Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are a delicious twist on traditional nachos, featuring crispy pasta chips topped with Italian-inspired ingredients. This dish is perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, offering a unique flavor experience that everyone will love!

Ingredients

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)

Timing

Making Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Chips

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Cut into Chips: Once cooled, cut the noodles into triangles or strips to resemble chips.
3. Season and Bake: Preheat your 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, or until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

1. Layer the Toppings: Remove the pasta chips from the oven. Spread the cooked Italian sausage and sliced pepperoni over the chips. Pour the warmed marinara sauce evenly over the top.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the nachos.

Step 3: Bake Again

1. Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled nachos to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and top with sliced black olives (if using) and chopped fresh basil. Serve hot, with red pepper flakes on the side for those who like extra heat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	20g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage and pepperoni with grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, for added flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds: classic nachos and Italian cuisine. Perfect for sharing, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a unique weeknight dinner!