If you’re craving comfort food with a twist that brings all your favorite flavors together in one glorious dish, the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a cheesy, savory chili sauce studded with juicy slices of hot dogs, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh green onions. It’s like your favorite chili cheese dog reinvented as a hearty, satisfying pasta bowl, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe captures that nostalgic, all-American flavor and delivers it in a fun, easy-to-make meal that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe, you really just need simple pantry staples that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy cheese sauce to the spicy-sweet chili and the savory hot dogs, resulting in a perfectly balanced comfort meal.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious.
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced into rounds: Adds that signature smoky, juicy bite reminiscent of a chili cheese dog.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the hot dogs evenly and adds a mild richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Gives a sweet, aromatic base flavor when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a lovely fragrant punch to the sauce.
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with or without beans: The heart of the dish, offering savory, slightly spicy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, enriching every forkful.
- ½ cup milk: Smooths out the sauce and keeps it from being too thick.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional): Brings a hint of sweetness and tang for extra flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional): A subtle zing that brightens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color.
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping, optional): Provides a delightful crunch and a bit of saltiness on top.
How to Make Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Then drain and set it aside so it can be ready to soak up all the incredible flavors in the next steps. This simple base is critical for giving you a satisfying texture that holds up well in the loaded chili cheese sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Hot Dogs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook them until they turn a rich golden brown, about five minutes. This browning step unlocks more flavor and adds a little caramelized crispness that gives the recipe its classic indulgent character.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, now infused with the hot dog goodness, toss in the diced onions. Sauté for about three minutes until they soften and become translucent, releasing a sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic next and cook for one more minute, allowing it to infuse the base with its wonderful fragrant notes.
Step 4: Make the Chili Cheese Sauce
Pour in the can of chili followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir to combine everything well, adding ketchup and mustard if you like a little extra zing. Cook on low heat, stirring often until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly rich. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Hot Dogs
Return the browned hot dogs to the skillet and add the cooked pasta as well. Stir everything together gently, making sure the pasta and hot dogs are thoroughly coated in that luscious chili cheese sauce. This step is where all your favorite elements truly come together into one mouthwatering dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish the pasta out onto plates or bowls while it’s still hot, ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings and garnishes. Every forkful will have that perfect balance of creamy, meaty, and crunchy textures.
How to Serve Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh bite. If you love crunch, don’t skip the crushed tortilla chips—they add a satisfying texture contrast that transforms this pasta into a more exciting meal.
Side Dishes
This dish is already so hearty and flavorful that you don’t need much on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables can brighten the plate and balance the richness of the pasta. For a more indulgent meal, crispy fries or garlic bread would make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy or just have fun with presentation, serve the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top can also elevate the flavor and make your dish look irresistibly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and hot dogs may change a bit after thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency of the chili cheese sauce. Stir often while warming to avoid sticking and to ensure even heating throughout the dish.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and works best to hold onto the sauce, other small pasta shapes like rotini or penne would also be delicious. Just make sure the pasta cooks well and maintains a good texture.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The flavors are very kid-friendly, especially if you choose a mild chili or make your own low-spice chili. The cheesy, meaty pasta can be a big hit with children who love hot dogs and pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the hot dogs for vegetarian sausages or plant-based hot dog alternatives. Just ensure to choose chili that is meat-free or make a homemade vegetarian chili to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is classic for this loaded chili cheese dog pasta, providing that rich, sharp flavor and great melting quality. You could also mix in some Monterey Jack or even a little mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level mostly depends on the chili you use. If you prefer mild, go for a no-spice or mild chili. For a kick, choose a spicy chili or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The other ingredients balance out the heat nicely without overwhelming your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a new comfort food favorite that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe is waiting for you to try. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and just plain fun to enjoy with family or friends. Give it a whirl and watch as it quickly becomes one of those dishes you turn to time and time again!
Print
Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining classic comfort foods: pasta, chili, cheese, and sliced hot dogs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe features a creamy chili cheese sauce that coats tender elbow macaroni and browned hot dog slices, topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh green onions for an extra pop of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
Hot Dogs & Aromatics
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with or without beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Cook Hot Dogs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the hot dogs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make Chili Cheese Sauce: Stir in the can of chili, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, ketchup, and mustard (if using). Cook and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta & Hot Dogs: Add the cooked pasta and browned hot dogs back into the skillet with the chili cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions and optionally sprinkled with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
Notes
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer such as penne or shells.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili cheese sauce.
- Using chili without beans will create a smoother sauce, but beans add more texture and heartiness.
- Crushed tortilla chips add great crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option if using gluten-free pasta and chips.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
