25 Healthy Trader Joe’s Pasta Recipes

Introduction

Trader Joe’s is a beloved grocery store known for its unique and affordable products. One item that can always be found on their shelves is pasta. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or a cooking novice, Trader Joe’s offers a range of pasta options that are perfect for creating delicious and satisfying meals. In this blog post, we will share a tasty pasta recipe using Trader Joe’s ingredients that you can easily recreate at home. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful dish!

Ingredients

To make this Trader Joe’s pasta recipe, you will need:

• 1 package of Trader Joe’s pasta (your choice of shape)
• 1 jar of Trader Joe’s marinara sauce
• 1 pound of Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the Trader Joe’s pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

2. In a separate skillet or pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving any excess grease in the pan.

3. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to soften.

4. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and pour in the jar of Trader Joe’s marinara sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until well coated. If needed, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it a final toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve the Trader Joe’s pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your homemade pasta creation!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! Trader Joe’s offers a variety of pasta shapes, including classics like penne and spaghetti. Feel free to choose your favorite type or experiment with different shapes for added texture.

2. What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

If you prefer a vegetarian option or simply don’t have Italian sausage on hand, you can substitute it with plant-based sausages or other protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh. You can also use ground beef or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all make tasty additions to this Trader Joe’s pasta dish.

4. Can I make the recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Trader Joe’s carries gluten-free pasta options, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Simply swap out the regular pasta for your preferred gluten-free alternative to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Can I make extra sauce and store it for later use?

Of course! If you find yourself with leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be reheated and used as a sauce for other pasta dishes, as a pizza sauce, or even as a filling for lasagna.

Now that you have a delicious Trader Joe’s pasta recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to head to the store, stock up on the ingredients, and get cooking! Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this easy dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the flavors of Trader Joe’s pasta in the comfort of your own home!