Kids Super Supper
A kid-friendly, cheesy pasta dish with hot dogs and a rich tomato flavor, perfect for quick family dinners and satisfying hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and margarine until tender.
- Add hot dogs; brown lightly.
- Reduce heat; add tomato soup, shredded American cheese, and water.
- Cook over low heat until well blended and cheese is melted.
- Stir in cooked pasta according to package directions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of garlic powder while sautéing the onions. You can substitute the hot dogs with turkey or veggie dogs for a healthier option. If you're looking to cut back on dairy, try using a dairy-free cheese. This dish is versatile, allowing for various pasta shapes, so use whatever you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Egg And Sausage Strata Breakfast Casserole for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the pasta if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kids Super Supper contains roughly 383 calories, with 10g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the hot dogs with plant-based alternatives. Additionally, consider using vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor, and you can add more veggies like peas or corn for added nutrition.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but smaller shapes like elbows or shells are great for kids since they're easy to eat. You can use whole grain pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.
How can I add more vegetables to this meal?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding diced carrots, peas, or even spinach when cooking the onion. You can stir in cooked vegetables at the end or mix them into the pasta. This dish is flexible, allowing you to incorporate whatever veggies you have on hand for a more balanced meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).