These potluck-ready recipes are perfect for your church's next spaghetti dinner. We have yummy ideas for sauces, garlic bread, pasta bakes, dinner rolls and more.
38 Vintage Church Spaghetti Dinner Recipes
Updated on Jun. 14, 2024
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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Italian Pinwheel Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Parmesan cheese, garlic and oregano make these rolls hard to resist. My family gets hungry when they smell them baking and can't wait for them to be done. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 110 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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That Good Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, "Mom, please make 'that good salad.'" Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Focaccia Barese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
5/38
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
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Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
7/38
Walnut Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Black walnuts, which have a more distinctive flavor than traditional English walnuts, have a short shelf life. It's best to store them in the freezer. —Doug Black, Conover, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Perfect Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls melt in your mouth. I loved them as a child, and I'm happy to make them for my kids because I know I am creating those same wonderful memories my mom made for me! —Gayleen Grote, Battle View, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 142 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 526 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
10/38
Canning Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
9 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Canning spaghetti sauce recipes are a tomato grower's dream come true! Use up your garden bounty and enjoy it later in the year. —Tonya Branham, Mt. Olive, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 118 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Herb-Happy Garlic Bread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 169 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/38
Short Rib Ragu
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup ragu over 3/4 cup pasta: 302 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
13/38
Lemon Ricotta Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 657 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 98g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
14/38
Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this twist on traditional baked pasta, we start with creamy goat cheese and build from there with mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheese. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 474 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
15/38
Easy Batter Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I'm serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 147 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Spaghetti Sauce Without Meat
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
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Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 186 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
18/38
Herbed Bread Twists
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A blend of herbs and a special shape dress up ordinary frozen bread dough in this unbelievably easy recipe. —Deb Stapert, Comstock Park, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 twist: 84 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/38
Beef Bolognese with Linguine
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After much research, tasting and tweaking, I finally came up with this beef bolognese recipe that is based on a dish from an Italian restaurant where I worked. It’s perfect for feeding a house full of guests. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without pasta and additional cheese): 269 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
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Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People go wild over this golden, garlicky loaf whenever I serve it. There’s intense flavor in every bite. —Carol Shields, Summerville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 104 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/38
Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
Make-Ahead Lasagna
This is an old standby when time’s limited and guests are expected for dinner. It’s a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa
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Garlic Bread Mini Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little garlic bread bites make a terrific addition to any buffet spread. We make sure to serve them warm. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 94 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
24/38
Zippy Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty sauce goes a long way to satisfy my hungry family. They enjoy any leftovers ladled over thick slices of grilled garlic bread. To make sure I have the ingredients on hand, I keep a bag of chopped green pepper in my freezer and minced garlic in my fridge—always! —Elaine Priest, Dover, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 930mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
25/38
Potluck Pan Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
27 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/38
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way.
—Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
27/38
Baked Spaghetti with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy crowd-pleasing dish puts a different spin on spaghetti. The leftovers, if there are any, freeze well for a quick future meal. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Chive Garlic Bread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A purchased loaf of French bread gets a real boost with a few simple ingredients. Garlic and chives make the savory slices irresistible. Along with lasagna or other Italian meal, we munch them until the last crumbs have vanished! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Sausage Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I’ve put an easy twist on Carole’s classic dish, and it’s become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 416 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 978mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
30/38
Spinach-Orzo Salad with Chickpeas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first version of this salad was an experiment in mixing together some random ingredients I had on hand. It was a success, and several people at the party asked for the recipe—which meant I had to re-create it! It's healthy, delicious and perfect for warm-weather days. —Glen White, Kissimmee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Herb Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I couldn't find a recipe for dinner rolls, I created my own using a variety of herbs for extra flavor. —Sue Friesen, Thorold, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 78 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Easy Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 334 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Confetti Spaghetti
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's not uncommon for folks to go back for second helpings of this hearty main dish when I share it at church potluck suppers. The combination of ground beef, noodles, cheese and a zippy tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser. —Katherine Moss, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
34/38
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
35/38
Carbonara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian recipe. The key is to use the hot pasta water to make the dish creamy. If made properly, there is no need to add cream or milk. The dish is luxurious, satisfying, comforting, and easy to make. If you like, you can add peas after you have cooked the pancetta and garlic. Use any pasta you like, but the consistency is usually best with a thicker spaghetti. —Luisa Webb, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup : 337 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
36/38
White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like my grandmother taught me, I love using fresh, simple ingredients. In this low-cost recipe, creamy ricotta brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, all on an onion and herb crust. —Debbie Roppolo, San Marcos, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 503 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
37/38
Soft Dinner Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
38/38
Bacon Date Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 slices)
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends joke that whenever I’m asked to bring a dish to a party, my contribution always contains bacon. This recipe has the sweet and salty flavors of date-nut bread and bacon-wrapped dates. —Terrie Gammon, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 211 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
