Trader Joe’s 23 Must-Try Italian Items for Easy Gourmet Meals at Home

Love Italian food but don’t want to spend a fortune at a restaurant? Trader Joe’s has you covered. From indulgent pasta dishes to creamy cheeses and satisfying desserts, these Italian-inspired finds are perfect for creating restaurant-style meals in your own kitchen.

1. Italian Tomato & Burrata Ravioloni $3.99/8.8 oz

This ravioloni features a rich tomato and burrata filling wrapped in soft pasta dough.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients

  • Burrata cheese (milk, cream, salt, microbial enzyme, lactic acid starter culture), cream, crushed tomatoes, roasted peeled tomatoes, vegetable oil (soybean and/or sunflower and/or corn and/or canola oil), part-skim milk, cornstarch, mozzarella cheese (milk, salt, cheese culture, microbial enzyme), lactose, water, basil paste (basil, sunflower oil, salt, sodium bicarbonate), modified whey, breadcrumbs (wheat flour, salt, brewer’s yeast), salt, dried tomato (tomato, salt), wheat flour, sugar, onion, tomato paste, butter (cream, lactic acid starter culture), garlic, paste (wheat flour, pasteurized eggs, durum wheat semolina, basil paste [basil, sunflower oil, salt, sodium bicarbonate], spinach, tomato powder, salt).
  • Allergens: Contains milk, egg, wheat. May contain soy.

Preparation Instructions

Boil in salted water for 3-4 minutes. Serve with olive oil or marinara sauce.

2. Italian-Style Wedding Soup $4.99/22 oz

A hearty soup filled with mini meatballs, greens, and tiny pasta in a savory broth.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients

  • Chicken broth, meatballs (beef, water, egg whites, wheat flour, Romano cheese [pasteurized cow’s milk, pasteurized sheep’s milk, animal rennet, salt, cheese cultures, microbial enzyme], dried onion, salt, cane sugar, spices, natural flavor, parsley), carrots, kale, enriched acini di pepe macaroni product (semolina, egg whites, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), cornstarch, diced onion, Parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, animal rennet, microbial enzyme, lipase, cellulose, calcium chloride), sea salt, parsley flakes, black pepper, basil.
  • Allergens: Contains milk, egg, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Heat in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.

3. Hot Italian Pork Sausage $6.49/1 lb

Spicy, savory, and perfect for grilling, sautéing, or adding to pasta sauces.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 190
  • Total Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 15g

Ingredients

  • Pork, hot Italian seasoning (dextrose, spices [anise, fennel, red pepper], sea salt, potassium chloride, paprika, natural flavors, paprika oleoresin [for color], lactic acid), water.
    Packed in a natural pork casing.

Preparation Instructions

Cook on a skillet or grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Lemon Pesto Sauce $3.49/6.7 oz

A zesty twist on traditional pesto, made with basil, lemon juice, and cheese.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

  • Sunflower seed oil, lemon, water, Grana Padano cheese (milk, salt, rennet, egg lysozyme), almonds, sugar, lemon zest, salt, lactic acid, natural flavors, vegetable and fruit juice (for color), yeast extract, ground black pepper.
  • Allergens: Contains milk, egg, almond.

Preparation Instructions

Stir into hot pasta, use as a sandwich spread, or spoon over grilled meats.

5. Italian Truffle Cheese $13.99/1 lb

A semi-soft cheese infused with aromatic black truffles.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients

  • Pasteurized cow’s milk, cheese cultures, animal rennet, salt, black truffles.
  • Allergens: Contains milk.

Preparation Instructions

Slice and enjoy with crackers, melt into risotto, or top on pasta.

6. Panzerotti Pizza Bites $3.99/11.29 oz

Mini pizza pockets filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and spices.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 8g

Ingredients

  • Wheat flour, mozzarella cheese (pasteurized milk, potato starch, salt, cheese cultures, animal rennet), tomato purée (tomatoes, citric acid [acidifier]), water, vegetable oil blend (coconut oil, sunflower oil, water), sunflower oil, grated hard cheese (milk, salt, animal rennet), salt, potato flakes (potato, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids), modified cornstarch, yeast, tomato paste, monoglycerides, basil, dough conditioner (wheat flour, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, soy lecithin [emulsifier], dextrose, malted wheat flour, enzyme, ascorbic acid), Pecorino Romano cheese (sheep’s milk, salt, animal rennet), cane sugar, oregano, garlic, pepper.
  • Allergens: Contains milk, soy, wheat, coconut.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or air-fry until golden.

7. Bolognese Style Tomato & Beef Pasta Sauce $4.49/24 oz

A rich and meaty sauce slow-simmered with beef and tomatoes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 4.0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

  • Peeled tomatoes in purée (whole peeled tomatoes, tomato purée, basil, salt), cooked ground beef, water, tomato paste, onion, extra virgin olive oil, carrot purée, garlic purée (garlic, water), sea salt, basil, citric acid (acidulant), black pepper, ground fennel seed, dried oregano, ground thyme, ground rosemary.

Preparation Instructions

Simmer in a pan for 5 minutes and serve over pasta.

8. Cacio e Pepe Ravioli $3.99/8.8 oz

Stuffed with creamy cheese and black pepper, this pasta is simple and satisfying.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 8g

Ingredients

  • Filling (ricotta cheese [whey, cream, salt, citric acid {acidifier}], cream, Pecorino Romano cheese [sheep’s milk, salt, rennet], lactose, modified cornstarch, rice flour, salt, black pepper, lemon juice), pasta (wheat flour, eggs, durum wheat semolina, water, black pepper).
  • Allergens: Contains milk, egg, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Boil for 3-4 minutes and toss with butter or olive oil.

9. Pesto Chicken Breast $8.99/1 lb

Grilled chicken marinated in pesto and perfect for a quick protein boost.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 25g

Ingredients

Chicken breast, basil pesto, oil, spices, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Microwave or heat in skillet until warmed through.

10. Soft Italian Nougat $2.49/2.81 oz

A chewy, nutty dessert with almonds and honey.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 4.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

  • Sugar, almonds, honey, hazelnuts, pistachios, glucose syrup (wheat), invert sugar syrup, dried egg white, wafer paper (potato starch, water, sunflower oil), natural flavors.
  • Allergens: Contains egg, wheat, almond, hazelnut, pistachio.
    May contain: Peanut, cashew, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

No prep needed—just unwrap and enjoy.

11. Cacio E Pepe Pasta Sauce $3.79/14.5 oz

A creamy sauce packed with Pecorino Romano and black pepper flavor.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Cream, Pecorino cheese, butter, black pepper, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Heat gently in a pan and pour over your favorite pasta.

12. Tiramisu Torte $6.99/22 oz

A rich, layered dessert with espresso-soaked cake and mascarpone cream.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Cream, mascarpone, espresso, sugar, cocoa, ladyfingers.

Preparation Instructions

Thaw in refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.

13. Gnocchi Alla Romana $3.49/9 oz

Creamy, buttery semolina gnocchi rounds baked until golden.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Semolina, whole milk, butter, parmesan, egg yolks, nutmeg.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tops are lightly browned.

14. French Onion Focaccia Bread $4.49/12 oz

Soft, fluffy focaccia topped with caramelized onions and savory herbs.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 190
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, onions, olive oil, yeast, rosemary, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Warm in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or toast before serving.

15. Italian-Style Meatballs $5.99/16 oz

Classic beef and pork meatballs with Italian herbs and seasonings.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 11g

Ingredients

  • Beef, water, seasonings (bread crumbs [wheat flour, salt, ammonium bicarbonate {leavening agent}], Parmesan cheese [part-skim cow’s milk, cheese cultures, salt, vegetable rennet], salt, dextrose, dehydrated onion, dehydrated red & green bell peppers, spices & spice extractives, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley), textured soy flour, soy protein concentrate.
  • Allergens: Contains wheat, milk, soy.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or simmer in sauce for 10 minutes.

16. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi $3.79/16 oz

Trader Joes Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 3.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients

  • Potato, unbleached wheat flour, crushed tomatoes (tomatoes, citric acid), liquid whole eggs, mozzarella cheese (milk, salt, microbial rennet, lactic acid starter culture), salt, liquid egg whites, extra virgin olive oil, onions, basil, sunflower seed oil, garlic.
  • Allergens: Contains milk, egg, wheat.
    May contain: Traces of soy.

Preparation Instructions

Pan-fry in a non-stick skillet with a little oil until golden.

17. Breaded Fried Ravioli $4.99/10 oz

Trader Joes Ravioli fried breaded

Crispy, golden ravioli perfect for dipping.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 10g

Ingredients

Enriched flour, cheese filling, breadcrumbs, oil, spices.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or air fry until crisp.

18. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto $3.99/8 oz

Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

A dairy-free pesto alternative that’s rich and flavorful.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Dietary Fiber: <1g
  • Sugar: <1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredient

  • Kale, olive oil blend (olive oil, extra virgin olive oil), water, basil, cashew butter (dry roasted cashews, safflower oil or sunflower oil), garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper.
  • Allergens: Contains cashew.

Preparation Instructions

Use as a pasta sauce, dip, or sandwich spread.

19. Organic Italian Cascatelli Pasta $2.99/16 oz

A trendy pasta shape designed for maximum sauce-holding.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients

Organic durum wheat semolina.

Preparation Instructions

Boil for 11-13 minutes and pair with any sauce.

20. Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper $11.99/1 lb

Hard cheese with a creamy texture and a bold peppercorn finish.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients

  • Pasteurized cow’s milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, coarse black pepper.
  • Allergens: Contains milk.

Preparation Instructions

Slice or grate over salads, pasta, or risotto.

21. Italian Bigonda Cheese with Herbs $10.99/1 lb

Creamy and aromatic, this semi-soft cheese features Italian herbs.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 00g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients

  • Pasteurized milk, sea salt, dried herb and spice blend (laurel leaf, thyme leaves, parsley, chives, fennel seeds, caraway seed powder), microbial enzyme.
  • Allergens: Contains milk.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy sliced or melted on focaccia or pizza.

22. Bruschetta Sauce $2.99/14.5 oz

Classic tomato-based topping with garlic, basil, and olive oil.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 25
  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, vinegar.

Preparation Instructions

Spoon over toasted baguette slices or mix into pasta.

23, Everything Ciabatta Rolls $2.49/14.1 oz

Soft ciabatta rolls topped with everything bagel seasoning.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Sodium: 730mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: <1g
  • Protein: 8g

Ingredients

  • Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, sea salt, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, yeast, dried minced garlic, poppy seeds, malted barley flour.
  • Allergens: Contains sesame, wheat.
    May contain: Soy, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Toast and use for sandwiches or burgers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of pasta, a creamy cheese board, or a quick gourmet meal, Trader Joe’s Italian selection brings the taste of Italy straight to your home kitchen. With options that range from vegan pesto to tiramisu torte, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Stock up on these delicious finds to elevate your everyday meals—no passport required!

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