These distinctive, contemporary meal solutions are more than convenient-they are what "...you would expect from an Italian specialty food store, but without a gourmet price," says Roz O'Hearn, Director of Division and Brand Affairs for Contadina. Affordable gourmet pastas? That's right, and in new varieties like Sun Dried Tomato Tortelloni, Smoked Chicken Ravioli and Creamy Tomato Pesto Sauce that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Just as important to today's consumer is the quick and easy preparation of meals. Fresh pastas cook much faster than dried pastas and offer superior taste and texture. There's no need to worry about how long your pasta will stay fresh either. Most products feature a "use by" date on their labels to guarantee freshness. Best of all, unopened refrigerated pastas and sauces may be frozen for up to one month. Be sure to freeze them prior to the "use by" date and then prepare them within the month by carefully following directions on the package.

For pasta-lovers watching their waists as well as the clock, look for new reduced-fat versions of your favorites. Perhaps a light garden vegetable pasta with a fat free tomato basil sauce... or a four cheese blend ravioli with a light Alfredo sauce. Whatever your choice, the result is sure to delight any calorie-counter.

You can create your own special entrees and side dishes by combining the many varieties of pastas and sauces available. All you need from your grocery store is fresh pasta, a distinctive sauce and a few simple ingredients to serve up an authentic Italian dish such as Sun Dried Tomato Pesto and Tortellini Salad, featured here. Add a sprig of fresh basil to the plate and your guests will cry "Mangia!"

Ready to make your journey? For more information about fresh pastas and sauces from Contadina, please write to: Contadina Refrigerated Pastas and Sauces, P.O. Box 94936, Solon, Ohio 44139-1880.

SUN DRIED TOMATO PESTO AND TORTELLINI SALAD
(4 to 6 servings)

2 packages (9 ounces each) Contadina® Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini cooked, drained and cooled
2/3 cup (7-ounce container) Contadina® Refrigerated Pesto with Sun Dried Tomatoes
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 pound (2 cups) asparagus, cut in 1- 1/2-inch pieces and blanched
2 small red and yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped walnuts

Combine pesto and vinegar in large bowl; whisk to blend. Add pasta, asparagus, peppers and walnuts. Toss to coat well. Chill before serving. (NAPSI)