Product: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Description: Frozen spaghetti in a sauce of Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and cream. Each bag contains three small servings. The item is a permanent newcomer to Trader Joe’s.
Preparation summary: Add two tablespoons of water in a skillet and cook over medium heat for about seven minutes. Or microwave on high in a covered dish also for seven minutes.
High points: In keeping with tradition, the cheese (cacio) and black pepper (pepe) deliver full-strength flavor. The task of properly balancing the two ingredients (normally with pasta water) isn’t always easy to achieve when making the centuries-old dish from scratch. Consider this your fast track to Roman Empire cuisine.
Low points: What the heck is cream doing in this rendition? It isn’t supposed to be there. Starchy pasta water is what adds creaminess in the classic recipe. This is essentially Alfredo sauce alla cacio e pepe. As a result, it’s too heavy and gets incorrigibly gummy the moment it begins cooling.
Average Retail Price: $3.99
Availability: Trader Joe’s