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Italian Food at Trader Joe’s That’s Better Than a Restaurant's (For a Fraction of the Cost)

Skip the restaurant bill with these Italian delights from Trader Joe's.

Italian Food At Trader Joe's That's Better Than Restaurants Featured Image
Updated June 2, 2025
Fact checked

Wish you could instantly be transported to Italy to try authentic and fresh cuisine? From marinara and meatballs or a refreshing mozzarella-topped salad, Trader Joe's has you covered at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at most restaurants.

The store has some of your favorite meals for less, which helps you keep more money in your wallet.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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4 Cheese Ravioli

4 Cheese Ravioli

Price: $3.29

Pair the refrigerated ravioli with pesto, alfredo, or meaty marinara sauce to make your own Italian meal at home.

Each delicate pasta pouch comes with a flavorful filling of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and hard-grating cheese.

Outside Inside Stuffed Gnocchi

Outside Inside Stuffed Gnocchi

Price: $3.49

As the name implies, this frozen gnocchi has what you would usually put on the outside stuffed neatly inside.

Made from wheat flour and potato, this under-$4 meal is filled with tomato sauce and rich mozzarella cheese. The toppings are in the center, so you save even more on the cost of sauce.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Price: $2.99

Carb counters can enjoy this veggie-packed pick. Trader Joe's sources this gnocchi straight from Italy.

Instead of wheat and potatoes, this filling favorite is made from 75% cauliflower. This gnocchi is also dairy, sugar, and egg-free.

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Fiochetti with Pink Sauce

Fiochetti with Pink Sauce

Price: $4.49

The bow or knot-like egg pasta is filled with three types of cheese. But that's not all. This Italian freezer meal also includes pink cream and tomato-based sauce.

Microwave the pasta-sauce combo for a quick bite after a busy day, or, if you have more time, cook the fiochetti on the stove.

Ricotta and Spinach Filled Ravioli

Ricotta and Spinach Filled Ravioli

Price: $4.49

Get everything you need for dinner in one bag. This bargain buy includes decadent ricotta, spinach-stuffed ravioli, and savory tomato basil sauce.

Family Style Meat Lasagna

Family Style Meat Lasagna

Price: $6.99

Need to feed your family? This meat lasagna is less expensive than what you might pay for a restaurant-made meal.

The two-pound package includes layers of egg pasta, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, and a seasoned ground beef-pork combo.

Italian Style Meatballs

Italian Style Meatballs

Price: $5.99

If you want a restaurant-worthy meal at a low-cost price tag, these Trader Joe's Italian meatballs are the way to go.

Microwave or oven-bake the ground beef balls and coat them in your favorite tomato sauce. Add them to a plate of pasta, stuff them into a parmesan-topped sandwich, or eat them as is.

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imtmphoto/Adobe woman with shopping bags at mall

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Pizza Parlanno

Pizza Parlanno

Price: $5.49

A top choice among Trader Joe's shoppers, this frozen pizza includes a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheese and plenty of tasty toppings.

Each wheat flour crust pie comes with roasted bell peppers, onions, Italian sausage crumbles, and uncured pepperoni.

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Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

Price: $4.99

The in-store Italian feast doesn't end at the frozen foods aisle. Trader Joe's also has fresh focaccia in the bread/bakery section that will help you save money on groceries.

Made with extra virgin olive oil, roasted tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, this ready-to-heat bread can be eaten alone or served as a side with your next meal.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Arnell Koegelenberg/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman using smartphone at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Organic Garlic Bread

Organic Garlic Bread

Price: $3.99

Take-and-bake bread just got even better. You'll find this bargain in the store's bakery section.

The pre-sliced loaf is seasoned to perfection with a garlic Parmesan spread. Just warm the bread in your oven until it gets crispy.

Bottom line

JHVEPhoto/Adobe Trader Joe's store front

Trader Joe's has the foodie finds you may not see at other similar retailers. The brand's Italian cuisine features favorites from ravioli to gnocchi, and almost everything in between.

Along with affordable Italian lunch and dinner options, Trader Joe's is the go-to grocer for to save on everyday essentials and pantry products. 

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