Taco Pasta is an one-pot, creamy and a delicious meal using an Italian Pasta with Mexican Flavors. It’s nutritious crowd pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknights!
Tacos are always a hit with both kids and adults. All the flavors of a taco in an easy pasta dish that the whole family will love.
I’m always happy to oblige because it’s a hearty meal and only takes about 20 minutes to whip up, perfect for a busy night! The best part of this recipe is you can add as many toppings as you like to really get that loaded taco experience, but in pasta form.
This is so easy, it will not take you much time to make it. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and any family occasion, this dish will surely be something to rave about!
WHAT IS TACO PASTA?
Taco Pasta is made with cooked noodles of your choice and a taco-inspired sauce. It is the sauce that gives the overall Mexican flavor and vibe to this dish.
This taco pasta is a unique way to get your taco fix with minimal work. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings for a quick and family friendly dinner option!
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED?
To make this taco pasta recipe, you’ll just need a few pantry staples:
- Pasta
- Onion
- Black Beans
- Bell Peppers
- Fresh Corn
- Tomato Sauce
- Garlic
- Green Onions (Optional)
- Taco Seasoning
HOW DO YOU MAKE TACO PASTA?
Here is the overview of making taco pasta:
Boil the noodles: Cook the noodles by following the instructions on the package.
Cook the sauce: In a large pan, add in the onions, garlic, and the rest of the veggies and seasonings. Add some water, tomato sauce and cook until it dries up.
Combine: Toss in the cooked noodles, taco sauce, and cheese.
Serve: Finally, it’s time for the toppings! Here is some of my favorite topping ideas
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- sliced olives
- fresh cherry tomatoes
- thinly sliced avocado (or guacamole)
- fresh diced cilantro or green onions
- sour cream (low fat or fat free is great)
- tortilla strips
- sliced jalapenos
- shredded cheese
RECIPE TIPS:
- You can substitute the tomato sauce with tomato puree (store bought) or even pasta sauce can work.
- You can use any of your favorite toppings to this pasta.
- You can use ground chicken or turkey or beef as an alternatives to non-vegetarian option.
- Shells, rotini, and penne are good substitutes to the elbow.
- Save a cup of water or so in which pasta has al dente and add it in the sauce. The starchy water makes for a good binder so that the sauce sticks to the noodles.
- Depending on the taco seasoning you use, you may need to add additional salt or pepper at the end, so just give the dish a taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
HOW TO COOK PASTA AL DENTE?
The secret to perfectly cooked noodles is on its packaging! Simply follow the procedure given on the box and it must give you the perfect noodles that are just right – not too firm but not too mushy either.
Here are some tips to help you through:
- Use a large enough pot: There should be enough space for the water to boil in and for the pasta not to get too compact. Boiling in itself can make the pieces move around which means less chance to clump up.
- Add salt when the water starts to boil: Putting salt will season the noodles.
- Reserve the water: The water in which you boil the noodles in will be starchy, thanks to the starch coming from the pasta itself. Save a cup of it or so and put it in the sauce. The starchy water makes for a good binder so that the sauce sticks to the noodles.
STORAGE SUGGESTIONS:
Refrigerator: Cool it completely and keep in the fridge for 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
Freezer: Keep it in airtight freezer containers for 2 months.
TACO PASTA RECIPE:
INGREDIENTS:
2 cup elbow pasta, uncooked
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup corn, frozen
1/2 cup black beans, store-bought or freshly prepared
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic, minced
Salt or to taste
3 tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp green green, chopped
1 cup vegetable stock or water used to cook pasta
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook the noodles by following the instructions on the package.
- In a pan, add the olive oil followed by onions and red bell pepper and sauté until onions are soft/translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for a second. Now add the beans and corn, cook for a minute.
- Next add the stock/water and tomato sauce, followed by taco seasoning.
- Toss the cooked pasta and prepared taco sauce together.
- Serve warm by adding some cheese on the pasta and garnish with your favorite toppings
RECIPE NOTES:
- You can substitute the tomato sauce with tomato puree (store bought) or even pasta sauce can work.
- You can use any of your favorite toppings to this pasta.
- You can use ground chicken or turkey or beef as an alternatives to non-vegetarian option.
- Shells, rotini, and penne are good substitutes to the elbow.
- Save a cup of water or so in which pasta has al dente and add it in the sauce. The starchy water makes for a good binder so that the sauce sticks to the noodles.
- Depending on the taco seasoning you use, you may need to add additional salt or pepper at the end, so just give the dish a taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Are you making this recipe? Then don’t forget to like and leave your comments for this recipe! I LOVE to see your creations so snap a photo and tag BlendOfSpicesbySara on Instagram with the hashtag #blendofspicesbysara
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