Name: Italian Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Pasta Chips: 8 oz (about 1/2 package) of large pasta (like rigatoni, ziti, or penne); 1-2 cups vegetable oil, for frying; Salt, to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni); 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional); Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish); Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Description

Italian Nachos are a delicious twist on the classic nachos, featuring crispy fried pasta chips topped with savory Italian flavors. With a combination of melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, these nachos bring a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and bold Italian spices. Ideal for game day, parties, or a fun snack, these Italian Nachos are sure to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Chips:
- 8 oz (about 1/2 package) of large pasta (like rigatoni, ziti, or penne)
- 1–2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

For the Pasta Chips:
1. Cook the pasta:
  Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely on a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Fry the pasta:
  Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), fry the pasta in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pasta chips and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and a sprinkle of garlic powder if desired.
For the Toppings:
1. Assemble the nachos:
  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet, spread the fried pasta chips in an even layer.
2. Top with cheese and toppings:
  Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over the pasta chips. Then, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Add pepperoni slices and black olives (if using).
3. Bake:
  Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. You can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if you want the cheese to get golden and slightly crispy on top.
4. Garnish and serve:
  Once out of the oven, garnish the Italian nachos with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some added heat. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Pasta Chip Alternative: If you want a quicker option, you can buy pre-made tortilla chips or use store-bought Italian breadsticks as the base for your nachos.
Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite Italian ingredients like roasted vegetables, sausage, or even some ricotta cheese.

Baked Version: You can also bake the pasta chips instead of frying them for a lighter version. Simply place the cooked pasta on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 15mg