Recipes
Calabrian Chili Spicy Pappardelle With Meatballs
This is one of those Trader Joe’s dinners that barely feels like cooking but somehow still tastes like something you ordered at a restaurant. The Calabrian Chili Spicy Pasta Sauce has a creamy tomato base with a little heat to it, and once it coats the pappardelle it turns into a really solid weeknight pasta situation.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini with Chicken Meatballs
The Trader Joe’s roasted red pepper soup works really well as a pasta sauce once it cooks down a bit. The tortellini absorbs some of the liquid as it cooks, so it turns into a creamy roasted red pepper coating instead of being a soup. Add air fried chicken meatballs, ricotta, basil, and spinach and it feels like a full comfort meal with very little effort.
Rigatoni alla Vodka with Burrata & Basil
his is my go-to bowl when I want pasta that feels a little special without being fussy. The sauce is silky and tomato-rich with just enough vodka bite to keep it bright, and a spoonful of burrata (or ricotta) melts into the warm rigatoni and turns the whole thing into something you want to eat slowly.
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
These classic stuffed bell peppers are simple, hearty, and full of everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese makes this a dependable, satisfying meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a small gathering.
Garlic Herb Butter Tortellini
This garlic herb butter tortellini is cozy, savory, and packed with flavor — perfect when you want something simple but elevated. It’s my favorite way to turn cheese tortellini into a buttery, herby side dish in minutes.
Cozy Garden Vegetable Soup
Whether you're feeling under the weather or just need something gentle and grounding, this one delivers all the comfort without the heaviness.
Baked Gnocchi with Marinara & Mozzarella
If you're craving something cheesy, saucy, and soul-soothing but can’t be bothered with a single pot of boiling water — this one’s for you. Just toss gnocchi, sauce, and cheese into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. No chopping, no boiling, no stress.
Angel Hair with Garlicky Red Sauce & Crispy Pan-Fried Meatballs
This recipe is reminiscent of the weeknight dinners I grew up on — angel hair pasta twirled through jarred red sauce, topped with sizzling pan-fried meatballs, and finished with a snowstorm of grated parmesan.
Grilled Peach & Burrata Crostini with Hot Honey
Sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy—this crostini has it all! Juicy grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey make this an irresistible summer appetizer. The crispy, charred bread brings everything together for a bite that’s both elegant and backyard BBQ-friendly!
Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Avocado Pesto & Garlic Shrimp
A luscious, creamy avocado pesto draped over roasted spaghetti squash and topped with garlicky shrimp—this Paleo dish is bursting with flavor!
Deviled Eggs with Herb Pesto
These Springtime Deviled Eggs with Herb Pesto are a twist on the classic—creamy, zesty, and packed with bright green herbs for a seasonal pop of flavor. Whether you're hosting an Easter brunch or just want a fun and elegant appetizer, these will disappear fast!
One-Pan Ziti Skillet with Sausage and Ricotta
This one-pan ziti-inspired skillet dish combines the comforting flavors of baked ziti without the need for the oven! You’ll have tender pasta, savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and a burst of tomato flavor, all made in one skillet.
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, with cheesy tortellini swimming in a velvety tomato-basil broth that’s inspired by everyone’s favorite vodka sauce.
Basil-Kissed Cavatappi Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes & Kale
This pasta salad is a vibrant medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that feels just as fancy as it does comforting. Perfect for lunch, a picnic, or an easy weeknight side dish!
Bruschetta al Pomodoro e Basilico
Elevate your Italian dining experience with Bruschetta al Pomodoro e Basilico, a classic starter that brings together the freshness of tomatoes, the fragrance of basil, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. Perfect to accompany a pasta dish or as a standalone delight.
Creamy Avocado Pesto Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This Creamy Avocado Pesto Penne is everything I want in a weeknight pasta—bright, herby, a little indulgent, and totally comforting. The roasted cherry tomatoes add a juicy, caramelized pop that balances out the silky, garlicky avocado pesto like a dream.
Caprese Sandwich with Pesto Spread
There’s nothing quite like a good caprese sandwich, and this one brings all the freshness you love—with an herby, garlicky pesto twist that takes it over the top. Whether you serve it cold or toasted, it’s layered with flavor and perfect for lunch, a picnic, or a casual summer dinner.