5 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
A TikTok feed is inherently personal, offering a glimpse into niche interests and hobbies. For many, it showcases beloved grocery items, particularly from Trader Joe’s. This unique supermarket chain is a treasure trove of innovative products and meal hacks, making it a hit among food creators online. Fans have transformed their favorite TJ’s items into quick, delicious meals, revealing a whole new world of easy cooking. Let’s explore five standout recipes that require six ingredients or fewer and will ensure you have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Imagine a mac and cheese that requires just three ingredients — it exists thanks to Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread. This creamy creation simplifies homemade mac and cheese preparation while packing in rich, flavorful cheddar.
- Ingredients:
- Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
- Fusilli or short pasta
- Chicken broth (water works in a pinch)
- Optional: Garlic powder, red pepper flakes for a flavor boost
To whip it up, cook the pasta directly in chicken broth for added taste. Once it’s ready, incorporate the cheese spread, stirring until it transforms into a silky sauce.
Saucy Baked Dumplings
Take your tastebuds on an adventure with Saucy Baked Dumplings featuring Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers. Traditionally pan-fried or steamed, this new cooking method bakes the dumplings in a rich, coconut-infused sauce.
- Ingredients:
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
- Trader Joe’s Soyaki sauce
- Trader Joe’s Thai Style Red Curry Sauce
- Coconut milk or cream
- Garlic
- Optional: Cilantro, scallions, or chili crisp for garnish
For preparation, mix the sauces with coconut milk in a baking dish, nestle the frozen dumplings into the mixture, and bake until bubbly. Serve with rice to absorb the delicious sauce.
Tortellini Soup
Warm up with a cozy bowl of Tortellini Soup that’s as easy as it is flavorful. This dish starts with two Trader Joe’s favorites: their premade tortellini and the Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup.
- Ingredients:
- Trader Joe’s Tortellini
- Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Italian sausage or your choice of protein
- Spinach
- Onion
This simple soup comes together in about 20 minutes. Just combine the soup and tortellini in a pot, add your choice of protein, and wilt in some fresh spinach. For a creamier version, stir in ricotta or heavy cream!
Cheesy Gnocchi Skillet
Transform Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi into a cheesy, hearty casserole perfect for a weeknight family meal.
- Ingredients:
- Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Kale
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or freshly grated Parmesan
Start by pan-frying the gnocchi and sausage until crispy, then add the marinara and kale. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden.
Dumpling Soup
One of the standout viral recipes is Trader Joe’s Dumpling Soup, which requires just two ingredients but is endlessly customizable.
- Ingredients:
- Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
- Chicken broth
- Optional: Chili crisp, soy sauce, sesame seeds, green onions
With minimal cooking, simply microwave the dumplings and simmer them in chicken broth. Top with fresh herbs, chili crisp, or even some wilted greens you might have lying around.
What You’ll Need for Each Recipe
One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
- Fusilli or short pasta
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
Saucy Baked Dumplings
- Trader Joe’s Soyaki
- Trader Joe’s Thai Style Red Curry Sauce
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
- Coconut milk
- Garlic
- Optional: Cilantro, scallions
Tortellini Soup
- Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Trader Joe’s Tortellini
- Italian sausage or protein of choice
- Spinach
- Onion
Cheesy Gnocchi Skillet
- Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Kale
- Garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
Dumpling Soup
- Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
- Chicken broth
- Optional: Chili crisp, soy sauce
These recipes illustrate how easy it is to cook quick, delicious meals with Trader Joe’s products. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, weeknight dinners can be simple, flavorful, and enjoyable!