Spaghetti tacos are a fun and creative twist on two classic dishes: spaghetti and tacos. This dish combines the hearty, comforting flavors of spaghetti with the crunchy, handheld appeal of a taco. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for families, casual gatherings, or whenever I’m craving something a bit different. Whether I’m looking for a quick dinner or a fun party snack, spaghetti tacos always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s so versatile and playful. I get the best of both worlds—spaghetti that’s rich and satisfying, paired with the crispy, crunchy texture of taco shells. The combination is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s a fun way to mix up my regular pasta nights. Plus, spaghetti tacos are quick to make and easy to customize, so I can adapt them to my tastes and dietary preferences. It’s the perfect meal for both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce I prefer)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8-10 taco shells
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- First, I cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, I drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large pan, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, I add in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to warm up.
- Once the sauce is heated, I toss the cooked spaghetti into the pan and stir it until well coated with the sauce.
- Next, I begin filling the taco shells with the spaghetti mixture, packing them generously into each shell.
- I top each taco with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a little extra flavor and color.
- Finally, I serve the spaghetti tacos immediately, ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8-10 spaghetti tacos, which is perfect for a small group or a family dinner. It takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25 minutes.
Variations
- Add veggies: I can throw in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: If I prefer a different cheese, I can swap mozzarella for cheddar or even a mix of cheeses for a tangier twist.
- Spicy option: If I like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce can kick up the flavor.
- Gluten-free: For a gluten-free option, I can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free taco shells.
- Meat options: If I want to add protein, I can incorporate cooked chicken or ground beef into the spaghetti mixture.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the spaghetti tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I can pop them in the microwave for a quick minute or two. Alternatively, I can place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to ensure the taco shells stay crispy.
FAQs
Can I make spaghetti tacos ahead of time?
Yes, I can make the spaghetti and store it separately from the taco shells. When I’m ready to serve, I can heat them up and assemble the tacos just before eating.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly for this recipe, I can also use any pasta I prefer, like penne or rigatoni, depending on what I have on hand.
Are spaghetti tacos kid-friendly?
Definitely! Spaghetti tacos are a fun and easy meal that kids will love, especially with all the cheese and pasta inside a taco shell.
Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, I can skip the cheese if I want a dairy-free version or just prefer the pasta without it. The spaghetti itself still has plenty of flavor from the sauce.
Can I freeze leftover spaghetti tacos?
While the tacos themselves are best fresh, I can freeze the spaghetti and sauce separately. Then, I can reheat the pasta and assemble the tacos when I’m ready to eat.
Conclusion
Spaghetti tacos are a fun and delicious meal that adds a little creativity to my dinner routine. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and always bring a smile to my face. Whether I’m enjoying them alone or serving them at a get-together, they never fail to impress!
PrintSpaghetti Tacos
Spaghetti tacos combine the comforting flavors of spaghetti with the crispy texture of taco shells. A fun and easy meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 spaghetti tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8–10 taco shells
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes to warm it up.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Fill the taco shells with the spaghetti mixture, packing them generously.
- Top each taco with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar for a tangy twist.
- For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and taco shells for a gluten-free option.
- Incorporate cooked chicken or ground beef for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
