Let’s be honest….some nights, the thought of making dinner sounds like a full-on request. However, what if I told you dinner could taste like a fancy restaurant meal without the effort? Thanks to our favorite one-stop shop, Trader Joe’s, we’ve rounded up five (5) dreamy and super simple recipes that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. These meals are perfect for lazy weeknights, impressing your friends, or just treating yourself like the main character you are. Each one is cozy, quick, and packed with flavor. Best of all, there are no complicated ingredients or chef-level skills required, making you ready to fall in love with your dinner routine again!
Lemon Pesto Shrimp Rigatoni
Light, zesty, and oh-so satisfying. This pasta dish is bursting with flavor, color, and a touch of coastal vibes, bringing you right back to your European summer dreams!
What You’ll Need:
- Trader Joe’s Raw Argentinian Red Shrimp
- Trader Joe’s Rigatoni
- Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce
- (1) Zucchini, sliced
- (1 cup) Squash, cubed
- Olive Oil
- Salt, Pepper, & Garlic Powder
How To Prepare:
- In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and place on medium heat. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until pink and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).
- Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions.
- Add zucchini and butternut squash to the skillet with the shrimp. Season again lightly, and cook for ~ 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, pour in your desired amount of lemon pesto, and toss with a few generous handfuls of parmesan.
- Stir until everything is well coated and melty. Serve hot with extra parm on top, obviously!
Time: ~ 15 minutes
Source: @cooking.with.brig
Tortellini & Meatball Bake
Pasta + cheese + meatballs = the perfect weeknight hug we all need!
What You’ll Need:
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
- Trader Joe’s Cheese Tortellini
- Trader Joe’s Caro Sugo Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
- Spinach, a couple of handfuls torn
- Olive Oil
How To Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a baking pan.
- Add uncooked cheese tortellini and chicken meatballs to the dish.
- Toss in torn spinach for a sneaky veggie boost.
- Pour the full jar of tomato sauce over the top. Add 1/4 cup water to the empty jar, shake, and pour over the dish.
- Top with sliced mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Bring it to a broil for the last 5 minutes to get the cheese golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with lots of parmesan. Like, don’t be shy!
Chef’s Tip: You can prep this in the morning and pop it in the oven when you get home!
Time: ~ 45 minutes
Source: @cooking.with.brig
Chicken Sausage & Red Pepper Gnocchi
Creamy and cozy with a secret kick!
What You’ll Need:
- Trader Joe’s Gnocchi
- Trader Joe’s Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage, sliced
- Trader Joe’s Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Pesto
- Mozzarella Cheese, diced
- Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional)
- Avocado Oil
How To Prepare:
- In a large pan, add 2-3 tbsp of avocado oil over medium-high heat.
- Add gnocchi and sausage, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown everything nicely.
- Reduce heat slightly and stir in the red pepper pesto. Add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
- Sprinkle diced mozzarella on top and broil for 2 minutes until gooey and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm!
Time: ~ 15 minutes
Source: @cooking.with.brig
15-Minute Beef Stir Fry
Um, hello? Takeout who?
What You’ll Need:
- Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles (use as many packs as desired)
- Trader Joe’s All-Natural Shaved Beef Steak
- Trader Joe’s General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
- Broccolini
- Avocado Oil
How To Prepare:
- Sauté broccolini in avocado oil for ~ 2 minutes in a large skillet on high heat.
- Add shaved beef and reduce heat. Cook until halfway done (~ 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in your desired amount of General Tsao sauce and let it bubble.
- Add noodles and cover for 2 minutes so they soften and absorb the flavor.
- Toss everything together and serve while hot and saucy!
Time: ~ 15 minutes
Source: @cooking.with.brig
Mediterranean Bowl
Our meal prep hero! Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for meal-prep queens (or kings!). This bowl checks every box: protein, crunch, creaminess, and that lemony-herby zing.
What You’ll Need:
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs
- Trader Joe’s Tzatziki Dip
- (1) Cucumber, diced
- (1 cup) Cherry Tomatoes, diced
- (1/2 cup) Red Onion, diced
- (1/3 cup), Crumbled Feta
- (1/4 cup) Olive Oil
- (3 tbsp) White Wine Vinegar
- Salt
How To Prepare:
- Cook the meatballs based on package instructions (We prefer the air fryer method!).
- Heat the brown rice in the microwave.
- In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt, and toss to coat.
- In meal prep containers or bowls, add brown rice, cucumber salad, meatballs, and a big scoop of tzatziki.
- Garnish with fresh dill. Store in the fridge and enjoy chilled or reheated.
Time: ~ 15 minutes
Source: @ma.satterfield
These recipes prove that Trader Joe’s and a little creativity = endless deliciousness! Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just making something fast before bringing your latest show, these meals have your back.
So next time you feel tempted by takeout or bored with your usual dinner routine, grab one of these ideas and get cooking….your stomach (and future self) will thank you! For even more inspiration from everyone’s favorite grocery store, be sure to check out Our Favorite Gluten & Dairy Free Trader Joe’s Items!
