15 Trader Joe’s Pasta Recipes That Feel Fancy But Are Easy to Make

Feeling fancy doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Trader Joe’s offers an array of pasta options that, with a few simple tweaks, can turn into elegant meals. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something special without the fuss. Using easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll discover how to create impressive dishes that look and taste like they came straight from a restaurant.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine

Start with Trader Joe’s Linguine, cooked al dente according to package directions. In a pan, sauté a few cloves of minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp until pink, then toss with the cooked linguine. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a light but flavorful meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Fettuccine

For this creamy fettuccine, cook Trader Joe’s Organic Fettuccine until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in butter until browned. Add a handful of baby spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken. Toss the fettuccine with the sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. This dish is rich, earthy, and feels indulgent, yet it’s simple to prepare.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Penne

Boil Trader Joe’s Penne Pasta and drain once al dente. In a skillet, combine olive oil with minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are soft. Add the pasta, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss everything together and top with freshly cracked black pepper. This Mediterranean-inspired pasta is light yet packed with flavor, perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.

Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti

Cook Trader Joe’s Spaghetti until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining. In a mixing bowl, combine half a cup of ricotta cheese, the zest and juice of one lemon, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Slowly add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss the spaghetti in the lemon ricotta mixture and top with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, creamy dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes

Prepare a package of Trader Joe’s Spinach and Cheese Tortellini as directed. Meanwhile, sauté halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil with a pinch of salt until they start to soften. Add Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese to the tomatoes and stir to combine. Toss in the cooked tortellini and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. This vibrant dish is bursting with fresh flavors and takes less than 15 minutes to make.

Cacio e Pepe with a Twist

Boil Trader Joe’s Bucatini pasta and save some pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, melt butter and stir in freshly cracked black pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. For a twist, fold in a handful of baby arugula or spinach for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.

Garlic Alfredo Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s Gnocchi makes this garlic Alfredo sauce a breeze. Start by boiling the gnocchi according to package instructions. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer until thickened, then stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss the gnocchi in the creamy sauce, season with salt and pepper, and top with chopped parsley. This dish is rich, creamy, and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Sausage and Kale Orecchiette

Cook Trader Joe’s Orecchiette pasta until al dente. In a skillet, brown Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted. Stir in the cooked pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss everything together, season with salt and pepper, and finish with grated Parmesan. This hearty dish is packed with protein and greens, making it a filling and satisfying option.

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Trader Joe’s Fusilli pasta is ideal for this refreshing cold pasta salad. Cook the fusilli, then drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. Toss the cooled pasta with Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto, and season with salt and pepper. This light yet flavorful pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and can be made ahead of time.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli is the star of this elegant dish. Cook the ravioli as per the instructions, and in a separate skillet, melt butter until it begins to brown. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until crisp. Toss the cooked ravioli in the brown butter sage sauce, then top with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of sea salt. This simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the squash with the nutty, rich flavor of brown butter.

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara

For an easy yet fancy baked pasta dish, cook Trader Joe’s Ziti until just under al dente. In a baking dish, layer the ziti with Trader Joe’s Marinara Sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until bubbly and golden on top. This baked ziti is cheesy, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Lobster Ravioli in Lemon Butter Sauce

Trader Joe’s Lobster Ravioli makes for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Cook the ravioli according to the package. In a pan, melt butter and stir in the juice and zest of one lemon. Add the cooked ravioli to the pan, tossing gently to coat. Serve with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This elegant dish is perfect for date night but comes together in less than 15 minutes.

Vegan Bolognese with Lentil Pasta

Trader Joe’s Red Lentil Pasta is the base of this hearty vegan Bolognese. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a skillet, sauté diced onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft. Add Trader Joe’s Meatless Ground and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, then toss with the lentil pasta. This vegan dish is packed with protein and has all the rich flavors of a traditional Bolognese.

Truffle Alfredo with Fettuccine

Cook Trader Joe’s Fettuccine until al dente. In a pan, melt butter and stir in a splash of cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Once the sauce thickens, add a drizzle of Trader Joe’s Black Truffle Oil and stir to combine. Toss the fettuccine in the truffle Alfredo sauce and season with salt and pepper. For an extra touch of luxury, top with shaved truffle or a sprinkle of truffle salt before serving.

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Goat Cheese

Trader Joe’s Casarecce Pasta pairs perfectly with this creamy, tangy sauce. Boil the pasta and drain once al dente. In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Blend until smooth, then stir in crumbled goat cheese. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is rich and flavorful, yet light enough for a weeknight dinner.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

28 Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a favorite comfort food for many, but it’s the side dishes that can really make the meal special. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a summer picnic, or just a casual get-together, having the right sides can elevate your fried chicken feast to the next level. Read More.

18 Comforting Dessert Recipes from Grandma’s Kitchen

Nowhere ever feels more like home than at your grandma’s, and nothing beats the warmth and comfort that comes from spending time in her kitchen. With every stir and sprinkle, there’s a sense of love and tradition passed down through generations. Read More.

15 Quick and Comforting Weekend Dinners to End Your Week Right

After a long week, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a warm, comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. These quick weekend dinners are designed to bring you maximum flavor with minimal effort. Read More.