Introducing the new frozen meal you’ll love for weeknights. Keep reading for a Trader Joe’s Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi review.
Last year, Trader Joe’s introduced Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe to their frozen item scene and it very quickly became a fan favorite. Dare I say it even a phenomenon?!
I picked it up after spotting it on several Trader Joe’s-dedicated Instas, thinking, “How good could frozen spaghetti possibly be?” I was soon eating my words because their Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe was restaurant quality pasta that could be prepared in a handful of minutes with just one skillet. Consider me influenced.
Realizing they had a hit on their hands, Trader Joe’s has since released other Cacio E Pepe-flavored items, like these corn and rice puffs (so good!) and a jarred sauce (not a fan). They’re at it again but this time, it’s frozen gnocchi having its moment in the sun.
First Up, How To Cook the Gnocchi
Like most Trader Joe’s freezer meals, they give you instructions for both the microwave and stovetop. 9 times out of 10, I go for the stovetop version, especially when the instructions are practically a single step.
One head’s up for heating this meal, you’ll want to use a skillet that comes with a snug cover to really help thicken the cheese sauce. I’ve been there before when I didn’t read the instructions beforehand and grabbed a skillet that didn’t have a lid. I mentally kicked myself for making more work for myself.
Empty the bag into a non-stick skillet and add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-high heat for around 3 minutes. I didn’t take the cover off once during this time so that the gnocchi could do its thing.
Then, remove the lid, lower the heat, and stir gently for 3-4 minutes. After 3-4 minutes, the gnocchi were cooked through and ready to enjoy!
Trader Joe’s Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi Review
I was very happy with this Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi. It took mere minutes to prepare and the cheese sauce was very rich and flavorful. I especially loved the taste of fresh ground peppercorns that really gave the dish pizzazz. James and I enjoyed it as a side next to our salmon for dinner, which hit the spot. Of course, James added more cheese to his gnocchi!
If you are short on time or energy, I’d recommend Trader Joe’s Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi to enjoy as an indulgent meal or side dish.
