Dinners

Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe

This chewy creamy Trader Joes Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe is made with brown butter and fresh sage and ready in 20 minutes. The pumpkin-shaped noodles catch every drop of the rich, nutty sauce. I always stock up on this seasonal favorite as soon as it hits the shelves.

The Secret To Getting It Right

I used to ruin the delicate shape of this seasonal pasta by boiling it too aggressively. Now, I keep the water at a gentle simmer to prevent the little pumpkins from breaking apart.

The real trick is pulling the pasta out a minute early. Finishing it directly in the brown butter sage sauce ensures maximum flavor absorption.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 bag (14 oz) Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 12 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe

  1. Boil The Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and add the pasta.
  2. Cook The Pasta: Simmer for 9 minutes until al dente, saving half a cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Brown The Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and smells nutty.
  4. Crisp The Sage: Add the fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and fry for one minute.
  5. Create The Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Toss And Serve: Add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.

Recipe Tips

  • Gentle boil: A rolling boil will cause the pumpkin shapes to break, so keep it at a steady simmer.
  • Watch the butter: Butter goes from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds, so remove it from heat if needed.
  • Save pasta water: The starchy water helps thin out the rich cream sauce while making it cling to the noodles.

What To Serve With Fall Zucchette Pasta

Serve this rich pasta alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon. A piece of grilled chicken or Italian sausage also pairs perfectly for a heartier meal.

How To Store

Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the cream sauce back together. I do not recommend freezing this dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different sauce?

Yes, this pasta works well with marinara, alfredo, or a simple olive oil and garlic toss.

Why did my pasta break?

Boiling the water too vigorously or stirring too aggressively can damage the delicate pumpkin shapes.

Is this pasta gluten-free?

No, the seasonal zucchette pasta is made with wheat flour and butternut squash puree.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52g
  • Protein: 12g

Try More Recipes:

Trader Joes Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

Chewy, creamy Trader Joes Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe features rich brown butter, fresh sage, and heavy cream ready in 20 minutes. Toss these seasonal pumpkin noodles into an easy autumn dinner that feels incredibly comforting on a chilly weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (14 oz) Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 12 fresh sage leaves

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

  • 1. Boil The Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and add the pasta.
  • 2. Cook The Pasta: Simmer for 9 minutes until al dente, saving half a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • 3. Brown The Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and smells nutty.
  • 4. Crisp The Sage: Add the fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and fry for one minute.
  • 5. Create The Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • 6. Toss And Serve: Add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.

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