Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch
Highlighted under: Borderless Food
I love creating dishes that blend comfort food with exciting flavors, and Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch is one of my favorites! This recipe takes all the bold tastes of tacos and combines them with pasta for a delightful crunch and a delicious twist. We prepare the pasta to perfection and then add layers of taco seasoning, melty cheese, and crispy tortilla chips on top. It's a quick and fun meal that pleases the entire family, and I can't wait to share it with you!
When I first experimented with Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch, I was looking for a way to bring a fun twist to traditional pasta dishes. The robust flavors of taco seasoning made the pasta lively, while the crispy tortilla chips added a satisfying crunch. My family couldn’t get enough!
One tip I learned along the way is to slightly undercook the pasta before layering everything, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors during baking. The melted cheese is the cherry on top, making each bite utterly irresistible. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors of tacos combined with comforting pasta
- Crispy texture from crunchy tortilla chips
- Quick and easy to prepare for any night of the week
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Here's how to make your Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch:
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Taco Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and taco meat mixture until well combined.
Layer the Dish
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven and top with dollops of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch warm, and share with friends or family for a delightful mealtime treat!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños or serve with salsa on the side.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape!
→ Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the meat with beans or lentils.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add more taco seasoning or include fresh or pickled jalapeños.
→ Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch
I love creating dishes that blend comfort food with exciting flavors, and Crispy Taco Pasta Crunch is one of my favorites! This recipe takes all the bold tastes of tacos and combines them with pasta for a delightful crunch and a delicious twist. We prepare the pasta to perfection and then add layers of taco seasoning, melty cheese, and crispy tortilla chips on top. It's a quick and fun meal that pleases the entire family, and I can't wait to share it with you!
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and taco meat mixture until well combined.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with dollops of sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños or serve with salsa on the side.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g