New York, NY (April 11, 2013) Inspired by the flavors of her youth, renowned chef Lidia Bastianich will be launching her first line of ready-made meals on April 13th, exclusively at Whole Foods Market’s 25 locations in the Tri-State area. Lidia’s Homestyle Meals: From My Table to Yours will offer families a way to easily incorporate high-quality, wholesome and fresh Italian meals into their diets that are delicious and nearly effortless to prepare.

Lidia’s Homestyle Meals include:

  • Lasagna with Chicken Bolognese Sauce—Layers of traditional Italian spinach pasta are filled with a velvety all natural chicken ragu and mixed Italian grated cheese and mozzarella to create a perfectly baked marriage of flavors.
     
  • Breaded Chicken Breast Parmigiana—This Italian classic is made with all natural chicken, freshly made marinara sauce and fresh herbs, topped with a supple mixture of cheeses. This delicious dish will be welcomed and enjoyed by your family time and time again.
     
  • Lemon Chicken –Light and lemony fresh, this dish is made with all natural chicken, capers and plump green olives then elegantly topped with lemon slices. The succulent sauce and tender chicken will satisfy the most demanding crowds.
     
  • Turkey Meatballs—Vegetarian fed turkey raised without antibiotics are ground and gently formed into delicious meatballs surrounded by fresh marinara sauce.
     
  • Baked Penne with Ricotta—Lidia’s imported durum wheat penne is perfectly cooked, tossed with freshly made marinara sauce, creamy all natural fresh ricotta, topped with oozing Italian grated cheese, and then baked to perfection.
     
  • ManicottiTraditional Italian fresh egg pasta filled with fresh ricotta, herbs and Italian grated cheese, baked in freshly made marinara sauce. This comforting dish is topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese to make a heartwarming entrance any day of the week.
     

“My new Homestyle Meals make it easier than ever to bring some of my favorite Italian classics to your table,” said Bastianich. “By using only the freshest ingredients and high-quality meats, I’m confident these meals will keep your family coming back to the table for more. To prepare these, simply heat and enjoy. It doesn’t get much simpler or rewarding than that.”

Lidia continued, “We wanted to do something special and continue our family philosophy of preparing for our customers only the best food products that are nutritionally and environmentally conscious and delicious in taste. Our family personally manages and oversees the production of our products, and stands by each the quality and integrity of which it’s made. The food line, which is closely managed by my family, also distributes my imported pasta, and all natural pasta sauces all over the country.” 

“Since so many of our shoppers lead busy lives, we’re thrilled to be exclusively offering Lidia’s Homestyle Meals as a simple meal solution for their families,” said Christina Minardi, Whole Foods Market Northeast Regional President. “As with all products sold at Whole Foods Market, these readymade meals not only meet our strict quality standards but embody the passion and talent of Lidia, giving our shoppers a taste of what she serves to her family.”

Lidia’s Homestyle Meals are the perfect option for family dinnertime, a great lunchtime dish, or a meal to take home at night. Each meal will retail for $7.99-$9.99.