Quick Hot Dog Spaghetti

If you ask me, hot dog spaghetti is one of those fun meals that makes everyone smile.

This kid-friendly twist on regular pasta night brings together two dinner favorites in one simple dish. Thin spaghetti noodles are threaded through sliced hot dogs, creating little octopus-like shapes that cook up perfectly together.

When the pasta is tender and the hot dogs are lightly browned, a simple marinara sauce ties everything together. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top makes it feel just a bit fancy.

It’s a playful dinner that’s both budget-friendly and quick to make – perfect for those busy weeknight meals when you need a guaranteed clean-plate club winner.

What Kind of Hot Dogs Should I Use?

When it comes to picking hot dogs for this pasta dish, all-beef hot dogs are your best bet since they have a more robust flavor that holds up well in the sauce. You’ll find plenty of options at the grocery store, from basic beef franks to fancier varieties like kosher or uncured hot dogs – any of these will work great in this recipe. If you’re watching your fat intake, turkey or chicken hot dogs can be a good alternative, though they might not pack quite the same flavor punch. Just make sure to check that your hot dogs aren’t the super soft variety that might fall apart during cooking, and avoid any with cheese filling since these won’t slice as cleanly.

Options for Substitutions

This fun twist on spaghetti is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:

• Hot dogs: While hot dogs give this dish its unique character, you can use other options like sliced smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even plant-based hot dogs if you’re going meat-free.
• Spaghetti: Any long pasta works here – try linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. Just cook according to the package directions for your chosen type.
• White onion: Yellow or red onions work just as well. If you’re out of fresh onions, 1 tablespoon of onion powder can do the job.
• Green bell pepper: Feel free to use any color bell pepper, or skip it if peppers aren’t your thing. You can add extra onions instead.
• Pasta sauce: Any jarred pasta sauce works great here. Or use 2 (14-oz) cans of diced tomatoes plus 1 (6-oz) can of tomato paste and some Italian seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can top with any cheese you like – mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese slices work well with hot dogs.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making hot dog spaghetti is overcooking the hot dogs, which can make them tough and rubbery – instead, brown them quickly over medium-high heat just until they get a nice sear on the outside. A common error is adding the pasta sauce too early, which can reduce too much and become thick; wait until your vegetables are softened and hot dogs are browned before stirring in the sauce and simmering for just 5-7 minutes. To avoid mushy spaghetti, don’t cook it until completely soft – keep it slightly firm (al dente) since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, and remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to help the sauce stick better to the noodles. For the best flavor development, let the sauce simmer with the hot dogs for at least 5 minutes before combining with pasta, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

What to Serve With Hot Dog Spaghetti?

This fun twist on classic spaghetti calls for some simple sides that the whole family will love. A basic green salad with Italian dressing keeps things light and adds some fresh crunch to balance out the pasta. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, grab a loaf of garlic bread from the store (or make your own by toasting some bread with butter and garlic) – it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a quick veggie option that kids usually enjoy, try some steamed broccoli or carrots tossed with a little butter and salt.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This hot dog spaghetti is perfect for leftovers! Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. Pro tip: I like to store the pasta and sauce separately if possible, as this keeps the spaghetti from soaking up too much sauce and getting mushy.

Freeze: Got extra servings? Mix the sauce and pasta together, let it cool completely, then pack it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that the pasta might be a bit softer after thawing.

Reheat: To warm up your leftovers, pop them in the microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For better texture, you can also reheat it in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a little water if needed. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh Parmesan on top before serving!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2100
• Protein: 90-100 g
• Fat: 100-110 g
• Carbohydrates: 160-180 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound hot dogs, sliced into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked as per package instructions
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Hot Dogs

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the sliced hot dogs and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the hot dogs.

Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften.

This should take a few minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spaghetti Sauce

Once the onions are translucent, add minced garlic to the skillet.

Cook for a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Then, pour in the spaghetti sauce, mixing well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Place a serving of cooked spaghetti on a plate and top it generously with the hot dog and vegetable sauce.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.

Serve immediately while hot.