Is Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage worth trying?
Absolutely, yes. This dish not only meets but exceeds expectations in flavour and quality.
After trying many ready-to-eat meals from different stores, I’ve learned to tell the average from the truly great. And it’s with this experience that I confidently recommend Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata. My review is based on a love for high-quality ingredients, great flavours, and the convenience of ready-made meals that still taste amazing.
Other Snack items from Costco that I like include:Costco Social Kitchens Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Review, Costco Gen Bake Churro Donut Bites Review, Costco Chomps Original Beef Stick Review, Costco Don Lee Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken, Costco Schwartz Brothers Bakery Organic Everything Bagel Chips, Minh Mini Chicken Egg Rolls Review , Costco David’s Cookies Butter Pecan Meltaways Review, Costco Universal Bakery Traditional Aussie Bites Review, Costco Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed Review
Taste Test
I enjoyed the dish for its flavorful and well-balanced spiciness. It wasn’t too hot, but a nice kick kept things interesting. The sausage stood out for being particularly satisfying, resembling the high-quality sausage you’d expect on a premium pizza, and it matched the pasta well.
The arrabbiata sauce was also noteworthy; its slightly chunky texture helped it stick to the noodles, making every bite as tasty as the first. I had no issues with the taste or quality of the dish. The ingredients worked well together, making Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients Analysis
Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage features a top-notch list of ingredients for an authentic Italian taste. It starts with Italian tomatoes and tomato puree for the bold arrabbiata sauce, then adds spicy sausage made from pork, spices, water, salt, sugar, and paprika, including paprika extract for extra heat. The cavatappi pasta is made from durum semolina, which pairs well with the rich sauce and sausage. Mozzarella cheese brings creamy texture and flavour, enhancing the dish further.
Key ingredients like soybean oil, onions, salt, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of crushed red pepper, oregano, basil, and black pepper add depth and complexity to the flavour.
Allergy Information: This product contains milk and wheat, which could be an issue for those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
The product stands out for not using preservatives or artificial colours/flavours, emphasizing its focus on natural ingredients. The careful selection of herbs and spices not only makes the sauce more authentic but also more flavorful. Overall, the quality and choice of ingredients show why this dish is an excellent option for a tasty and convenient meal balanced with quality.
Nutritional Analysis
Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage is a balanced meal option, though it’s a bit high in fat. Each serving has 400 calories, making it a good choice for a filling meal, perfect for active people or anyone wanting a hearty lunch or dinner. It has 21g of total fat, including 7g of saturated fat, but no trans fat, which means the fat quality isn’t bad.
However, with 890mg of sodium per serving, it’s something to watch if you’re watching your salt intake since it’s a big chunk of the daily recommended limit. It has a moderate 34g of carbs, including 4g of fibre, which helps make it satisfying, and a solid 16g of protein per serving, good for muscle repair and growth. This makes it an attractive option for health-conscious or physically active people.
It doesn’t have added sugars, which is a plus, with only 6g of total sugars, probably from the natural ingredients. So, it’s a better choice for those cutting down on added sugar.
Despite being high in calories, fat, and sodium, its nutritional profile is balanced with protein and fibre. It’s a viable option for those wanting convenience without sacrificing nutritional value, as long as it fits into their diet and goals.
Convenience
The best thing about Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage, as I mentioned in my review, is its convenience. This point is crucial when cooking from scratch seems too much hassle.
It’s perfect for serving guests a home-cooked meal or those busy evenings when you’re craving something tasty but only have a little time. This meal is an easy option with minimal preparation and clean-up required.
The fact that you can keep this dish in the freezer until you need it adds to its convenience. It’s a solid choice for busy days, surprise visits, or when you don’t feel like making a significant effort to cook but still want something delicious.
Having Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage ready to go can make a difference, providing a stress-free and enjoyable meal anytime without the hassle.
How I Prepare Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage
Conventional Oven Instructions (Recommended)
- Preheat the Oven to 375°F – Before doing anything else, preheat your Oven. This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly.
- Preparation – Leave the entrée in its tray, not vent the film cover. This keeps the moisture in and ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out during cooking.
- Bake for 55 Min. – Place the tray on a baking sheet and set it on the centre rack of the Oven. The placement ensures the meal is optimal for the heat to be distributed evenly.
- Post-Bake – Once done, remove the tray carefully from the Oven as it will be hot. Peel off the film, stir it to mix the flavours well, and then allow it to stand for 2 minutes before serving. This resting time helps to cool it down to a safe temperature for eating and lets the flavours meld together even more.
Microwave Instructions
- Preparation – Like the oven method, you remove the entrée from its carton. Keep the film on the tray, and do not vent it.
- First Phase of Cooking – Cook on 100% power for 8 minutes. This initial high-power phase does the majority of the cooking.
- Stirring the Dish – After the first phase, carefully lift the film and stir the dish well. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Replace the film once done.
- Second Phase of Cooking – Cook on 50% power for another 8 minutes. This lower power setting helps finish cooking without overdoing it.
- Post-Cooking – Allow the dish to stand in the microwave for 2 minutes after cooking. This lets it cool slightly and helps distribute any remaining heat evenly. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave (it will be hot), remove the film, and stir it again before serving.
While I have tried both the oven and microwave methods and enjoy the taste, the texture and flavour from the oven-cooked method are superior. The Oven encourages even cooking and a depth of flavour that the microwave needs to match. However, the microwave version certainly is good on days when time is short, offering a quick and tasty meal option.
Price Analysis
The Costco price of $16 for two trays of Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage is a great deal, especially considering Rao’s usual prices. The dish’s quality and portion size make it a valuable buy. This price point underscores Costco’s commitment to offering its members affordability and quality.
Rao’s is known for high-quality ingredients and rich flavours, so finding a deal like this is impressive. The excellent portion size, convenience, and taste make this an attractive option. It shows that you can find quality meals without a high price, especially at places like Costco, which are known for their excellent value.
Video Summary
Review Score
- Taste: 9/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Nutrtion: 5/10
- Price: 8/10
- Convenience: 8/10
- Overall: 8/10
Overall
Recommended!
I recommend Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage mainly for its flavour, not nutrition. It’s critical to keep this in mind when choosing. This dish offers rich flavours and quality ingredients for a great eating experience, much like what you’d get at a restaurant, thanks to its authentic Italian taste and spicy sausage.
But, if nutrition is your main concern, be aware of its high fat, calorie, and sodium content. It’s tasty and satisfying but might only fit some diet plans or restrictions. Its excellent taste and convenience make it my go-to for quick, delicious meals, even though it’s not the healthiest option.
Have you tried Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage yourself?
What are your thoughts on its balance of convenience, taste, and nutritional value?
FAQs
Can Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage be cooked in an air fryer?
While the packaging does not provide air fryer instructions, many have successfully cooked it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Always check the dish partway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
Is the sausage in this dish pork or beef?
The spicy sausage used in Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata is made from pork, offering a rich flavour that complements the spicy arrabbiata sauce.
How many servings does one tray provide?
One tray serves approximately 3-4 people, depending on appetite and whether it’s served as a main dish or a side.
Is Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage gluten-free?
This dish is not gluten-free, as it contains cavatappi pasta made from wheat.
Can leftovers be frozen for later use?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen. Store in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What is the best method to reheat the leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave at 50% power in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated. Alternatively, reheating in an oven at 350°F, covered in foil until warm, is also effective.
Does this product contain any artificial preservatives or colours?
A: Rao prides itself on using high-quality ingredients without artificial preservatives or colours. This dish follows that commitment, focusing on natural ingredients for flavour.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Cosctcopickz solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Cosctcopickz and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Cosctcopickz ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes.
