Description
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos combine crispy oven-baked pasta chips topped with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, warm marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, garnished with fresh basil and optional black olives and red pepper flakes for a flavorful twist on classic nachos.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Chips:
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (or any wide pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1 cup Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled; can substitute with ground turkey or beef)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Chips: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow the noodles to cool slightly. Cut the noodles into triangles or strips to resemble chips. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pasta chips on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Nachos: Remove the pasta chips from the oven and evenly layer the cooked crumbled Italian sausage and sliced pepperoni on top. Pour the warmed marinara sauce evenly over the nachos. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over everything.
- Bake Again: Return the assembled nachos to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced black olives (if using) and chopped fresh basil. Serve hot with red pepper flakes on the side for an extra kick of heat.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or beef.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles initially to ensure they crisp nicely when baked.
- You can prepare the pasta chips ahead of time and bake toppings fresh when ready to serve.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- These nachos are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian Nachos, Pasta Chips, Baked Nachos, Italian Sausage Nachos, Party Appetizer
