Now enjoying pasta just became easier and tastier! I was recently invited to enjoy a three-course luncheon with Barilla at the Scott Conant Culinary Loft in SoHo!

Please Note: I was invited as media to this event. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

The Barilla brand was debuting their latest product, Barilla microwaveable meals, to be enjoyed by busy working professionals and moms like me who want to save time cooking!


The Barilla microwaveable meals ($3.29 ea) are single serve, made from 100% natural ingredients same as Barilla dry pasta and jarred sauces, portable and ready in just 60 seconds. They come in the following flavors:

• Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil Sauce
• Mezze Penne with Traditional Marinara Sauce
• Mezze Penne with Spicy Marinara Sauce
• Whole Grain Fusilli with Vegetable Marinara Sauce
• Whole Grain Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil Sauce

During the luncheon, attendees enjoyed proscuitto, foccacia and cheese as we listened and learned about the history of the Barilla brand, which is family owned for over 135 years. The Barilla brand and family believe in the importance of sit down meals with friends and families.



We also heard from Anna Rosales, a professionally trained chef, instructor and registered dietitian. In 2011, Anna joined Barilla as the company’s nutrition manager, providing dietary and nutrition counsel for all Barilla product research, development and marketing.

Anna spoke about the nutritional value of Barilla microwaveable meals which are 320 calories or less, contain no artificial colors or added preservatives and provide between 9g and 11g of protein.



We also heard from Chef Lorenzo Boni, who joined Barilla full time in 2001, and in 2003, he was promoted to Executive Chef for Barilla America. Chef Boni oversees Barilla’s R&D test kitchen; manages the culinary of all Barilla-sponsored events; and serves as a spokesperson and expert.

Chef Boni spoke about the love and meaning behind Italian food and culture. As an Italian company, Barilla strives to represent the best of Italian food and culture, and an integral part of that culture is sharing the table.

Barilla also has a Share the Table Program. Research shows there is an payoff, in the form of emotional and social benefits for both adults and kids who share meals. Barilla's Share the Table resource center on their website has a myriad of valuable tips for people to try so they can have more meaningful meals together

Barilla was also the honoree at this year’s Food Bank for NYC at the 2012 Can-Do gala, which rose more than $1.4 million to help New Yorkers in need!

After everyone was able to personally select and enjoyed one of Barilla microwaveable meals as a main course. At a glance there was no difference between the pasta dishes made using Barilla microwaveable meals versus Barilla dry pasta.

Since we were also able to take home sample to enjoy, I decided to test for myself and see if the results would be the same. No chefs and helpers, just a mom in the kitchen with her microwave.

To be very honest there's not a lot of prep work to preparing the meals. You remove out the contain, pull back the top film to the dotted line for steam vent, pop in for 60 seconds, carefully remove top film (it's hot) then remove sauce container and pour as little or as much sauce on pasta as you like.

I have to say I like that the pasta sauce is in a separate container. With other microwaves meals both pasta and sauce is mixed and that can make the pasta soggy. Yuck. But the Barilla microwaveable pasta stayed firm and crisp. Yum.

So next time you want to enjoy an Italian meal on the go or at home, I recommend you try a Barilla microwaveable meal!

For additional information on Barilla microwaveable meals, visit - www.BarillaUS.com