Creamy Hot Dog and Peas Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 oz) elbow noodles – $1.33
- 1 can (15 oz) peas, drained – $0.75
- 1 can (26 oz) cream of chicken soup – $2.19
- 1 pack of hot dogs, diced – $1.29
Total Cost: $5.56
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow noodles according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water.
- In a separate pot, boil the hot dogs until they are fully cooked. Once done, drain and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the pot with the drained noodles, add the diced hot dogs.
- Stir in the drained peas and the cream of chicken soup. Mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly coated in the creamy soup.
- Cook the mixture on low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the creamy noodle mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This nostalgic Creamy Hot Dog and Peas Pasta Bake serves 6 to 8 people and brings back the comforting flavors from your childhood. Enjoy this simple and budget-friendly dish that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike
- Boiling Noodles: Cook the elbow noodles al dente to ensure they hold up well during baking. Overcooking may result in mushy noodles after baking.
- Hot Dog Variations: Experiment with different types of hot dogs, such as beef, pork, or turkey, to add unique flavors to your dish. You can also try using sausages for added variety.
- Cream of Chicken Soup Alternatives: While cream of chicken soup adds a rich flavor, feel free to explore other cream-based soups like mushroom or celery for a different taste profile. Consider using homemade cream sauce for a more personalized touch.
- Seasoning: Enhance the dish’s flavor with herbs and spices. Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate the taste.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, on top before baking for a cheesy crust. This adds a gooey texture and extra flavor to the finished dish.
- Baking Dish Size: Use an appropriately sized baking dish to ensure even cooking. If the dish is too large, the mixture may spread too thin, affecting the final texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Experiment with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add extra color to the dish.
- Customize to Taste: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add a dash of salt, pepper, or other favorite spices to tailor the flavors to your liking.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions over the finished dish for a burst of freshness and a visually appealing touch.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so consider making extra for leftovers. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.
By incorporating these tips, you can enhance the Creamy Hot Dog and Peas Pasta Bake to suit your taste preferences and make it a standout dish for your family or guests.
