The Fun Little Pasta That Caught My Eye at Trader Joe’s

Happy Tuesday, ladies! Thank you for stopping by on this beautiful but chilly morning! I hope you’re having a good start to the week! It’s time to pour ourselves a cup of our favorite hot coffee, and get this day started!

Can I ask a quick question? Are you a Trader Joe’s fan? I feel like you either are or you aren’t!

I never used to be, mainly because we don’t have a store in our local area. But I cannot lie…I often wondered what all the hype was about!

So, going back about two years ago, I was running some errands in a few towns over from me.

I “stumbled” upon a Trader Joe’s, and of course, my curiousity was busting at the seams!! I couldn’t wait to walk through those doors and discover what I’d heard so many people talking about!

The first thing I noticed was that it wasn’t a BIG grocery store. That was a plus for me because I find that some stores are so ginormous that they give off an overwhelming vibe!

The next thing I spotted as I entered the store was a greeting card display. Trader Joe’s has some of the nicest cards I’ve seen in a long time.

I’ll let you in on a little secret about me. Well, I already told you how much I love curtains, but did you know I love cards too?! lol

For some reason, a card means more to me than a gift. Perhaps it’s because of the sappy sentimental words that get to me every time. Who knows! Yes, I’ll admit, I’ve shed a few tears throughout the years just by reading cards.

And when I’m the one looking for the card, forget it…if you happen to be “lucky” enough to be out shopping with me that day, you’ll need to give me at least 20-30 minutes to read and select the best one! Time enough for you to wander off and grab a coffee or snack! I promise you’ll find me right where you left me, in the card section, when you come back! lol

Okay, what aisle am I in now? You know that I just had to go up and down each and every aisle during my first visit to Trader Joe’s!

There were SO many new and interesting items that caught my eye. But I wish you could’ve seen the expression on my face when I was looking at the pasta and saw this package of gigli pasta staring at me!

That’s right, gigli, pronounced “JEE-lee,” which resembles cute little ruffled bells! I picked that package right up off the shelf and couldn’t help but think how fun this pasta would be to cook with.

In my cart it went!

And fast forward to many Trader Joe’s trips later, and I’m still buying that gigli pasta.

I toss it with our favorite pasta sauce and serve it with a garden salad and Italian garlic bread to make a quick, simple, delicious weeknight meal.

But here’s what I love about this playful little pasta. It can turn an ordinary pasta dish into something that looks a little more creative!

From soup to macaroni and cheese, to a refreshing summer pasta salad, there are so many ways you can use this pasta.

Have you ever heard of gigli pasta before? You might want to give it a try the next time you’re rummaging through the aisles at your Trader Joe’s!

Enjoy your day, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow!

~Chelle Noelle~