Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipes to Try Today

As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s the perfect time to embrace seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Trader Joe’s fall zucchette pasta is a delightful way to celebrate the harvest season with a twist on traditional pasta dishes.

This unique pasta, shaped like tiny zucchinis, adds a fun texture and a subtle vegetable flavor that’s perfect for autumn-inspired meals. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these recipes highlight the versatility of fall produce combined with the convenience of Trader Joe’s pantry staples.

In this post, you’ll find a collection of delicious and easy-to-make fall zucchette pasta recipes that will elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests. From creamy sauces enhanced with roasted squash to vibrant veggie-packed dishes, these recipes are designed to be both comforting and nutritious.

So grab your apron, and let’s dive into these flavorful fall pasta creations that celebrate the best of the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fall zucchette pasta recipes from Trader Joe’s offer a unique and seasonal twist on classic pasta dishes. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Seasonal Flavors: These recipes incorporate autumnal ingredients like butternut squash, sage, and roasted garlic, bringing cozy fall vibes to your table.
• Quick & Easy: Most recipes use Trader Joe’s ready-to-go ingredients, making meal prep efficient without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthy & Wholesome: The zucchette pasta is made primarily from zucchini, adding a light, vegetable-rich component to your meal that pairs beautifully with nutrient-dense fall veggies.
• Versatile: Whether you want a creamy sauce, a tomato-based meal, or a veggie-packed stir-fry, these recipes can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta – 12 oz package
• Butternut squash – 1 medium, peeled and cubed
• Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Fresh sage leaves – 8-10, chopped
• Vegetable broth – 1 cup
• Heavy cream or coconut cream – ½ cup (optional for creaminess)
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated (or vegan alternative)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional for a little heat)
• Baby spinach – 2 cups, fresh
• Toasted walnuts or pecans – ¼ cup, for garnish
• Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon, for brightness

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Vegetable peeler and knife
• Cutting board
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater for cheese and lemon zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the butternut squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Cook the zucchette pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Trader Joe’s fall zucchette pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
3. Sauté garlic and sage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sage leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Create the sauce: Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet along with vegetable broth. Use a potato masher or fork to mash some of the squash, creating a chunky sauce. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream if using, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked zucchette pasta and fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Season and finish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative), lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Enjoy immediately with a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, which balances perfectly with the savory sage and garlic.

• For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra umami flavor.
• Try swapping butternut squash with roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes for a different fall twist.
• Incorporate cooked chickpeas or white beans to turn this into a heartier, protein-rich meal.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, skip the cream and use extra vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This fall zucchette pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables. For a refreshing side, try a crisp Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas that complements the creamy pasta beautifully.

For an appetizer, consider serving warm bread with olive oil and herbs or a simple soup like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to keep the fall theme consistent.

If you’re looking for other hearty yet healthy dinner ideas, this pasta also goes well alongside recipes like 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals for balanced meal planning.

Conclusion

Trader Joe’s fall zucchette pasta recipes offer a delightful and seasonal way to enjoy the flavors of autumn with minimal effort and maximum taste. These dishes not only bring warmth and comfort to your table but also provide a nutritious spin on traditional pasta meals.

With simple ingredients like roasted butternut squash, fresh sage, and creamy sauces, you can create memorable dishes that satisfy both your palate and your need for wholesome food.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, these recipes are versatile and easy to customize. They also pair wonderfully with other vegan and vegetarian dishes, making them a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Dive into the season’s best flavors and let Trader Joe’s fall zucchette pasta inspire your next delicious creation!

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