Product Review: Trader Joe’s Organic Sprouted Wheat Pappardelle

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of pasta? I could sit down to one any day of the week- particularly if the pasta are the wide, flat pappardelle which is my absolute favorite. Most restaurants serve these noodles with some sort of Bolognese or ragu, and I’m a sucker for it wherever I go. If pappardelle is on a menu, that’s what I’m ordering.

While I was perusing the aisles at Trader Joe’s, I noticed a new product in the dry pasta section. Trader Joe’s Organic Sprouted Wheat Pappardelle almost called out to me to buy it. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical since a lot of the whole grain pastas out there are dense, heavy and too grainy. However, the light weight of the package and the relative thinness of the dry noodles hooked me.

I had purchased some gorgeous oyster mushrooms and red spring onions at the Farmer’s Market a few days prior, so I wanted to put them to good use. After sautéing them in a bit of butter and olive oil, I added some green garlic and thyme and them tossed it all with the boiled pappardelle. A ladle of pasta water, some fresh Italian parsley, a good pile of grated Parmiggiano Reggiano and a drizzle of truffle oil finished the dish.

The verdict? The slight nuttiness of the pappardelle went perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and bright onions, and nothing perks up a dish like real Parmiggiano Reggiano. It was so easy, healthy and delicious that I think I’ll be making this again very soon. I think this pasta is a great “star” of a dish- it would probably be best if tossed with some grated cheese and veggies like asparagus or cubes of butternut squash rather than coated with a rich tomato or cream sauce. J really loved the texture and flavor of this too.

If you’re looking for a a healthy pasta, this is a great option. I highly recommend it!