Bertolli Chicken Carbonara brings authentic Italian flavors to your home with its creamy pasta dish featuring white meat chicken, peas, and bacon in a rich Alfredo sauce. Inspired by traditional Italian cooking, this convenient meal offers a taste of Italy in minutes.
Unopened Bertolli Chicken Carbonara can last up to 12 months when stored properly in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). This extended shelf life ensures you can keep a package on hand for those busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Once opened, the shelf life of Bertolli Chicken Carbonara decreases significantly. The perishable ingredients like cream, cheese, and chicken require prompt consumption. For optimal quality and safety, it’s best to enjoy the opened product within 7 to 10 days, keeping it refrigerated at all times.
Understanding Bertolli Chicken Carbonara
Bertolli Chicken Carbonara combines quality ingredients to create a convenient Italian-inspired meal. This frozen dish features white meat chicken, pasta, and a creamy carbonara sauce.
Ingredient List
The main components of Bertolli Chicken Carbonara include:
- Pasta
- White meat chicken
- Peas
- Bacon
- Carbonara sauce
The sauce contains cream, white wine, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and onions. Bertolli uses no artificial flavors in this product.
Soybean oil and rendered chicken fat are also included. The Parmesan cheese contains pasteurized milk, cultures, salt, enzymes, and natamycin for preservation.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Bertolli Chicken Carbonara provides:
- 640 calories per 1/2 package
- 14g saturated fat (70% Daily Value)
- 1470mg sodium (61% Daily Value)
- 4g sugars
The exact protein and carbohydrate content is not specified in the available information. This dish is relatively high in calories and saturated fat.
Consumers should be aware of the sodium content, which accounts for over half the recommended daily intake. Those with dietary restrictions or health concerns should review the full nutrition label.
Cooking Directions
To prepare Bertolli Chicken Carbonara:
- Brown the chicken on both sides in a skillet.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook onions and bacon in the same skillet for 6 minutes.
- Add wine and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in peas and sauce, bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
This method allows for easy preparation while maintaining the flavors of the dish.
Serving Size
Bertolli Chicken Carbonara comes in a 24-ounce (680g) package. The recommended serving size is half the package, which serves two people.
Each serving provides a substantial meal, but portion control is important due to the high calorie content. The package design makes it easy to divide the contents for two separate meals if desired.
For those watching their calorie intake, consider pairing a smaller portion with a side salad or vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Shelf Life and Freshness
Bertolli Chicken Carbonara has specific storage requirements and indicators of quality to ensure safe consumption. Proper storage and awareness of expiration dates are crucial for maintaining freshness and food safety.
Expiration Date
Unopened Bertolli Chicken Carbonara can last up to 12 months when refrigerated below 40°F (4°C). The expiration date printed on the package provides a reliable guideline for optimal quality. Once opened, the product should be consumed within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.
Consumers should check the “best by” or “use by” date on the packaging before purchasing or consuming. This date indicates when the product is at its peak quality. After this date, the carbonara may still be safe to eat but might have diminished flavor or texture.
Signs of Spoilage
Identifying signs of spoilage is essential for food safety. Visual cues include mold growth, discoloration, or separation of the sauce. An off-putting odor or sour smell indicates the carbonara has gone bad.
Changes in texture, such as excessive dryness or sliminess, are also red flags. If the sauce appears curdled or has an unusual consistency, it’s best to discard it. Any presence of bubbles or a swollen package can indicate bacterial growth.
Consumers should trust their senses. If the carbonara looks, smells, or tastes unusual in any way, it’s safer to throw it out rather than risk foodborne illness.
Proper Storage Practices
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of Bertolli Chicken Carbonara. Following recommended practices can significantly extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
Refrigeration is essential for opened Bertolli Chicken Carbonara. Store it at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth. Place the product in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption from other foods.
The dish should be consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. It’s advisable to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as off-odors or visible mold growth.
For unopened packages, refrigeration can extend shelf life up to 12 months. Always check the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Freezing and Defrosting
Freezing Bertolli Chicken Carbonara can extend its shelf life for up to 3 months. Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag before freezing. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to consume, thaw the frozen carbonara in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed carbonara, as this can compromise food safety and quality.
Airtight Container Use
Using airtight containers is crucial for storing Bertolli Chicken Carbonara. These containers prevent air exposure, which can lead to bacterial growth and moisture loss.
Choose containers made of food-grade materials like glass or BPA-free plastic. Ensure the lid seals tightly to create an effective barrier against contaminants.
Fill the container as much as possible, leaving minimal air space. This reduces the risk of freezer burn when freezing and helps maintain freshness when refrigerating.
Clean and dry containers thoroughly before use to prevent cross-contamination. Label containers with the date of storage to track freshness.
Food Safety Concerns
Proper handling and storage of Bertolli Chicken Carbonara is crucial to prevent foodborne illness. Temperature control and timely consumption are key factors in maintaining food safety.
Avoiding Foodborne Illness
Bertolli Chicken Carbonara should be stored at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth. Once opened, consume the product within 3-4 days for optimal safety and quality.
Never leave the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), increasing the risk of contamination.
When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential pathogens. Use a food thermometer to verify the temperature.
Check for signs of spoilage before consumption:
- Unusual odors
- Discoloration
- Mold growth
If any of these signs are present, discard the product immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety.
Additional Tips for Enjoyment
Maximize your Bertolli Chicken Carbonara experience with proper reheating techniques, creative serving ideas, and complementary Italian-inspired dishes. These suggestions will help you savor every bite and create memorable meals.
Microwave Use
Reheating Bertolli Chicken Carbonara in the microwave requires care to maintain its quality. Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it rest for 30 seconds before checking the temperature.
For best results, avoid reheating the entire package at once. Separate portions to ensure even heating. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating. This helps restore the creamy texture.
Test the temperature in several spots before serving. The dish should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Be cautious of hot spots, especially in the center of the plate.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Bertolli Chicken Carbonara meal with thoughtful presentation and pairings. Serve it in warm, shallow bowls to keep the pasta at an ideal temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
Pair the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This balances the rich carbonara sauce. Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta makes an excellent side to soak up extra sauce.
For beverages, choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. Sparkling water with a lemon twist offers a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Italian-Inspired Recipes
Create an Italian-themed meal by adding homemade appetizers or desserts to your Bertolli Chicken Carbonara. Start with bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This light starter whets the appetite without filling guests before the main course.
For dessert, consider a classic tiramisu or panna cotta. These can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on the main dish. A simple affogato – vanilla gelato “drowned” in hot espresso – offers a quick and impressive finale.
Expand your Italian repertoire by learning to make a quick tomato sauce or pesto. These versatile sauces pair well with various pastas and can be used to create new dishes using leftover carbonara as a base.
Bertolli Product Range
Bertolli offers a diverse selection of Italian-inspired products, including pasta sauces and frozen meals. Their range caters to consumers seeking convenient yet flavorful dining options.
Types of Bertolli Sauces
Bertolli produces a variety of pasta sauces to complement different dishes. Their Alfredo sauce is a popular choice, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Other options include marinara, vodka, and olive oil-based sauces.
Bertolli sauces come in glass jars and are shelf-stable until opened. The company has worked to reduce trans fats in their products, aligning with health-conscious consumer preferences.
Some Bertolli sauces feature regional Italian flavors, such as Tuscan-inspired or Sicilian-style varieties. These products allow home cooks to easily add authentic Italian tastes to their meals.
Exploring Frozen Meals
Bertolli’s frozen meal line offers quick and convenient Italian-inspired dinners. These products typically serve two and come in a variety of flavors and styles.
The Chicken Carbonara is a popular option, featuring pasta, white meat chicken, peas, and bacon in an Alfredo sauce. Other frozen meals include Chicken Florentine, Shrimp Scampi, and vegetarian options.
Bertolli frozen meals are designed to be prepared quickly, often ready in under 15 minutes. They contain a mix of pasta, protein, vegetables, and sauce, providing a complete meal in one package.
These products are found in the frozen food section of grocery stores. They offer a convenient alternative to cooking from scratch while still providing a taste of Italian cuisine.