Cozy Secrets for Trader Joe’s Melting Cabbage Vegan Ravioli in Marinara Sauce
There’s something about a cozy vegan pasta dinner that just hits differently, especially on busy nights when you want comfort without effort. This recipe started on one of those evenings when I opened my fridge, saw a package of Trader Joe’s vegan ravioli, a lonely head of cabbage, and thought, let’s make this feel special. What came out of that moment is now one of my favorite Trader Joe’s–inspired dinners — rich, saucy, deeply comforting, and shockingly simple.
Ingredients
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Vegan Spinach & Butternut Squash
- 1½ cups Trader Joe’s Marinara Sauce
- 1 small head green cabbage
- Cut into 4–6 thick wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup vegan cheese shredded or sliced
- Mozzarella-style melts best
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Or ½ teaspoon dried oregano + ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Sear the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage wedges in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and caramelized. Transfer the cabbage to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Marinara Sauce
- Pour in the Trader Joe’s marinara sauce, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook and Fold in the Ravioli
- While the sauce simmers, cook the Trader Joe’s vegan ravioli in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain carefully. Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the marinara sauce, being careful not to break them.
Add the Cabbage and Cheese
- Nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the skillet on top of the ravioli and sauce. Sprinkle evenly with vegan cheese.
Bake Until Melty and Cozy
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the cheese is melted, and everything is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.