The $3.99 ALDI Find I’m Stocking Up On While It Lasts

The other day, I found myself staring into my fridge at 12:47 p.m. with several afternoon deadlines approaching and two back-to-back meetings starting at 1:00 p.m. I was hungry and pressed for time, and I narrowed my lunch options down to a container of leftover rice or a half-eaten yogurt cup. I was about to resign myself to the combination when I remembered the ALDI Whole & Simple Pastas I put in my freezer last week.

They were part of ALDI’s weekly finds, and when I spot any products from the Whole & Simple line, I try to grab them. They’re made with mostly whole foods and familiar ingredients and are the kind of convenience foods I gravitate towards when I need a quick, nourishing meal or snack.

Five minutes later, I was eating one of the most satisfying lunches I’d had in weeks. That frozen box of pesto gnocchi—priced at just $3.99—delivered a creamy, basil-packed pasta that tasted like it came from an Italian restaurant and not my microwave.

I’ve since tried the Fusilli with Pesto and I am happy to report that they’re both full of flavor, generously sauced, and decidedly satisfying. 

Why I Love ALDI’s Whole & Simple Pesto Pasta Boxes

What sold me immediately was how wholesome these are, and that’s because each single-serving box packs 13 grams of protein. The gnocchi version has pillowy potato dumplings swimming in a creamy basil sauce made with ingredients like ricotta and extra virgin olive oil.

The fusilli also comes with ribbons of kale and diced tomatoes in that same gorgeous pesto. Both are made in Italy, and the sauce, while not a traditional pesto, is a delicious, cream-enhanced variation.

The convenience factor is also unbeatable. Five minutes in the microwave, and I have a fortifying meal that doesn’t leave me hungry like many other frozen options. When craving more veggies and protein, I can eat a salad with leftover rotisserie chicken or chickpeas and share one of these pasta boxes with my partner for comfort.

More Ways To Enjoy ALDI Whole & Simple Pastas

I also love how they can be easily jazzed up when I have a few extra minutes. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in while they’re still hot wilts perfectly and boosts the nutrition. I can also see myself tossing in some leftover grilled chicken directly or a sprinkle of pine nuts for crunch. My favorite upgrade is adding a squeeze of lemon and a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan, which brightens the whole dish.

At $3.99 each, these boxes cost less than most (maybe all?) fast-casual lunch options but deliver something much more satisfying. I might have to buy a whole case the next time I see them. One can never be too careful. Knowing how hot ALDI’s limited-time finds are, they’ll disappear just as quickly as they arrive on the shelves.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}