Mealtime is Quality Time + $100 Giveaway!


Mealtime is an important occasion at the end of a long day, to gather together and decompress, share stories and, most of all, spend quality time together.  But if you're anything like us...two full-time working parents, with a young toddler, two pets and a household to run...you know that mealtime is not only precious but also fleeting.  At the end of our day, we're exhausted, so to cook a full meal is not always realistic.  What's more likely is that we rush home and squeeze in as much time with Ethan between dinner, bath and play before it's time for bedtime.  And oftentimes, when we're cooking, that cuts into time we could be spending with Ethan.

Anyone else with me?!

And of course, you see me post recipes here, which are usually thanks to my dear husband.  He's the cook of the family...I just document and take credit for it!  ;)  But in all seriousness, we don't cook like that every night.  It's usually something easy and healthy and quick!

Enter Bertolli.

Bertolli recently introduced new recipes to its frozen line of skillet meals, perfect for two (or three in our case!) that literally come together in under ten minutes.  It's so easy and takes away all the time that goes into prep and cooking.

Intrigued, we chose to try the Chicken Parmigiana & Penne.


Looks tasty!


The meal comes with penne pasta, parmigiana chicken, tomatoes, and chunks of mozzarella.


And in less than ten minutes... it looks like this!


There was plenty of food for Ryan and me...and even enough for this little guy...


Ethan gobbled up the pasta and chicken...it was a total hit!

What's more important is that we all got to have quality time together the evening we made this meal.  Not only during mealtime, but also for playtime, bath time, story time and bedtime.  It really opened up our evening for quality family time.

I know frozen meals aren't for everyone, at least not all the time.  But for us, it was a great compromise.  The pasta tasted great {even Ryan, the resident chef, gobbled it right up and couldn't stop talking about how good it was.  That's a score in my book!}, it was quick and easy, and it fed everyone for dinner.  It was a great win-win for us.

In celebration, Bertolli and BlogHer is offering one reader a $100 gift card.  For a chance to win, all you have to do is tell me...

Which Bertolli meal is your favorite or which would you most like to try?

Be sure to check out their website for their meal selections or Facebook for updated info.

xo natasha

This is a sponsored post, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.  And in this case, who doesn't love great Italian food?!  ;)

Sweepstakes Rules: 
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/7/2013-12/4/2013.
Be sure to visit the Bertolli brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

102 comments :

  1. I would choose the Chicken Parmigiana and Penne since I always love a good meal with Penne pasta. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to try the chicken florentine! I love creamy sauces :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. We love these and probably use once a week! We like the chicken parm as well as the farfalle vodka!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mmmmm, I'd like to try that Florentine & Farafelle!

    ReplyDelete
  5. We are a big fan of Bertolli meals, so easy and delicious! One of my favorites is the Chicken Florentine but I would love to try the one you have pictured above!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love to try the chicken florentine! thanks for the offer

    ReplyDelete
  7. The only one Ive tried is the Italian Sausage Rigatoni, but it was wonderful. Very impressive for a frozen meal!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Chicken Marsala for sure, but the Italian Sausage Rigatoni sounds wonderful too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would like to try the Lobster Ravioli, sounds great!
    Kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  10. tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/398496754019995649
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  11. I want to try the Lobster Ravioli

    elena150980@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/398503157275189248

    elena150980@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. We love the Chicken Parm! It's one of my go to items when I don't have time to cook!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks yummy! The Pappardelle Bolognese also looks delish. And I totally agree... whatever you can do to streamline dinner and maximize that precious after work/pre bed time with your child is totally worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. On super-busy nights, we defer to Annie's organic frozen pizza. Filling and really yummy! These look great, too! jputrich@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Meals like this are a must every now and then! I'll have to check these out next time I'm at the store...of course my pick would be anything super creamy! :)

    xo
    Megan
    Hello Newlywed Life Blog

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, we love Bertolli meals - we usually get the shrimp, penne and cherry tomato one. Delish!

    ReplyDelete
  18. i would love to try the lobster raviloi! Yum Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'd like to try the Italian Sausage Meatball Rigatoni.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. tweet:

    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/398581762701266944

    ReplyDelete
  21. The chicken florentine alfredo sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Easy and delicious? That is my kind of meal!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would like to try the chicken parm and penne one! I've had frozen meals similar and this looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd like to try the Grilled Chicken & Roasted Vegetables.

    ReplyDelete
  25. The lobster ravioli sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've tried the Chicken Florentine, and it's delish! It's one of my favorites!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'd love to try the Ricotta and Mozzarella Ravioli!
    kendall608(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would most like to try Bertolli® Chicken Alla Vodka & Farfalle

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/398881276016332800

    mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. We love the Florentine & Farafelle one, I always have a bag in the freezer for nights when I just can't get it together. The whole family loves it. (2 adults, 2 picky kids!)

    ReplyDelete
  31. The Lobster Ravioli! Yum!! lana756(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Wild4Wednesdays/status/398884182962618368

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love that Chicken Parm! It's a fave here.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'd like to try the tortellini margherita

    cgies25 at hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  35. I would love to try out the Ricotta and Mozzarella Ravioli. amypugmire@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. tweet. amypugmire@live.com
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/398961283568918529

    ReplyDelete
  37. The Chicken Parmigiana and Penne sounds good to me :+)

    ReplyDelete
  38. We've had the chicken florentine but man the lobster ravioli sounds amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I would like to try Bertolli® Chicken Alla Vodka & Farfalle

    s2s2 at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  40. https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/399280189059784704

    s2s2 at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  41. Their Chicken Florentine & Farfelle frozen meal is our favorite!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I would like to try the Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. my tweeet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/399310728726736896
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. mmmm there are so many great ones to choose from - i think the chicken risotto would be wonnnnderful! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

    ReplyDelete
  45. The Ricotta and Mozzarella Ravioli sounds good!

    chambanachik at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would like to try Italian Sausage & Meatball Rigatoni
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/399757933241581568

    ReplyDelete
  48. My favorite is Bertolli® Lobster Ravioli
    dealsfan32 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. https://twitter.com/Dealsfan32/status/399797721713737728
    dealsfan32 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'd like the lobster ravioli.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I would love to try the chicken Florentine. Sounds delicious and creamy.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. The Italian Sausage Rigatoni - YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  54. The Pappardelle Bolognese sounds good. My whole family would eat it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I've never tried them before but the chicken florentine alfredo sounds delicious.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  56. https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/401011694819749889
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'd love to have the stuffed shells bolognese!
    oldnavyash@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Tweeted! https://twitter.com/smash906/status/402257662252826624
    oldnavyash@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. i want to try the Manicotti Alla Vodka
    tina19820115@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/403364415229018112
    tina19820115@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I would like the chicken Marsala! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like the Italian sausage rigatoni!

    epouseetmerebenie(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I haven't tried any of them, but the Bertolli Shrimp Scampi & Linguine sounds yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  64. We like the Stuffed Shells Bolognese

    ReplyDelete
  65. https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/404121253914505216

    ReplyDelete
  66. https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/404684038939484161

    ReplyDelete
  67. I'd really like to try the Ricotta and Mozzarella Ravioli

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/405454017351790594

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would like to try the chicken parmigiana and penne. It looks good.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. My favorite is the Bertolli® Shrimp, Asparagus & Penne!
    madelinebrubaker {at} gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/405846517317001216

    ReplyDelete
  72. Bertolli Tuscan Style Braised Beef with Gold Potatoes.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Love to try the Shrimp Scampi & Linguine
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love to try the Chicken Portabella Ravioli
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/406765225556180992

    ReplyDelete
  76. i’ve tried the Chicken Parmigiana & Penne and it was very good!

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  77. i posted a tweet:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/406824331210010625

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I am looking forward to trying the Stuffed Shells Bolognese.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Italian Sausage & Meatball Rigatoni is what I would like to try thanks
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Bertolli® Chicken, Rigatoni & Broccoli sounds delicious and I can't wait to try. My kids love broccoli. :)

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  81. tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/407064281297870848

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  82. I really want to try the Tortellini Margherita!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  83. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/407703923617574912
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  84. I haven't tried these yet although I've been seeing them in the freezer section. I'd like to try the Chicken Portabella Ravioli.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/407900207360143361

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I've tried several but would love to try the Creamy Spinach Rollatini

    ReplyDelete
  87. I’d like to try the Italian Sausage and Meatball Rigatoni. Sounds delicious.

    karin56381 (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  88. Id like to try the Chicken Florentine Alfredo
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. https://twitter.com/aes529/status/408292966860464128
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni sounds really good! I would love to try it! Would be great for lunch at work!
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  91. I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/408314652225830912
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I want to try the Italian Sausage and Meatball Rigatoni.

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/408322325528862721

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I like the stuffed shells bolognese.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. https://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/408340899827965953

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I would like to try the Bertolli® Chicken Alla Vodka & Farfalle

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/408375165282566144

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. The Chicken Alla Vodka & Farfalle looks yummy!

    clarkie at agentintellect dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/mrsstodgybottom/status/408450477018193920

    clarkie at agentintellect dot com

    ReplyDelete