Description
Spaghetti Tacos combine al dente pasta coated in savory marinara sauce inside crispy taco shells, creating a fun and unique fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, kid-friendly meals, or entertaining guests, offering a customizable and playful twist on traditional tacos.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 6 crispy taco shells
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef or meat substitute (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil and oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Variations & Toppings
- Sautéed mushrooms or lentils (for vegetarian version)
- Jalapeños or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary (herb-infused)
- Taco seasoning or black beans (Mexican twist)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish
- Sour cream or crushed red pepper flakes for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce and Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or plant-based substitute and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently to meld flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to coat every strand thoroughly.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm taco shells slightly to make them pliable yet crispy. Spoon a generous amount of the spaghetti mixture into each shell carefully to avoid spills.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos. For extra melty cheese, place tacos under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking spaghetti so it retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy in taco shells.
- Use a slightly thick marinara sauce to prevent soggy taco shells.
- Warm taco shells gently to enhance crispness without breaking them.
- Layer shredded cheese inside taco shells first to help secure the spaghetti and act as a moisture barrier.
- Add crunchy veggies like diced bell peppers or onions for extra texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg