The Cacio e Pepe gnocchi at Trader Joe’s is a great easy meal to keep on hand. It’s perfect as an entree on cold nights or would make a great side dish.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a type of pasta typically made from potatoes that is rolled into small dumplings. When I was cooking for a toddler, we called gnocchi pillow pasta. The best part about it is the texture. They’re dense but soft carby balls and balance fantastically with a variety of sauces.
However, the gnocchi in this frozen dish fell flat. I’m not sure if it’s because it was frozen or the way I prepared it, but they were absolute mush. Other reviews have mentioned microwaving the dish gives it a firmer texture. Generally I opt for avoiding microwave instructions on frozen mac and cheese but maybe that would have made a difference?
Sauce
Much like the sauce in their original Cacio e Pepe spaghetti, the sauce in their gnocchi is flavorful and delicious. I expected it to develop after being removed from heat, but it stayed consistent throughout the cooling process.
Preparation Instructions
The true magic in this dish is how quickly it comes together. I followed the stovetop instructions which require you to add 2 tablespoons of water to the package contents in a non-stick skillet covered for 3 minutes. Then cook it for an additional 3-4 minutes at a lower temperature with the lid removed.
That’s it! You’re six minutes from pillowy soft comfort food.
Add a Fork
The magic of Trader Joe’s is how simple their dishes come together and this cacio e Pepe gnocchi is the perfect example. It is delicious and comes together quickly.
