We Sampled Rao’s Frozen Meals And These 15 Are Our Favorites
Rao’s frozen meals promise big Italian flavors without the prep, and we put them to the test. We tasted through the lineup to find the dishes that actually deliver cozy, satisfying comfort on busy nights.
Some standouts tasted nearly restaurant worthy, while a few surprised us with lighter, weeknight friendly balance. Here are the 15 favorites we would happily keep stocked for that what’s for dinner moment.
1. Chicken Parmesan
Crispy-ish breading stays impressively lively after baking, which you will appreciate if soggy cutlets usually disappoint. The red sauce leans bright and garlicky, cutting through the cheese so bites feel balanced instead of heavy.
You get that comforting pull of mozzarella, plus a tender chicken center.
Pair it with a quick side salad and it suddenly feels like a full restaurant plate at home. If you crave a straightforward classic, this hits the spot without trying too hard.
It reheats reliably, and the portion is filling.
2. Eggplant Parmesan
This is a meatless win when you want rich, saucy comfort without feeling weighed down. The eggplant slices are tender, and the coating holds just enough texture to keep each bite interesting.
Sauce brings a lively tomato pop, with cheese finishing things creamy and cozy.
You will not miss meat here, especially if you like layered casseroles that feel indulgent. It pairs well with garlic bread or a handful of arugula.
Bake it until the edges bubble and brown slightly, and you get that satisfying, almost homemade vibe on a busy night.
3. Meat Lasagna
Thick, hearty layers make this a classic big dinner pick you will keep around for cold nights. The meat sauce tastes savory and tomato forward, with a gentle sweetness that plays nicely against creamy ricotta.
Pasta sheets stay pleasantly tender without turning mushy.
It is the kind of lasagna that feels like it took all day, minus the dishes. Edges brown beautifully if you bake it uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Add a side of roasted broccoli and you have a complete, comforting meal that will satisfy hungry households or impressive leftovers.
4. Cheese Lasagna
If meat is not your vibe, this cheese focused stack still delivers real comfort. Ricotta stays creamy, mozzarella stretches beautifully, and the marinara gives enough acidity to keep bites from feeling flat.
It is simple, dependable, and very kid friendly.
You will want to let it rest a few minutes so layers set and slice neatly. Add a shower of grated parmesan and red pepper flakes for a little lift.
It is an easy repeat buy when you crave saucy pasta without extra drama, perfect for Monday nights.
5. Baked Ziti
This weeknight classic nails the cozy baked texture you are probably craving. The ziti holds a nice bite, sauce leans tangy and herby, and the cheese topping bubbles into that irresistible, slightly browned blanket.
Every spoonful tastes like comfort without being too heavy.
It is especially good when you want pasta that reheats well. Add a handful of peas or sausage if you like extras, though it does not need them.
Pair with green salad and you are set. It is straightforward, satisfying, and consistently tasty for quick dinners.
6. Penne Alla Vodka
When marinara fatigue hits, this creamy, slightly tangy sauce resets your taste buds. The vodka note is subtle, mainly boosting tomato brightness and rounding the cream.
Penne stays nicely al dente, which matters with a rich sauce like this.
You will enjoy how the sauce hugs each tube so bites feel cohesive. Add cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon if you want extra zip.
It is a great comfort pick that still tastes lively, especially with a side of garlicky spinach. Heat gently and stir halfway for best texture.
7. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Classic and familiar, this one scratches the comfort food itch fast. The marinara tastes bright and savory, clinging nicely to strands that stay pleasantly springy.
Meatballs are tender with a balanced herby profile, not rubbery or overly dense.
If you crave a straightforward pasta night, it delivers with minimal fuss. Add parmesan and a few basil leaves, and it looks company ready.
You will get that nostalgic satisfaction without cooking sauce all afternoon. It is an easy, dependable freezer staple that pleases kids and adults alike.
8. Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
Ridged rigatoni holds onto the meaty sauce for big, satisfying bites. The ragu leans savory with a hint of sweetness and plenty of tomato depth.
Texture stays sturdy, so you will not get mushy pasta here.
It is one of the heartier options that still feels balanced, especially with a sprinkle of parsley. Reheats well for lunch the next day, which is always a win.
Add chili flakes for heat or a drizzle of olive oil for gloss. This is weeknight comfort that tastes like real dinner.
9. Chicken Alfredo
On nights you want milder comfort, this is creamy and filling without heavy garlic overload. The sauce coats the pasta evenly, and the chicken stays tender, not chalky.
It is all about silky texture and soothing flavors.
You will appreciate how well it pairs with steamed broccoli or peas for some green contrast. A crack of black pepper brightens the richness.
Stir halfway through heating for the smoothest consistency. It is a reliable pick when you need something gentle after a long day but still want a satisfying bowl.
10. Fettuccine Alfredo
This one is all about the sauce, and it delivers those maximum creamy pasta vibes. Broad ribbons stay silky with just enough bite, letting the parmesan rich Alfredo shine.
It is simple, indulgent, and very comforting when you want pure creaminess.
You can add grilled chicken or roasted mushrooms if you want to bulk it up. Otherwise, a little lemon zest and pepper brings balance.
You will find it reheats nicely with a splash of water stirred in. It is a dependable classic for creamy pasta cravings.
11. Chicken Lasagna
A nice change from the beef version, this stays cozy and cheesy with a lighter feel. The chicken pieces are tender, and the sauce rides the line between tomato and cream for welcome balance.
Layers hold together cleanly for a satisfying forkful.
You will like this if you want comfort without a heavy ragu. It pairs well with roasted zucchini or a crisp salad.
Rest a couple minutes before serving so it slices neatly. It is an underrated, crowd friendly option that feels special yet easy.
12. Sausage and Peppers Pasta
Big, savory flavor leads here, with sweet peppers balancing the richness of the sausage. The sauce leans robust and herby, clinging well to the pasta so you get a full bite every time.
It tastes like a street fair sandwich reimagined as dinner.
You will appreciate the variety of textures, from snappy sausage to tender peppers. Add a little vinegar or lemon to perk it up if you like brighter notes.
It is a satisfying, full flavored alternative to basic red sauce and a fun change of pace.
13. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Garlic butter lovers, this is your treat night choice. The shrimp are plump, the pasta stays springy, and the sauce brings lemony brightness that keeps bites lively.
It feels a little special compared to heavier red sauce dishes.
You will want to finish with extra lemon and pepper flakes for a restaurant touch. It cooks quickly, so do not overheat or the shrimp can tighten.
When you want seafood in a hurry, this scratches the itch while staying comforting and satisfying.
14. Stuffed Shells
These shells feel special without requiring any effort. The ricotta filling is creamy and well seasoned, while the marinara keeps things bright and saucy.
Bake until the cheese browns at the edges and you get that irresistible, bubbling finish.
You will love how satisfying a couple shells can be with a side salad. They plate beautifully for guests, too.
Add a spoon of pesto on top for a fun twist. It is a festive, cozy choice when you want pasta that eats like a mini celebration at home.
15. Ravioli with Marinara
Simple and comforting, this ravioli hits when you want pasta without the baked casserole heaviness. The cheese filling tastes clean and creamy, while the marinara brings a bright, herby lift.
Texture stays tender yet intact, so it does not fall apart.
You will appreciate how quickly it heats and how well it pairs with garlic bread. A drizzle of olive oil and parmesan completes it.
It is the kind of freezer friendly staple you reach for on autopilot, delivering reliable warmth and satisfaction any night.
