As the air gets crisp and pumpkin spice takes over every corner of the world, Trader Joe’s has tossed their chef’s hat into the autumn ring with Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli. Sure, pumpkin ravioli sounds like something you’d find on a trendy farm-to-table menu or in your Pinterest dreams, but Trader Joe’s manages to deliver it right to the frozen aisle—because why should you have to choose between fall flavors and convenience? Let’s dive into this seasonal masterpiece and see if it’s the gourd-geous meal we’ve been waiting for, or just another squash-filled fantasy.
Just like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano every spring, you can count on Trader Joe’s releasing their pumpkin flavored items (I say it that way because they have more than food with pumpkin flavors, like candles and cosmetics). One of their perennial favorites every year is the Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli. I think it’s been making a visit every year for at least 20 years.
Trader Joe’s describes their Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli as a delightful balance between sweet and savory. The filling, they say, is a harmonious medley of roasted pumpkin slathered with honey, brown sugar, and molasses, then mixed with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. The square raviolis come with a dual-colored exterior—one side a vibrant pumpkin shell orange, the other a subtler hue reminiscent of the soft interior of the squash.
First Impressions
Visually, the plates of ravioli are undeniably charming. They come in vibrant, autumnal hues that instantly give you that fall feeling like you’re about to embark on a cozy culinary adventure. I noticed they cook quickly (just a few minutes in boiling water), which is always a plus for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food fast.
Once plated, I opted for a minimalist approach, as suggested by Trader Joe’s, with a drizzle of browned butter and some sage leaves for garnish. With the first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by the chewy, yet tender texture of the pasta itself. It was clear that the pasta had been thoughtfully made—substantial without being overly dense, with just the right bite.
The filling is where the ravioli truly shines. True to its description, the roasted pumpkin flavor is front and center, with the honey and brown sugar adding a subtle sweetness that complements, rather than overwhelms. The ricotta and mozzarella cheeses bring richness and a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. There’s a slight earthiness from the roasted squash, and the sweetness is punctuated by a molasses undertone, which gives the ravioli a depth that makes each bite a little more interesting.
The Sweet and the (Slightly) Savory
If you’re a fan of savory pumpkin dishes, this might initially come across as a bit too sweet for your palate. The honey and brown sugar in the filling, while delicious, make this ravioli lean more toward the dessert spectrum of pasta. The cheeses add a pleasant richness, but they don’t contribute much in terms of sharpness or saltiness, which would have been a nice contrast to the sweetness. The result is a ravioli that feels like it’s missing just a little something to fully round out its flavors.
That said, when paired with a salty, nutty browned butter or a slightly tangy sauce, the sweetness of the ravioli is beautifully balanced, and it becomes the autumn comfort food of your dreams. While the ravioli is delicious enough on its own to warrant a spot in your fall dinner rotation, adding some flavorful embellishments can elevate it to a true seasonal star.
Texture Matters
When it comes to texture, the ravioli hits all the right notes. The outer pasta is just chewy enough to provide a satisfying bite, while the filling is smooth, rich, and just the right amount of creamy. Each bite is a nice balance between firm pasta and silky filling, which makes for a pleasant eating experience. I found that even after cooking, the raviolis maintained their structure and didn’t fall apart, which can sometimes be a problem with stuffed kinds of pasta.
Room for Improvement
While Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli scores high on flavor and texture, it does need a little room for improvement. First, for those who prefer a more savory dish, the sweetness might be a bit too pronounced. A dash of salt in the filling, or a stronger cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino, could have provided that contrast to make the flavors pop. A more savory pasta sauce might balance out the sweetness.
Additionally, while the ravioli is flavorful enough to be eaten on its own with just a little olive oil or butter, it really shines when paired with a well-chosen sauce. I found myself wanting more complexity in the flavor, which can easily be achieved with the right accompaniments (more on that below in the recipe section).
Final Thoughts
Overall, most of Trader Joe’s raviolis are a great weeknight dinner because it’s as simple as warming up some sauce and cooking the ravioli and on the plate in less than 15 minutes. You can’t beat it for time. Plus if you were to try and make your own ravioli at home, it might take hours. Pumpkin makes a great filling for ravioli and this one is pretty darn good. I am going to go with an 8 out of 10 star rating, this is a solid fall treat that delivers on the promise of autumnal flavors, though it could use a little tweaking to reach perfection!
Recipe Ideas: Elevating Your Pumpkin Ravioli
To take this ravioli to the next level, here are two quick and easy recipes using other Trader Joe’s products that will enhance the flavor of these pumpkin-filled pillows. One of them, of course, features the store’s famous Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce.
Recipe 1: Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce
This recipe pairs the ravioli with Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce, which is made with a blend of pumpkin, butternut squash, and tomato. The sauce has a tangy richness from the tomatoes that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the ravioli filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
- 1 jar of Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions (about 3 minutes).
- In a small saucepan, warm the Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce over medium heat.
- Drain the ravioli and toss them in a tablespoon of melted butter to coat.
- Plate the ravioli and generously spoon the Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired. The tanginess of the sauce complements the sweetness of the ravioli beautifully, making this dish an instant fall favorite.
Recipe 2: Brown Butter Pumpkin Ravioli with Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze
For a more elegant twist, this recipe combines the nuttiness of browned butter with the sweet tang of balsamic glaze, creating a dish that feels both decadent and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze for drizzling
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown and starts to smell nutty (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
- If using pine nuts, toss them into the browned butter and cook for another minute or two until they’re toasted.
- Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the browned butter.
- Plate the ravioli, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
- Garnish with fresh thyme for an added layer of flavor. The nutty butter and sweet balsamic glaze make for a delightful contrast to the creamy, sweet filling of the ravioli.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli brings all the fall vibes in a convenient, flavorful package. It’s a pasta dish that delivers on its promise of sweet-savory goodness, though it could benefit from a bit more complexity to cater to those who prefer a more balanced flavor profile. Whether you enjoy it with a simple butter sauce or jazz it up with one of the recipes above, this ravioli is a delightful addition to your autumn meals. It’s definitely worth a try—especially when the fall cravings kick in.
