fall months.
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Trader Joe's Fall Zucchette Pasta
Product Name: Trader Joe's Fall Zucchette Pasta
Product Description: Pumpkin shaped pasta that is seasonal.
Price: $2.99
Summary
A fun, seasonal pasta that is shaped like pumpkins and even has the natural coloring of butternut squash.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Festive Fall Shape: The pumpkin-shaped pasta is perfect for the season, adding a fun element to your meals.
- Versatile: Works well with a variety of sauces, making it a great base for many dishes.
- Good Texture: Holds up well when cooked al dente and has ridges that cling to sauce.
- Organic: Made with organic ingredients, so you can feel good about what you're eating.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Since this is a seasonal product, it’s only available during the fall months.
- No Unique Flavor: While the shape is festive, the pasta itself doesn’t have a distinct pumpkin or fall flavor.
Serah says
Well.. I'm actually cooking these this very moment and searched Google for this exact info haha. I'm about 15mins now and they're not exactly where we like it. Teaste I agree doesn't taste to much like squash but super excited to eat them for lunch on the Yule afternoon
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Serah!
Danielle says
Agree, I cooked between 7-9 as directed and they were incredibly hard. An extra 5 would have been the way to go.
Patricia says
They were nothing like I imagined. They took a terribly long time to cook and I still felt they were too al dente.
becomebetty says
Same here Patricia. They're cute, but a hot mess to make.