Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

If you’ve ever walked through the frozen aisle at Trader Joe’s, you’ve probably spotted their famous Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli. Soft, pillowy pasta filled with creamy squash makes it an easy go-to for weeknight dinners. But sometimes, the real question is: how do you take this ready-made favorite and transform it into a flavorful homemade dish?

This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe is a quick yet impressive way to enjoy pasta night. With sautéed zucchini, caramelized shallots, and a rich butter sauce, it turns a simple pack of ravioli into something that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

The best part? This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and delicious.

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

The first time I tried this recipe, I was looking for a way to elevate Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli without spending hours in the kitchen. I love pasta, but I wanted something that felt fresh and balanced-not just plain ravioli with sauce from a jar.

Adding zucchini was a game-changer. It gave the dish a light, fresh flavor while pairing beautifully with the richness of the squash filling. The shallots added a hint of sweetness and depth, which perfectly complemented the buttery sauce.

Now, this Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It feels gourmet, but it’s so simple to pull together-even on weeknights when I’m short on time.

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli

• 8.8 oz Butternut Squash Ravioli (Trader Joe’s brand)
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise, then cut into 1” half-moons
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced into ½” chunks
• 3 tbsp salted butter (divided)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large pot
2. Medium-large skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Colander

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli in a delicious way.

Step 1: Boil the Water
Fill a large pot with water and add ½ teaspoon of salt. Set it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.

Step 2: Cook the Ravioli
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the Trader Joe’s butternut squash ravioli. Cook according to package directions-about 3 minutes if fresh, or 4 minutes if frozen-until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a medium-large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and let it warm for a minute before adding the vegetables.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the zucchini half-moons and diced shallots to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and starts to brown. When the vegetables stick slightly, stir in 1 tablespoon of salted butter and let it melt.

Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the drained ravioli into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir gently until the butter melts and coats the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve the ravioli hot and enjoy immediately.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli deliciously

1. With a Crisp Green Salad – I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens balance the sweetness of the ravioli perfectly.

2. Garlic Bread on the Side – Sometimes I can’t resist making a batch of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that buttery sauce from the pan.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy adds a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender ravioli. I usually toss them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

4. A Glass of White Wine – A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay works wonders here. I tried it once and now it’s my go-to pairing whenever I want to elevate dinner into a date-night meal.

5. Topped with Crispy Prosciutto – One night I crisped up some prosciutto in a skillet and crumbled it over the ravioli. The salty crunch was a game-changer.

6. With Toasted Walnuts – A sprinkle of toasted walnuts on top adds a nutty crunch that pairs so well with the creamy butternut squash filling.

7. Served Alongside Roasted Chicken – If I want more protein, I’ll roast a simple lemon-herb chicken. It makes the whole meal feel hearty and comforting.

8. Extra Cheese, Please – I’ve found that a shaving of Parmesan or even a little crumbled goat cheese really brings out the richness of the dish.

9. A Side of Roasted Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil make for a cozy, seasonal side that complements the ravioli.

10. Drizzled with Brown Butter Sage Sauce – On days when I want something more decadent, I swap the simple butter sauce for a nutty brown butter infused with sage. It turns the meal into something truly special.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh water for pasta.
Always boil your ravioli in a big pot of fresh water. It helps the pasta cook evenly.

2. Don’t forget the salt.
Add a little salt to the water before you drop in the ravioli. This makes the pasta taste better.

3. Stir gently.
Ravioli is soft, so stir it slowly. If you stir too hard, the pasta might break.

4. Watch the timer.
Ravioli cooks fast! Just 3–4 minutes and it’s ready. Don’t walk away.

5. Drain with care.
Use a colander and pour slowly. Ravioli can tear if you shake it too much.

6. Cut the zucchini the same size.
When all the zucchini pieces are the same size, they cook evenly and look nice too.

7. Don’t rush the veggies.
Let the zucchini and shallots cook until they turn soft and a little brown. That makes them taste sweet and yummy.

8. Melt butter slowly.
Turn the heat low when adding butter. If it melts too fast, it can burn.

9. Taste before serving.
Try one bite before you plate. You can add a little more salt or cheese if you like.

10. Serve right away.
This dish tastes best when it’s warm, buttery, and fresh. Don’t let it sit too long!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What sauce goes with butternut squash ravioli?

From my experience, a simple butter sauce works best because it lets the sweet flavor of the squash filling shine. I usually make a quick sauce with salted butter, olive oil, and a touch of Parmesan. Sage butter or brown butter with a sprinkle of nutmeg also pairs beautifully with butternut squash ravioli.

2. What pairs well with butternut squash ravioli?

I find that light vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or asparagus pair perfectly. For a bit of crunch, toasted walnuts or pine nuts work really well. If you want protein on the side, grilled chicken or a fresh green salad balances the richness of the ravioli.

3. What are the ingredients in butternut squash ravioli?

Trader Joe’s butternut squash ravioli is made with pasta dough and a filling of roasted butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. The filling is slightly sweet and creamy, which is why it goes so well with buttery or nutty sauces.

4. How do you prep a butternut squash?

If I’m working with a whole squash, I peel it with a sharp vegetable peeler, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Then I dice it into cubes for roasting or steaming. But for this ravioli recipe, I love the convenience of Trader Joe’s pre-filled pasta, so I don’t have to prep the squash myself.

5. Can I use frozen butternut squash ravioli?

Yes, I’ve cooked this recipe with both fresh and frozen Trader Joe’s ravioli. The only difference is cooking time-frozen takes about 4 minutes, while fresh cooks in just 3 minutes. Either way, the flavor is the same.

6. Do I need to boil ravioli before pan-frying it?

Yes, I always boil ravioli first until it’s al dente. Then I gently toss it in the skillet with butter and vegetables. This way, the pasta doesn’t break apart, and it absorbs the buttery sauce better.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend cooking the ravioli too far in advance because it can get mushy. What I do sometimes is prep the zucchini and shallots ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh when I’m ready to serve.

8. How can I make the sauce creamier?

If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the butter sauce. I’ve tried it both ways, and while the cream adds richness, I still prefer the lighter butter-only version for balance.

9. What wine goes best with butternut squash ravioli?

From my experience, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs really well. If you enjoy red, a light Pinot Noir is a good choice since it doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the squash.

10. How do I store leftover butternut squash ravioli?

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I avoid the microwave and instead warm it gently in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.

This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe is proof that weeknight dinners can be both quick and elegant. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn store-bought ravioli into a flavorful dish that feels homemade and satisfying.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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