If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta. Combining the rich, savory flavors of chili, hot dogs, cheese, and macaroni, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your taste buds in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a game-day treat, or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

In this article, we’ll take you through the ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips for making the best Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta. Plus, we’ll share a few more delicious recipes you might enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

Perfect Combination of Comfort and Flavor

The combination of chili and hot dogs is a classic, and when paired with creamy cheddar cheese and tender elbow macaroni, it’s taken to the next level. The Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is a perfect comfort food meal that’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Quick and Simple to Prepare

This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a meal ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish won’t take much effort but will certainly deliver on flavor.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is that it’s customizable to suit your preferences. You can add as many or as few toppings as you like—whether it’s extra cheese, spicy jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste, ensuring that every bite is perfect.

Ingredients for Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta. These ingredients come together to create a rich, savory dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Main Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni – A classic pasta shape that works perfectly in this recipe, providing a sturdy base for all the toppings and flavors.
2 cups hot dogs, sliced – Hot dogs are a key component of this recipe, providing a smoky and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chili.
1 can (15 oz) chili, with or without beans – The chili adds a hearty, rich element to the dish. You can use chili with beans for extra texture or without beans for a smoother consistency.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the pasta, adding creaminess and flavor to every bite.
½ cup diced onions – Onions add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor that balances out the richness of the chili and cheese.
½ cup diced tomatoes – Tomatoes provide a refreshing, juicy contrast to the savory ingredients, adding freshness and color to the dish.
¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional) – For a little heat and spice, jalapeños are the perfect touch. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to skip them or reduce the amount.
1 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory flavors and adds depth to the overall taste of the dish.
½ tsp paprika – Paprika brings a mild smokiness to the dish, complementing the other spices and adding a subtle warmth.
Salt and black pepper to taste – Seasoning the pasta is essential to bring all the flavors together, so adjust the salt and pepper to suit your tastes.
Fresh cilantro for garnish – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a refreshing, herbaceous note to the finished dish.

Dietary Adjustments:

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni or any gluten-free pasta that you prefer.
Dairy-Free Version: To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese option and ensure that the chili used doesn’t contain dairy.

How to Make Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make the best Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta. This simple and satisfying recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Hot Dogs

While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced hot dogs to the pan and sauté them until they are browned on both sides. The hot dogs should become crispy and develop a nice caramelized texture. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In the same skillet, add the cooked macaroni, the chili, garlic powder, paprika, and the sautéed hot dogs. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and heated through. You’ll start to see the chili meld with the pasta, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits left in the skillet to incorporate that flavor into the dish.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Now, it’s time to add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the cheese into the mixture and let it melt, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats the pasta. This is the step where the magic happens, and your Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta becomes irresistibly cheesy and creamy. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Spoon the loaded chili cheese dog pasta into bowls and top with the diced onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. These toppings will add a burst of freshness, crunch, and heat, making every bite more flavorful and exciting.

Tips for Making the Best Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta

To make sure your Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Quality Chili: The chili is the star of this dish, so choose a high-quality canned chili or homemade chili if you have the time. You can use chili with or without beans depending on your preference.
Customize the Heat: If you like things spicy, add extra jalapeños or even a drizzle of hot sauce to the dish. If you prefer a milder version, omit the jalapeños or use less.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more shredded cheddar or even try a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Some people love adding sour cream, green onions, or even bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh and hot, right after it’s been made. The cheese will stay melted and creamy, making each bite delicious.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta, you might also enjoy these related recipes. They’re all hearty, savory, and full of bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more:

BBQ Bacon Chicken Bite Explosion – A flavorful and cheesy dish that combines BBQ, chicken, and crispy bacon for a fun and satisfying meal.
Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta – A creamy pasta dish with a little kick from Cajun sausage and garlic butter.
One Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta – A smoky, creamy pasta that’s packed with chicken sausage and BBQ flavors, all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well and will hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra cheese if needed to maintain its creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add a variety of vegetables to Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the hot dogs for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, try adding more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving to give it an extra kick.

Can I use vegetarian hot dogs?

Yes, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily swap out the regular hot dogs for vegetarian hot dogs. This will still give you that savory, smoky flavor without the meat.

Conclusion

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is the perfect meal when you’re looking for something easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. The combination of chili, hot dogs, and cheese with elbow macaroni creates a dish that’s rich, savory, and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a game-day treat, or just because you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, with its versatility, you can customize it to your tastes and enjoy it again and again.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking—this delicious dish will be a hit with everyone who tries it!

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta – Ultimate Comfort Meal

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta combines the irresistible flavors of chili, hot dogs, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni into one hearty, family-friendly dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food, loaded with flavor and ready in no time!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups hot dogs, sliced
1 can (15 oz) chili, with or without beans
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced onions
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Hot Dogs: In a skillet, add sliced hot dogs and sauté until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add cooked macaroni, chili, garlic powder, paprika, and the sautéed hot dogs. Stir until well combined and heated through.
Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve & Garnish: Spoon the loaded chili cheese dog pasta into bowls. Top with diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños (if using), and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Notes

Cheese: Feel free to swap shredded cheddar with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
Spiciness: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the hot dogs and substitute with plant-based sausages for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 530 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta, Chili Cheese Dog, Hot Dog Pasta, Comfort Food Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Chili Pasta, Family-friendly Pasta