Experience Authentic Tuscan Flavors: Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce Event & Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe
This post is proudly sponsored by Bertolli ®, a brand that has held a special place in my kitchen for many years. I’m incredibly excited to share with you all the delightful details about their innovative new line of Rustic CutTM Pasta Sauces, and the unforgettable Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce Dinner Event in NYC, which I had the pleasure of attending at the iconic Gramercy Park Hotel. As a special treat, you’ll also find my latest, incredibly easy recipe for Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, featuring Bertolli Rustic Cut Marinara Sauce – a quick and hearty dinner packed with thick-cut, wholesome vegetables.
Many years ago, I called Queens, NY home and dedicated my days as an attorney at a bustling Manhattan law firm. My office was nestled right in the vibrant epicenter of Times Square, a place where I frequently found myself strolling the lively streets and avenues. I must confess, as many New Yorkers do, that I often took the unique energy and endless possibilities of the city for granted. Life has since taken a wonderful turn; I’ve moved to the serene suburbs, and my days are now filled with the joyous chaos of raising two young boys and managing this blog full-time. Those spontaneous city strolls have, regrettably, become a distant but cherished memory.
However, that sense of longing for the city’s pulse was reignited last week. Stepping off the train at Penn Station, I decided to take a walk to the Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce Dinner Event. It was roughly a thirty-minute journey through the heart of the city, but every step was invigorating. I consciously took in every detail: the crisp city air, the captivating storefronts adorned with enticing displays, the inviting bars and restaurants buzzing with life, the endless stream of passersby, and the familiar symphony of urban sounds. I absolutely adored it! I remember a moment of quiet reflection, thinking: “How grand will this event truly be? Are any of these wonderful people around me also headed to the same special evening?” The anticipation made the walk even more enchanting, building excitement with every block.
Upon my arrival, my expectations were not just met, but gloriously surpassed. The venue was simply breathtaking, transporting guests to a dream-like Italian setting. The organizers had meticulously crafted an atmosphere that felt like stepping straight into the heart of Tuscany. Every detail contributed to this authentic feel, from the warm, inviting lighting and rustic wooden decor to the fragrant hints of Italian herbs in the air. There was even an engaging boomerang photo booth, complete with charming vintage bicycles that looked as if they had been plucked directly from the sun-drenched fields of rural Italy. It was an immersive experience that truly brought the spirit of Bertolli’s origins to life, celebrating the simple beauty of authentic Italian culture. Take a moment to appreciate these delightful glimpses:
The evening commenced with a delightful selection of signature drinks and exquisitely prepared hors d’oeuvres. Each bite and sip was a testament to quality, truly super delicious and setting a high standard for the multi-course meal to come. The appetizers were not only flavorful but beautifully presented, whetting our appetites for the Italian culinary journey ahead.
The atmosphere throughout the event was truly fabulous, buzzing with excitement and lively conversation. I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people, including Catherine and Sean Lowe from “The Bachelor” fame. They were an incredibly charming and down-to-earth couple, genuinely approachable and engaging. They made sure to mingle with guests, happily posed for photos, and, like everyone else, seemed to thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the evening. As the sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the Gramercy Park Hotel, the venue truly came alive, shimmering with an enchanting light that further enhanced the magical Tuscan illusion. The air filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the delightful hum of enthusiastic chatter, making for a truly memorable social experience.
After a period of delightful mingling and anticipation, the time finally arrived for dinner. Guests were invited to find their seats wherever they pleased, fostering a relaxed and communal dining experience, true to Italian hospitality. To start, fresh, crusty artisan bread was served at each table, accompanied by generous bowls of the star of the evening: Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce, inviting everyone to taste its rich and robust flavor profile from the very beginning. Individual salads, featuring vibrant rustic greens, tender cannellini beans, and delicate shavings of aged Parmesan cheese, were then presented, perfectly complemented by a beautifully paired, crisp Pinot Grigio. The freshness and simplicity of these initial courses truly highlighted the authentic Italian culinary experience Bertolli aimed to convey, emphasizing quality ingredients.
The main course was a true feast for the senses, served in the traditional Tuscan family style, encouraging sharing, conversation, and a sense of togetherness. Platters brimming with delectable dishes arrived, circulated gracefully among the tables, ensuring everyone could savor a bit of every culinary masterpiece on the menu. Highlights included: tender Cavatelli pasta generously tossed with vibrant summer squash, sweet heirloom tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, and a delightful coating of Bertolli Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce. There was also a rich and comforting Chicken Cacciatore, simmered to perfection with savory onions and olives, its depth of flavor enhanced by Bertolli Sweet Peppers & Portobello Mushroom Sauce. For seafood lovers, a perfectly pan-seared Roasted Branzino was served alongside succulent shellfish and a delicate beurre blanc, all beautifully complemented by creamy polenta made with Bertolli Spicy Rustic Cut Marinara Sauce. Every single dish was a symphony of authentic Italian flavors, each one impeccably prepared and presented. However, I must confess, the polenta truly stole my heart. This particular iteration, crafted with creamy Parmesan, decadent mascarpone, and that captivating Spicy Rustic Cut Marinara Sauce, was utterly enchanting, a revelation of texture and taste that left a lasting impression. A choice of a robust Chianti Classico or a crisp Chardonnay was offered to perfectly complement these magnificent main courses, enhancing the flavors of each dish. The engaging conversations flowed effortlessly through all the courses, extending well into dessert. And speaking of dessert, we were treated to a classic, perfectly portioned Tiramisu, alongside a medley of fresh, ripe berries, rich cream, and sparkling Prosecco. Need I say more? Just looking at these photographs now, I’m instantly transported back, wishing I could relive that magical evening again and again. The entire experience was a testament to Bertolli’s dedication to authentic Italian dining.
As the meticulously planned menu clearly indicated, the new line of Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauces truly were the undisputed stars of the evening. These exceptional sauces draw their inspiration directly from the brand’s esteemed founder, Francesco Bertolli, and his unwavering commitment to crafting simply cooked meals using only the highest quality, authentic ingredients. This philosophy shines through in every jar, offering a taste of genuine Tuscan tradition and culinary excellence that’s accessible to everyone.
The best part about these new Rustic Cut Pasta Sauces is their incredible convenience without compromising on flavor or quality. If you keep a few jars handy in your pantry, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious, wholesome dinner in virtually no time at all. They are generously packed with hearty, thick-cut vegetables such as vibrant peppers, sweet onions, and crisp carrots, adding both texture and robust flavor to any dish. Furthermore, these sauces are perfectly seasoned, eliminating the need for any additional doctoring or complex adjustments on your part. You can rest assured knowing they contain no artificial colors, flavors, or added sugar, ensuring a pure, authentic, and wholesome taste experience. Imagine the simplicity: just boil your favorite pasta, generously pour over your preferred Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce, and instantly enjoy a magnificent, flavorful dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a taste of Italy without the fuss.
But, if you’re like me and occasionally feel inclined to elevate your weeknight meal with just a little extra flair, you will absolutely love my personal recipe for Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes. It’s a fantastic way to transform a simple meal into something truly special and incredibly satisfying, all while leveraging the fantastic, robust base provided by Bertolli’s Rustic Cut Marinara. It’s comfort food perfected with minimal effort!
My Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes recipe is not just super easy, it’s remarkably quick and calls for only five key ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast:
- Lean Ground Turkey (a healthier alternative that still delivers on hearty flavor);
- Bertolli Rustic Cut Marinara Pasta Sauce (the essential flavor base, packed with rustic vegetables);
- Flavorful Slices of Pepperoni (for that irresistible pizza taste);
- Melty Mozzarella Cheese (for that gooey, authentic pizza-like topping); &
- Fresh Buns (the perfect, soft vessel for serving this savory mixture).
This incredibly satisfying dish comes together in virtually no time at all, truly a weeknight hero. You simply need to brown your lean ground turkey in a cast iron skillet or any other heavy-bottomed pan, seasoning it lightly with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural flavors. Once the turkey is slightly browned and cooked through, stir in the rich Bertolli Rustic Cut Marinara Pasta Sauce and finely chopped pepperoni. Allow this savory mixture to simmer gently for just a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully and warm through. Then, generously top the entire skillet with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover it, and let the cheese melt into a gooey, irresistibly bubbly layer. Finally, spoon this mouth-watering mixture onto fresh, soft buns for a classic sloppy joe experience, or serve it over pasta or creamy polenta for a heartier meal. That’s all there is to it! For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, refer to the printable recipe provided below, designed for convenience.
And let me tell you something – this Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joe is SUPER delicious. What truly impressed me is that I used no additional seasoning for the meat, beyond a little salt and pepper. The Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce truly does all the heavy lifting, packing a punch of robust flavor with its perfectly balanced seasonings and generous, thick-cut vegetables. The dish required absolutely nothing else to be utterly perfect and incredibly satisfying, proving the quality and richness of the sauce.
When my husband took his first bite, his eyes widened with surprise and delight, and he exclaimed, “Wow, this is really good, and you even added some veggies here!” I couldn’t help but laugh (as I often do at his keen observations) and immediately informed him that I hadn’t added any extra vegetables myself. It was all thanks to the Bertolli Rustic Cut Pasta Sauce, which effortlessly incorporates wholesome, delicious, and visibly rustic-cut veggies, making mealtime both easy and surprisingly nutritious without extra effort.
Here is the printable recipe for your convenience:
Skillet Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
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Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground turkey lean
- 2 cups Bertolli Rustic Cut Marinara Pasta Sauce
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 2/3 cut mozzarella cheese shredded
- 4 buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil to brown meat
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil;
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Add ground turkey, season with a little bit of salt & pepper and cook until slightly browned (approx. 5 minutes);
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Chop pepperoni slices into quarters, add to the sauce and mix well; You may leave few pepperoni slices whole to decorate the skillet at the end.
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Add shredded cheese on top of the skillet, cover it and let it cook for 5 more minutes;
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Decorate with slices of pepperoni;
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You can also use some parsley for a garnish;
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Serve it with fresh buns or over the pasta or polenta. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
On a related note, I’m excited to inform you that this month, Bertolli is launching an enticing Bravo Rewards Program, offering a delightful incentive for loyal customers. Participating is simple: if you purchase two or more jars of any Bertolli Pasta Sauce in a single trip to the grocery store and then share a photo of your delicious creation on bertolli.com/bravo, you will be rewarded with a custom ceramic spoon rest – a charming and practical addition to any kitchen that celebrates your love for Italian cooking!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bertolli®Rustic CutTMPasta Sauces. All opinions, culinary experiences, and enthusiasm shared are entirely my own and reflect my genuine appreciation for the brand.
To learn more about me, the author Edyta, feel free to read my story here. You can also follow Eating European on social media to stay updated with my latest delicious recipes and exciting culinary adventures: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.