The $4 Trader Joe’s Dinner Fans Call a ‘Good Meal When You Don't Want to Cook’

Sure, we love experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, but some nights, cooking is the last thing we want to do (looking at you, weeknights!). And while takeout often sounds like the perfect solution, it can quickly become a pricey habit if you’re trying to save a little cash during the week.

Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has a new freezer find that feels like takeout—but it won’t even set you back $5.

Trader Joe’s Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage

Trader Joe’s recently released its Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage, and fans are excited. Not only is this freezer meal quick and easy to prepare, but it also features bowtie durum wheat farfalle, marking a first for the grocer’s pasta offerings. And the best part? A 12-ounce box costs only $3.49!

This dish comes with a spicy tomato sauce and bits of Italian chicken sausage, creating a savory, comforting flavor that just might rival your favorite Italian takeout.

On a recent Reddit thread, one commenter called it a “good meal when you don't want to cook” and appreciated that the serving size is “for 1 and not 2.” Others agreed, recommending it enthusiastically, with one noting that, at just under $4, it’s “a solid deal.”

As for the spice level, reviews were mixed. One person described it as having a “nice spicy kick,” while another called it “minor,” saying, “If you can tolerate a mild spice, like biting into a pickled jalapeño, you can absolutely handle this.”

When it comes to preparing the frozen meal, some opted for the microwave but found the “pasta felt somewhat mushy” and that “the sauce wasn't very flavorful.” Another user baked the dish for 35 minutes in the oven and reported better results, saying the “pasta wasn’t mushy” and the sauce tasted “fine.”

For a bit of extra flair, Trader Joe’s recommends adding a dash of Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce for more heat, or garnishing with “torn leaves of organic basil” and “a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese” to make this freezer meal feel homemade.