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."

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Slice the hot dogs into 1/4-inch rounds.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to heat through, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve the Wagon Wheels and Wieners hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1063.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2831.9

Total Fat 146.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 383.1mg	0%
Sodium 6122.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 280.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 86.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 629.0mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 568.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.4%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 40.2%