Recipe Tuesday :: Cheesy Broccoli and Hot Dog Skillet

Looking at the title of this post you wouldn't think it was a balanced meal but it is!  The original recipe I found used chicken and you could easily substitute a chicken breast instead of the hot dogs if you like.  But I think with the cheesy noodles your inner child really calls out for some hot dogs in it!  This is a 30 minute meal including all the cutting and measuring of the ingredients and will only dirty a pot and a skillet.  Win-win if you ask me.  ;)

Cheesy Broccoli Hot Dog Skillet

4 Hebrew National 97% fat free hot dogs
2 cups of broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
6 ounces Barilla Pasta Plus penne or rotini
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp flour
1/4 to 1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 cup 2% milk
4 ounces 2% cheddar or cheddar blend cheese, shredded
1 ounce parmesan cheese, shredded

Boil water for the pasta.  While the water is boiling, cook the hot dogs how you like (microwave or grill) and chop into bite size pieces.  When the water boils toss in the pasta and cook 5 minutes.  Add in the broccoli to the pasta and cook both 2 minutes more.  Drain and set aside.  In a skillet melt the butter.  Add in the onion and sauté about a minute or until the onions are translucent.  Add in the flour and stir until dissolved.  Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper.  Bring sauce to a boil and simmer 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.  Add the pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.  Add in the hot dogs and stir again and it's ready to serve!  Serves about 3 to 4 people.

(1,624 calories, 165 gram carbs, 109 grams protein, 59 grams fat, balanced 41-27-33)