This cheesy spaghetti with hot dogs recipe is probably the most kid-friendly pasta recipe you will ever make. It is so quick and easy to make and this 4-ingredient spaghetti and hot dog recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner idea.
It may sound a bit silly but it really tastes delicious. It is fun to make and eat and it is the perfect family dinner recipe. It combines two of every kid’s favorite foods: pasta and hot dogs. The hot dogs give this cheesy pasta dish a playful twist that both kids and adults will enjoy.
My mom used to make this recipe for us all the time growing up. She never changed any of the ingredients and made it the same every time and my brother and I loved it. When my mom comes to visit us now, she always wants to cook for us and asks us what we would like her to make us. This cheesy spaghetti with hot dogs is always on our wish list!
I recently found out that this recipe is not just my mom’s invention, but it is also Sheldon Cooper’s favorite on the show, The Big Bang Theory. His recipe is for Spaghetti in Marinara sauce with cut-up Hot Dogs. My mom’s is different. Keep reading to find out how.
Another popular version of this recipe is the Filipino spaghetti. Filipino spaghetti is made with ground meat and hot dogs stewed in a sweet tomato sauce.
So both these recipes are somewhat similar to mine but also different.
And yes, I am aware that hot dogs are not everyone’s cup of tea. But everything in moderation, right?! Make this easy pasta recipe using leftover hot dogs that you grilled for a nice smoky flavor. Serve this spaghetti with some garlic bread, and a salad or a nice vegetable side dish. We love to pair this pasta with my zucchini fritters, another one of my kids’ favorite recipes.
Why you will love making this cheesy spaghetti with hot dogs recipe
Kid-friendly – Most kids love pasta and hot dogs, even the pickiest of eaters usually like some type of pasta and hot dogs. Add in their favorite vegetable or a side vegetable dish and you have a winner!
Budget-Friendly – This recipe is very budget-friendly. It only needs 4 ingredients which you most likely always have on hand.
Versatile recipe – this recipe is very versatile. Feel free to use any shape of pasta that you and your family like. Also, use your favorite tomato sauce, either store-bought or homemade. Use your favorite brand of hot dogs, grilled or broiled will give the dish a bit of a delicious smoky flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Spaghetti- Any shape of pasta will work. We have made it with spaghetti only since my kiddos love to twirl it with their forks. You can substitute it with zucchini noodles or rice noodles.
- Hot dogs – use your favorite hot dogs: chicken, pork, beef or mixed.
- Tomato sauce – Use your favorite tomato sauce. Rao’s is a tomato sauce we love to use and I always have some in my pantry. But feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
- Cheese – any kind of shredded cheese will work for this pasta recipe. I recommend a good melting cheese, like provolone, parmesan, or any other kind.
How to make this easy, kid-friendly hot dog pasta dinner recipe
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it comes to a boil, add your pasta and cook per the instructions on the box or until al dente (firm to the bite). While the pasta is cooking, cut the hot dogs into cubes and chop them in a food processor until they are very finely chopped, and minced, or until desired size. If you do not have a food chopper, just use your knife and chop the hot dogs into very small pieces.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet and add the chopped hot dogs. Season with pepper and garlic powder. I do not add salt. I find that the dish does not need any extra salt since the hot dogs are already flavorful. Cook stirring for 3-5 minutes then add the jar of tomato sauce. Lower the heat and cook for another 3-5 minutes, while stirring often.
Drain the spaghetti well and place them in a large mixing or serving bowl. Ladle the hot dog/tomato sauce mixture on top. You can add it ladle by ladle until you have the desired sauce-to-spaghetti ratio, per your preferences. I usually have some of the sauce left over and keep it on the side if anyone wants to add some more after I serve it. You can also freeze it for later (instructions on freezing and storing are below).
Add the shredded cheese. Season with freshly ground black pepper and stir until well combined.
Serve warm and enjoy!
What to serve with this hot dog and spaghetti pasta
Salad – a simple green leafy salad like Caesar salad or tomato and cucumber salad, goes great with this pasta dish.
Bread – garlic bread, or just a toasted piece of bread, is delicious with this pasta meal.
Vegetables – Any grilled or sauteed veggies will be delicious here but if you’d like, give my zucchini fritters a try. They are delicious!!
Other recipes I think you will love!
Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Easy Chicken Parmesan (30-minute meal)
Quick and Easy Naan Bread (Flatbread) Pizza
Recipe notes and tips
Storing – You can store this pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.
Reheat – To reheat quickly, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm/hot.
Freeze – To freeze any leftover sauce, put it into an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze it for up to 6 months. When you want to use it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then place the sauce into a saucepan on the stovetop, and heat. Cook pasta according to directions. To freeze both the pasta and the sauce, place them into an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To use it again, thaw it in the fridge. Then place it into a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm/hot.
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Cheesy Spaghetti with Hot Dogs
Materials
- 1 package (8-count) hot dogs, finely sliced or minced in a food processor
- 1 package spaghetti
- 1 jar tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (more or less, per preference), provolone, parmesan, Italian mix
- Black pepper and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it comes to a boil, add your pasta and cook per the instructions on the box or until al dente (firm to the bite).
- While the pasta is cooking, cut the hot dogs into cubes and chop them in a food processor until they are very finely chopped, or minced, or until desired size. If you do not have a food chopper, just use your knife and chop the hot dogs into very small pieces.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet and add the chopped hot dogs. Season with pepper and garlic powder. I do not add salt. I find that the dish does not need any extra salt since the hot dogs are already seasoned and flavorful.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes then add the jar of tomato sauce. Lower the heat and cook for another 3-5 minutes, while stirring often.
- Drain the spaghetti well and place them in a large mixing or serving bowl. Ladle the hot dog/tomato sauce mixture on top. You can add it tladle by ladle until you have the desired sauce-to-spaghetti ratio, per yourpreferences.
- Add in the shredded cheese. Season with freshly ground black pepper and stir until well combined
- Serve and enjoy!
