Equii expanded its portfolio of products made from plant-based proteins with a line of pasta varieties. Derived from the brand’s complete protein flour formulated through fermentation, products include macaroni and cheese and rigatoni noodles. The macaroni and cheese contains 19 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per 3.5-oz serving, and the rigatoni offers 28 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving.

Conagra brand Chef Boyardee launched into the frozen aisle with Chef Boyardee Skillets. The products are aimed at consumers seeking convenient multi-serve meal options, including options such as spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo and cheese ravioli.

“For those feeding larger families, we’re modernizing and ‘premiumizing’ Chef Boyardee, and we’re moving it into the frozen category,” said Thomas M. McGough, co-chief operating officer, during a presentation at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in February.

Goodles, a maker of macaroni and cheese products, debuted a deluxe macaroni and cheese line. The pasta varieties offer a low glycemic index and 16 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, according to the company. Flavors include “ched over heels,” a cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese, and “shell we dance,” an aged white cheddar sauce over shell pasta.

ZENB, a plant-based pasta brand, added a line of ramen formulated from whole yellow peas. The gluten-free, non-fried noodles contain 18 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber per serving. Flavors include spicy miso, shoyu and vegan tonkotsu.

Amy’s Kitchen expanded its organic prepared food portfolio with a frozen pasta entree. The company’s Italian-inspired penne with mushrooms and spinach bowl features organic penne, spinach and sliced mushrooms, a three-cheese blend of Parmesan, Monterey jack and aged white cheddar, and 16 grams of protein.

The Campbell Soup Co. launched a series of sauces under its Prego brand. Developed as an alternative to the numerous red sauce options that comprise the majority of the Italian foods aisle, Prego Creamy Pesto sauces combine the creamy texture of alfredo sauce and herbal flavor notes of pesto, according to the company.

The product line includes flavors such as basil pesto, roasted garlic pesto and Parmesan pesto. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat and between 60 to 70 calories.

“Pesto is seeing the largest amount of growth within the Italian sauce category and yet is the smallest segment,” said Caitlin Votava, director of marketing at Prego. “We've seen that everyone is craving more meal inspiration with new flavors, so we created Creamy Pesto sauces with a vision to elevate more than just pasta, while keeping weeknight dinners easy and flavorful.”

Rice-A-Roni, a dry pasta brand of the Quaker Oats Co., ventured into the macaroni and cheese aisle with two products: Mac-A-Roni and Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni. The convenient meal solutions come in flavors such as creamy cheddar or creamy white cheddar for Mac-A-Roni, and three cheese or white cheddar varieties for Simply Pure Deliciousness Mac-A-Roni.

“Whether as a side dish or part of a main dish, Mac-A-Roni delivers on the flavor and convenience that families are looking for," said Katie Scupham, vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America.

Immi, a low-carb, high-protein, plant-based instant ramen brand, added a ramen toppings product line. The topping mix features a blend of seven vegetables: cabbage, carrot, tofu skin, champignon mushroom, chive, corn and tofu. The 13-oz product includes 70-plus servings, with 20 calories, 25 mg of sodium and 3 grams of total carbohydrates per serving.

“Ramen toppings have been a top product request from our customers and community,” said Kevin Chanthasiriphan, co-founder of immi.

Domino’s has introduced oven-baked macaroni and cheese to its menu. Featuring penne pasta, Alfredo sauce and cheddar, American, Parmesan-Asiago and mozzarella cheeses, the 5-Cheese Mac & Cheese is available in original and spicy Buffalo varieties, which combines the original ingredients with a drizzle of Buffalo sauce.