Are you a taco enthusiast looking to spice up your meals with some creativity? Barilla pasta might not be the first thing you think of when you imagine tacos, but with a bit of culinary magic, you can transform Barilla products into unique and delicious taco experiences. In this blog post, we'll explore 7 incredible Barilla taco recipe hacks that you'll love.
1. Transforming Pasta Into Taco Shells
Instead of the traditional corn or flour tortillas, why not make pasta shells from Barilla's wide array of pasta shapes?
- Lasagna Tacos: Use cooked lasagna sheets to create a sturdy shell. Parboil the sheets, form them into a "U" shape over an oven-safe rack, and bake until they hold their shape.
- Large Shell Tacos: Cook large pasta shells, fill them with your choice of fillings, and you have bite-sized tacos that are fun to eat.
⚠️ Note: Be mindful of the baking time for lasagna sheets; they should be crisp but not overly browned.
2. Filling With Pasta Salad
Tacos don't always have to be ground beef and cheese. Here's how you can use Barilla pasta to create innovative taco fillings:
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad Tacos: Mix cooked Barilla pasta with olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Spoon this mix into a shell for a fresh, Mediterranean taste.
- Pasta Primavera: Combine cooked and cooled pasta with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and peppers, seasoned with fresh herbs.
3. Pasta-Crusted Tacos
Add an extra layer of texture with a pasta crust:
- Cook your pasta, chop or blend it until it's small, then mix with spices like taco seasoning or a cheese blend.
- Use this mixture to coat traditional taco shells or homemade tortilla cups, baking them until crisp.
4. Spicy Barilla Cavatelli Tacos
Cavatelli, with its unique shape, can capture and hold sauces well, making it an interesting choice for tacos:
- Cook cavatelli and mix with a spicy meat sauce.
- Stuff the shells into a taco shell or serve over the pasta for a hybrid experience.
5. Italian-Style Pasta Tacos
Here's where Barilla shines:
- Tomato Pesto Tacos: Use cooked Barilla pasta tossed with homemade or store-bought tomato pesto sauce, and fill your tacos.
- Alfredo Tacos: Serve a creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta in a taco shell, garnished with parsley or basil.
6. Seafood Barilla Tacos
Seafood meets pasta for a novel twist:
- Use Barilla pasta as a base, mixing in shrimp or calamari sauteed with garlic, lemon, and herbs, then fill your tacos.
7. Barilla Gnocchi Tacos
End on a high note with gnocchi:
- Fry cooked Barilla gnocchi until crisp, then toss with sauce or top with your favorite taco fillings.
👉 Note: For better results, cook gnocchi in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure they turn out crispy.
These 7 Barilla taco recipe hacks offer a fresh take on a classic dish, leveraging the versatility and quality of Barilla pasta to create unique and flavorful experiences. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on taco night or aiming to impress guests with an innovative meal, these pasta-infused tacos are sure to delight. By incorporating Barilla pasta into your tacos, you not only diversify your flavors but also explore the endless possibilities of combining Mexican and Italian cuisines. Enjoy your culinary adventure and embrace the fusion of flavors with these Barilla tacos.
Can I use other pasta brands for these taco hacks?
+
Yes, you can use other pasta brands, but Barilla pasta is known for its quality and variety, which can significantly enhance the texture and flavor of your tacos.
Are these pasta tacos suitable for vegetarians?
+
Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be easily adapted to be vegetarian-friendly by using meat substitutes or skipping the meat altogether.
How do I keep my pasta shells from getting soggy?
+
Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it’s firm enough not to absorb too much moisture. Also, let it cool down or rinse briefly with cold water before filling to stop the cooking process.
