Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that instantly teleports you to your happy place—whether that’s a ballpark, a backyard barbecue, or your own kitchen table on a chilly weeknight. Savory hot dogs, hearty chili, and tender pasta come together under a gooey blanket of cheddar to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and outrageously satisfying. With every bite, you’ll taste all the best parts of a classic chili cheese dog, wrapped up in a fun, comforting pasta dinner that’s sure to earn you high-fives at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its unfussy ingredient list—nothing fancy, just simple staples that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each component brings something special, whether it’s creaminess, a pop of heat, or that unmistakable chili cheese dog vibe.

Pasta (12 oz, elbow macaroni or rotini): Choose a short, sturdy shape to catch all the saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the onions and garlic release their sweetness and soften beautifully.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Builds a savory base with subtle sweetness that deepens every flavor in the skillet.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch you’ll crave.
Hot dogs (1 lb, sliced): Traditional beef or your favorite kind, these bring all the nostalgia and a hearty, meaty bite.
Canned chili with beans (15 oz): The shortcut to that rich chili flavor and satisfying texture.
Tomato sauce (8 oz): Adds tang and helps everything meld into a luscious, saucy base.
Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough, infusing extra richness.
Chili powder (1 tsp): Turns up the warmth and brings classic chili seasoning notes.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle smokiness that ties together the hot dogs and chili flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just a touch for balanced heat.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts perfectly over the pasta for that signature stretchy, gooey topping.
Optional toppings: Sliced green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños lend freshness, zing, or extra heat, turning every serving into a custom creation.

How to Make Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni or rotini and cook until just al dente—this is key for pasta that holds up when it meets the chili and cheese later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water if you like a saucier dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Hot Dogs

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for three to four minutes, until it softens and your kitchen smells delightfully sweet. Add the minced garlic, stir constantly, and let it go just 30 seconds more—no longer, or it might burn. Now, stir in your sliced hot dogs. Let them brown a bit over four to five minutes, which gives the dish irresistible “griddled at the ballpark” energy.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Time to bring on the heartiness! Stir in the canned chili with beans, tomato sauce, beef broth (or water), chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix and let it simmer gently for five to six minutes. This is when those bold, classic chili cheese dog flavors start to meld together and the sauce thickens slightly, hugging every bite.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet with the bubbling chili dog sauce. Toss or stir until every piece is beautifully coated and the whole dish is heated through. If you want it even saucier, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste, and if you love a little extra kick, now’s your chance to dial up the spice.

Step 5: Top with Cheddar and Serve

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the loaded pasta. You can cover the skillet and let it sit for two or three minutes so the cheese melts into a lovely blanket, or stir it right in for a creamier, silkier finish. This last cheesy step really brings the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta experience home!

How to Serve Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

Garnishes

Amp up the fun and flavor by letting everyone pick their own toppings for their bowl. Dive into a scattering of fresh sliced green onions, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or a handful of sliced jalapeños if you’re all about the heat. Not only do these extras add bursts of color and personality, they also balance the heartiness of the chili with freshness and zing.

Side Dishes

Since Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is such a headliner, keep sides simple. A crispy green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is perfect to balance the richness, or bake up a batch of cornbread to soak up every last bit of cheesy, saucy goodness. Even classic coleslaw works if you want that backyard picnic pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into the star of your next party by serving it in mini bowls or even scooped into split hot dog buns for a playful twist. If you’re feeding a crowd, spoon the pasta into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly finish before portioning it out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Cool it completely, then transfer to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days without losing its bold flavors or creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, let the pasta cool, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best results, avoid adding fragile garnishes before freezing. The pasta and chili cheese sauce freeze well for up to two months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. If you froze your leftovers, thaw overnight first for even reheating. Don’t forget to hit each bowl with fresh toppings to revive that “just-made” magic.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or rotini work best for catching the sauce, you can use shells, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference. Just make sure to cook any pasta until just al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after mixing with the sauce.

What’s the best type Main Course

Any variety works—classic beef franks, turkey dogs, or even plant-based hot dogs if you’re aiming for a vegetarian twist. Choose your personal favorite or whatever you have on hand; the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is super forgiving!

Can I make Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta in advance?

You sure can! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead option for potlucks or busy nights. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat as described above. Consider holding back some of the cheese and garnishes to add just before serving for maximum meltiness and freshness.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Toss in a pinch of cayenne or stir in your favorite hot sauce along with the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you’re craving even more fire, opt for spicy hot dogs or load up on extra jalapeños as a topping.

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely. If you have leftover homemade chili or a favorite recipe, use it in place of the canned chili with beans. You might want to adjust the seasoning depending on how spicy or thick your chili is, but the dish will be even more flavorful!

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is all about taking comfort food over the top—easy enough for a family dinner but joyous enough for a get-together with friends. With nostalgia in every bite and big, bold flavors, it’s sure to become a repeat request. Give it a try, and let it bring a little extra fun to your dinner table!

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and hearty pasta dish inspired by the flavors of chili cheese dogs, featuring tender pasta tossed in a savory chili sauce with sliced hot dogs and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This one-pot meal is a perfect comfort food option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)

Chili Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until soft; add garlic.
Cook Hot Dogs: Add hot dog slices to the skillet and brown.
Make the Chili Sauce: Stir in chili, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings; simmer.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Add pasta to the skillet, coat in sauce, top with cheddar, and melt.
Serve: Top with green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños.