My New Favorite 3-Ingredient Fall Dinner from Trader Joe’s

With fall in full swing, Trader Joe’s has become my go-to store for discovering tasty seasonal treats. From pumpkin ice cream to pumpkin sheet cake, they’ve truly outdone themselves with their autumn offerings this year.

But, aside from their delicious seasonal desserts, I’ve also found an effortless and satisfying fall dinner that has quickly become my favorite. The best part? It only uses three ingredients from Trader Joe’s and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

A Treasure Trove of Fall Finds

If you’ve ever wandered Trader Joe’s aisles, you know it’s more than just a grocery store. It’s a place where new, exciting, and tasty foods await everywhere. Every trip to Trader Joe’s feels like a bit of adventure, and I often leave with a cart full of items I didn’t plan on buying but can’t wait to try.

This fall, I stumbled upon a new product I’d never seen, which instantly inspired me to create a quick and easy dinner. With just three simple ingredients—Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli, Butternut Squash, and their Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce—I put together a meal that’s become my new fall obsession.

Discovering the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli

As a pasta lover, I’m always looking for interesting new varieties, and Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli caught my eye immediately. Combining creamy ricotta with a bright, zesty lemon flavor intrigued me. While lemon is typically associated with summer, I had the perfect fall ingredients in mind to complement this pasta.

The Key Ingredients a Simple Trio

Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli: This pasta has a delightful balance of creamy ricotta cheese and a hint of lemon zest that adds a fresh twist. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves unique pasta dishes.
Butternut Squash: This fall-favorite vegetable is naturally sweet and pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to your meal.
Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce: This seasonal sauce is the true hero of the dish. Made with a blend of tomatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash, it’s rich, creamy, and full of comforting fall flavors. It’s like a cozy autumn day wrapped up in a jar.

Quick and Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe

Let me walk you through how I put this dish together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.

Boil the Ravioli: Start cooking the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli according to the package instructions. It only takes a few minutes to cook once the water is boiling, so keep an eye on it.
Cook the Butternut Squash: While the ravioli is boiling, dice up your butternut squash into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the squash until it’s tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 10 minutes.
Combine with the Sauce: Once the squash is cooked, pour in Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer with the squash for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss in the Ravioli: Once the ravioli is ready, drain it and toss it into the pan with the sauce and squash. Gently mix everything and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the ravioli to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: To finish the dish, top it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the hot pasta and sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy finish that will make your mouth water with every bite.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

What makes this meal truly special is the balance of flavors. The ricotta and lemon zest in the ravioli add a bright, tangy note that perfectly complements the rich, savory Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce. The butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and a velvety texture that brings everything together.

And when you top it all off with gooey, melted Parmesan cheese, you’ve got a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for fall.

Why This Meal Is My New Fall Favorite

There are a few reasons why this simple three-ingredient dinner has quickly become a staple in my fall meal rotation:

It’s Fast and Easy: With just three ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, this meal is ideal for nights when you want something quick but still delicious.
It’s Packed with Flavor: The combination of the creamy pasta sauce, tangy ravioli, and sweet butternut squash creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and comforting.
It’s Perfect for Fall: This dish is the epitome of fall flavors with ingredients like butternut squash and a creamy sauce made from pumpkin and tomatoes.
It’s Budget-Friendly: Trader Joe’s is known for its affordable prices, and this meal is no exception. You can create a restaurant-worthy dish with just a few ingredients without breaking the bank.

Trader Joe’s a Fall Food Haven

Trader Joe’s always impresses me with its wide selection of seasonal products; this three-ingredient dinner proves that.

It’s the perfect blend of convenience and quality, making it my new go-to meal for busy fall evenings. Whether cooking for yourself or a small group, this dish will become a favorite in your household, just like mine.

So, next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab a pack of the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli, some butternut squash, and a jar of the Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce. Trust me, you won’t regret it.