Wagon Wheels and Wieners
Get ready to indulge your inner child with "Wagon Wheels and Wieners," a nostalgic yet elevated comfort dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. This playful recipe features al dente wagon wheel-shaped pasta paired with golden-browned slices of hot dogs, all tossed in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and a hint of optional crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this hearty meal balances classic flavors with a touch of sophistication. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s a fun and satisfying way to bring smiles to the table while creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults. Perfect for those searching for "easy pasta recipes with hot dogs," "family-friendly dinner ideas," or "quick comfort food classics."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wagon wheel-shaped pasta
- 6 pieces hot dogs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wagon wheel-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Slice the hot dogs into 1/4-inch rounds.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced hot dogs and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides. Remove the hot dogs from the skillet and set aside.
Mince the garlic. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the remaining butter. Sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to heat through, about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the browned hot dogs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Serve the Wagon Wheels and Wieners hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
754 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.8 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1724 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.7 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 23.8 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 181 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 496 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
