For those of us who grew up in the era of peak Nickelodeon, we are all familiar with the creative inventions and artistic abilities of Spencer Shay.
In the iconic television series “ICarly,” Shay is the older brother of the show’s main character, Carly Shay. Shay is an artist, a sculptor to be specific. His apartment is filled with junk yard scraps, eccentric artworks, and a concerning amount of char.
One of his many creations is one I always wished could be on the menu in my own home: spaghetti tacos.
To make this nostalgic meal, I traveled to the Jay Pantry. Once I arrived, I began my hunt for three main ingredients: angel hair pasta, tomato pasta sauce and hard taco shells. All three of which were available. While the pantry did have various seasonings and spices available, I chose to leave them behind as I have my own.
Outside of the aforementioned ingredients you will need a small to medium sized pot, something to stir, strain and plate your pasta (I used a pair of tongs for all three), water, salt and seasonings that fit your taste.
To begin your tacos, fill a small pot about halfway with water and salt to taste. Place your pot on the stove and allow it to come to a rolling boil. Once the water is bubbling over the edge, place your desired amount of pasta into the pot and allow it to cook based on the packaging instructions.
Here is where it gets controversial. Some people break their pasta, placing the two halves into the pot together. However, you can cook your angel hair evenly without snapping it. Hold the pasta by one end, place it in the water, as much as will fit. After about five to 10 seconds, slowly push down the pasta against the side of the pot. Within 10 to 15 seconds, the entire noodle will be submerged, and it will all cook evenly. Do it however you want, it is not serious enough to argue about.
Once your timer has reminded you of the pasta on the stove, remove the pot. Strain your pasta and return the pot to the stove on a cool burner. Open your pasta sauce, use as much as you need to (at least) coat the pasta. Mix it together, now is the time to add your seasonings. I used Italian seasoning and black pepper (boring, I know).
Your pasta is complete! Remove it from the pot and add it to your taco shells. You now have spaghetti tacos. I hope you enjoy living in the “ICarly” universe.
I chose to make this recipe as I wanted to make something fun. I know I often struggle to make meals I will actually enjoy when on a budget. I sometimes have to utilize the pantry when I am struggling. While canned beans, rice and canned veggies is definitely a common meal as it is all shelf stable, and a favorite of mine, sometimes it feels good to switch things up.
You are allowed to have fun in the kitchen and on a budget. What are some of your favorite fun meals?
