Put that jar of pasta sauce at the back of your pantry to work! These dinner recipes prove just how versatile—and delicious—jarred pasta sauce can be.
56 Dinners That Start with a Jar of Pasta Sauce
Updated on Jul. 18, 2024
Unstuffed Peppers
If you like stuffed peppers, you’ll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
1/56
2/56
Meatball Sliders
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 518 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
3/56
Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it's a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who's to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice. —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
If you can’t get enough sauce, learn more about all of your favorites with our ultimate guide to pasta sauce.
4/56
Ravioli Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this yummy dish that tastes like lasagna without all the fuss. Timesaving ingredients like prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to put together. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
5/56
Pasta Napolitana
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the ultimate meat lovers pasta and is my copycat version of the Olive Garden’s pasta. Rich and hearty with tremendous flavors, this delish dish will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1591mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
For a lighter meal, turn to these healthy pasta sauce recipes.
6/56
Pizza Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 495 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
7/56
Cheesy Pepperoni Buns
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pizza version of the sloppy joe, this hot and melty open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid pleaser. Adults love it, too! —Tanya Belt, Newcomerstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 280 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
8/56
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 304 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
9/56
Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 603 calories, 33g fat (10g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
10/56
Shrimp Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of buying a jar of sauce, make it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 788 calories, 51g fat (31g saturated fat), 317mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
11/56
Vegetable Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It's absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 432 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
12/56
Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting dish can easily be assembled and frozen to bake at a later date. If you have any leftover cheese mixture, it can be served as a dip, either cold or spooned into ramekins and baked until browned. If you don’t like roasted red peppers, feel free to use chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling and any other pasta sauce instead. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed pasta shells: 389 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
13/56
Simple Pasta Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pasta sauce that you can use for more than just spaghetti. Puree this recipe for pizza sauce or a great dipping sauce. I also like to make a variation for bruschetta by omitting the olive oil, using fire-roasted diced tomatoes and simply combining the uncooked ingredients. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving on toasts. —Deborah Markwood, Chester, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 69 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Check out these other pasta sauce types that are popular in our Test Kitchen.
14/56
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s grandmother made this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. We don’t make those ingredients these days, but we’re so happy to have the passed-down recipe—this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach! —Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
15/56
Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone
Total Time
18 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don't have a lot of time to cook, this dish is a lifesaver. It's fast and yummy and starts with a premade jarred sauce. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order. —Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 637 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
16/56
Ham Ravioli Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I based this recipe on a dish my husband likes to order when we go out for Italian food. Not only does he love it, but my daughter does too! —Jennifer Berger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 653 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
17/56
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 449 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
18/56
Sausage French Bread Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't ever stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 406 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1038mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
19/56
Healthy Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Welcome your family in from the cold with this moist and delicious meat loaf with wonderful southwestern taco flavor. This is down-home comfort food at its healthy best! —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 296 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/56
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
21/56
Florentine Spaghetti Bake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just because you start with a jar of pasta sauce doesn’t mean you can’t end up with an amazing homemade meal! Grab a jar of the good stuff and combine it with fresh ingredients like spinach, mushrooms and sausage to make a satisfying supper.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 446 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1172mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
22/56
Creamy Prosciutto Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian restaurant by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal. —Christine Ward, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 458 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
23/56
Garlic Bread Pasta Torte
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. —Melissa Birdsong, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without additional marinara sauce): 409 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
24/56
Spaghetti & Meatball Soup
Total Time
7 hours
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A couple of nights a week our family ends up eating in shifts because everyone is going every which way, all at the same time. Having a hearty soup simmering in the slow cooker is an easy way to give them all a warm meal. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 394 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1452mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
25/56
Chicken-Pepper Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
26/56
Lasagna Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
27/56
Easy Pesto Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Test Kitchen kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps it big on taste and convenience.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 259 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
28/56
Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
29/56
Chicken Parm Sliders
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 428 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
30/56
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
31/56
Slow-Simmered Meat Ragu
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a day of simmering in the slow-cooker, this ragu is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It's almost like a stew, so feel free to skip the pasta. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 341 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
32/56
Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 489 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
33/56
Italian Sausage Hoagies
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In southeastern Wisconsin, our cuisine is influenced by both Germans and Italians who immigrated to this area. When preparing this recipe, we often substitute German bratwurst for the Italian sausage, so we blend the two influences with delicious results. —Craig Wachs, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 509 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1451mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
34/56
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
35/56
Manicotti Shells
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3 manicotti: 480 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 1128mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
36/56
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
37/56
Spinach-Beef Spaghetti Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its angel hair pasta crust, this cheesy ground beef, tomato and spinach pie is always a hit when I serve it. Each neat slice has layers of pasta, cream cheese filling and spinach topping. —Carol Hicks
Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
38/56
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. It’s also good cut in half and served on smaller buns as sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1684mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 50g protein.
39/56
Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
40/56
Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without grated Parmesan cheese): 420 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
41/56
Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It's super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 396 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
42/56
Ravioli Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe—but it starts with frozen ravioli! —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 401 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
43/56
Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 463 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1634mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
44/56
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.
45/56
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
46/56
Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy, and couldn’t be easier to make! —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 586 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 1650mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
47/56
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.
48/56
Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my husband’s favorite dish. He always requests it, even for holidays! You’ll love the variety of cheeses and spices that jazz it up. It’s restaurant-quality, but at a quarter of the price! —LuAnne Wallace Bennett, Powder Springs, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 647 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
49/56
Pirate Pasta Shells
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grandfather loved pirate stories and good pasta. When we make his stuffed shells, it reminds us of his favorite tropical places and adventures. —Kathy Noll, Laureldale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 305 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 762mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
50/56
Penne Beef Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had ground beef and veggies on hand so I came up with this pizza-flavored casserole. I never expected my family to love it so much. It's a good way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids. —Jennifer Wise, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
51/56
Sausage Spaghetti Spirals
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this flavorful casserole with hearty chunks of sausage and green pepper. The recipe makes a big pan, so it's nicely sized for a potluck. —Carol Carolton, Wheaton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1071mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
52/56
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 375 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
53/56
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
54/56
Chicken Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like making this dish for special occasions. You can also use low-fat ingredients, and it turns out just as good. —Liz Lorch, Spirit Lake, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 761 calories, 44g fat (27g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 49g protein.
55/56
Rich Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
56/56
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 437 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
