Welcome to our definitive ranking of Trader Joe’s frozen pasta offerings. From comforting mac ‘n cheese to sophisticated gnocchi, we’ve put each product to the test. Let’s find out which dishes will have you running to your nearest Trader Joe’s and which ones you might want to skip!
16. Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage $3.99/14 oz
A unique twist on traditional Italian gnocchi, made with sweet potatoes.
Taste Test
The sage butter sauce is overly sweet, overshadowing the gnocchi.
Texture
Mushy rather than fluffy or pillowy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, butter, sage, seasoning.
Pair-with
Lighter sauces to balance the sweetness.
15. Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese $2.99/14 oz
Classic American comfort food with a creamy cheese blend.
Taste Test
Tastes artificial, lacking the rich cheese flavor expected.
Texture
The pasta is soft, but the sauce can be grainy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 370 per serving
- Fats: 19g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, wheat flour.
Pair-with
A sprinkle of breadcrumbs and extra shredded cheese for a homemade touch.
14. Trader Giotto’s Penne Arrabbiata $3.49/16 oz
Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
Taste Test
The sauce is somewhat one-dimensional and overly acidic.
Texture: Pasta can be too soft if not cooked precisely.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Fats: 4g
- Carbs: 36g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Penne pasta, tomatoes, garlic, chili, olive oil.
Pair-with
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to freshen up the dish.
13. Trader Joe’s Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage $3.49/12 oz
Bowtie pasta with spicy Italian sausage in a tomato sauce.
Taste Test
Sausage is flavorful, but the overall spice level may overwhelm.
Texture
Pasta holds up well, but the sauce can be thin.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 330 per serving
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Crushed tomatoes, cooked farfalle pasta (water, enriched macaroni product [durum wheat semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], canola oil), cooked Italian chicken sausage crumble (chicken, water, salt, spices, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar powder), parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, lipase, microbial enzyme), onion, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, wheat starch, sugar, salt, basil, crushed chili peppers, black pepper.
Pair-with
A dollop of ricotta or sprinkle of parmesan to balance the heat.
12. Trader Joe’s Garlicky Pasta $3.99/1 lb
Simple pasta tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil.
Taste Test
Garlic flavor is there but can feel a bit greasy.
Texture
Pasta is al dente, but oily coating detracts from the experience.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasta, garlic, olive oil, herbs.
Pair-with
Fresh vegetables or shrimp for a complete meal.
11. Trader Giotto’s Fettuccine Alfredo $3.99/1 lb
Creamy Alfredo sauce clinging to fettuccine noodles.
Taste Test
The sauce is rich but lacks the depth of authentic Parmesan.
Texture
Noodles are soft, not al dente.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Fettuccine, cream, parmesan cheese, garlic.
Pair-with
Add grilled chicken or steamed vegetables to enhance the meal.
10. Trader Joe’s Rigatoni alla Contadina $4.49/1 lb
Hearty rigatoni with vegetables in a light tomato sauce.
Taste Test
Pleasantly hearty but the sauce could use more seasoning.
Texture
Pasta is firm, veggies retain a nice crunch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 51g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, olive oil.
Pair-with
A sprinkle of goat cheese or fresh basil to add flavor.
9. Trader Giotto’s Gnocchi al Gorgonzola $4.49/16 oz
Soft gnocchi in a creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce.
Taste Test
The gorgonzola is flavorful but might be too intense for some.
Texture
Gnocchi are pillowy and soft.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Fats: 22g
- Carbs: 44g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Gnocchi, gorgonzola cheese, cream, parsley.
Pair-with
Add walnuts and pear slices for a gourmet touch.
8. Trader Giotto’s Linguine with Pesto & Tomatoes $4.99/1 lb
Linguine tossed with a basil pesto and cherry tomatoes.
Taste Test
Fresh and flavorful, though the pesto is slightly oily.
Texture
Linguine has the perfect bite.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Linguine, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, olive oil.
Pair-with
A crisp white wine or grilled chicken for added protein.
7. Trader Giotto’s Mushroom Ravioli with Mushroom Truffle Sauce $4.99/16 oz
Decadent ravioli filled with mushrooms and draped in truffle sauce.
Taste Test
Luxurious and earthy, but the truffle may overpower for some.
Texture
Ravioli are tender, sauce is velvety.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fats: 20g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Mushroom ravioli, truffle sauce, mushrooms, parmesan cheese.
Pair-with
A robust red wine or a simple green salad.
6. Trader Joe’s Spaghetti Carbonara $4.29/16 oz
Classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti in a creamy egg sauce with pancetta.
Taste Test
Rich and satisfying, though slightly salty.
Texture
Spaghetti maintains a good texture, not too soft.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 280
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Partially cooked spaghetti (durum wheat semolina, salt), water, cream, uncured pancetta (pork, sea salt), skim milk powder, butter, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, and other hard cheeses (milk, salt, animal rennet, egg enzymes), egg, cornstarch, nutmeg, white pepper.
Contains milk, egg, wheat. May contain soy.
Pair-with
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan to cut through the richness.
5. Trader Joe’s Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi $4.49/14.1 oz
Gnocchi tossed in a cheesy pepper sauce.
Taste Test
Deliciously peppery and cheesy, a true delight.
Texture
Gnocchi are delightfully chewy and soft.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Gnocchi, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, cream.
Pair-with
A glass of crisp white wine or a light salad.
4. Trader Joe’s Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi $4.99/16 oz
Gnocchi filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Taste Test
A surprising burst of flavor, very satisfying.
Texture
The gnocchi have a perfect texture, sauce and cheese ooze delightfully.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 3.5g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients
Potato, unbleached wheat flour, crushed tomatoes, liquid eggs, mozzarella cheese, salt, extra virgin olive oil, onions, basil, sunflower oil, garlic.
Contains milk, egg, wheat. May contain traces of soy.
Pair-with
A side of steamed vegetables or a light protein like chicken.
3. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina $4.99/1 lb
Gnocchi with mozzarella and a rich tomato basil sauce.
Taste Test
The sauce is robust, and the mozzarella melts perfectly.
Texture
Soft and chewy gnocchi, perfectly cooked.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Fats: 12g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Gnocchi, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil.
Pair-with
A robust red wine or a simple green salad.
2. Trader Joe’s Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce $4.49/16 oz
Pasta purses filled with cheese and coated in a creamy tomato sauce.
Taste Test
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent.
Texture
Pasta is tender, sauce is creamy and well-seasoned.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290
- Fats: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Water, durum wheat semolina, cream, eggs, tomato puree (tomato, citric acid [acidifier]), ricotta cheese (milk, salt, lactic acid), sunflower oil, minced onion, taleggio cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, animal rennet), mozzarella cheese (milk, microbial enzyme, salt, citric acid [acidifier]), butter (milk, natural flavor), wheat flour, parmesan cheese (milk, salt, animal rennet), bread crumbs (wheat flour, water, salt, yeast), garlic puree, salt, lemon juice, basil, parsley, ground black pepper.
Pair-with
A dry rose or light red wine.
1. Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Spinach filled Ravioli with Tomato Basil Sauce $4.99/16 oz
Sumptuous ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, topped with a classic tomato basil sauce.
Taste Test
The filling is flavorful, and the sauce complements it perfectly.
Texture
Ravioli are perfectly cooked; filling is creamy and satisfying.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 280 per serving
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Ravioli (ricotta, spinach), tomato basil sauce.
Pair-with
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a glass of Chianti for a truly Italian experience.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to navigate the frozen pasta section of Trader Joe’s like a pro. From the delightful cheese-filled ravioli at the top of our list to the sweet potato gnocchi that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s something for every palate. Buon appetito!
