If you love the irresistible flavors of Italy combined with the fun, shareable nature of nachos, then this Italian Nachos Recipe is going to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. Imagine crispy, golden pasta chips layered with gooey melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, tangy marinara, and a sprinkle of fresh basil that brings everything together with a burst of freshness. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you crave a comforting bite with an Italian twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Nachos Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each one plays an essential role: crispy pasta for crunch, rich cheeses for gooey indulgence, and classic Italian flavors that unite the dish beautifully.
- 8 oz large pasta (rigatoni, ziti, or penne): These shapes fry up perfectly crispy to form your “chips.”
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil: For frying the pasta chips to golden perfection.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning your freshly fried chips.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle, savory kick to your chips.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Choose store-bought or homemade for that tangy Italian flavor base.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that classic, gooey experience.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension on top.
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni): For a punch of spiced, meaty goodness.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional): Adds briny depth and a bit of visual contrast.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn: To garnish and brighten every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who love to turn up the heat.
How to Make Italian Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain the noodles thoroughly and spread them out on paper towels to cool completely. This extra step helps remove moisture so your pasta chips fry up crisp instead of soggy.
Step 2: Fry the Pasta Chips
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the pasta in small batches until each piece turns golden and crispy, which usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy chips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle them with salt and if you like, a dusting of garlic powder to enhance that savory flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a large baking sheet, spread your fried pasta chips out evenly to create a sturdy base for your toppings.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Generously spoon marinara sauce over the chips, mainly focusing on spots that will hold the cheese and pepperoni. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the whole tray. Add pepperoni slices and black olive slices across the top to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbling, gooey perfection. For those who love a little crispy crust on top, broil the nachos for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese develops a golden, slightly crisp edge.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over your Italian nachos and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Serve immediately with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping and watch how quickly these disappear!
How to Serve Italian Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant, herbaceous layer that perfectly complements the rich cheeses and zesty sauces. If you want to elevate the presentation, add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for extra aroma and bite.
Side Dishes
This Italian Nachos Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a light Caesar salad to cut through the richness. A chilled glass of sparkling water or even a Italian red wine can round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve Italian nachos on a large wooden board or in a shallow cast-iron skillet to retain warmth. You can also customize the toppings—try adding sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of fresh arugula for a peppery finish that adds dimension to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be hard!), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crispiness of the pasta chips, avoid assembling the dish until ready to reheat.
Freezing
Italian nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked pasta chips separately in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag and store for up to a month. Freeze toppings separately if needed.
Reheating
To reheat the assembled dish, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to revive the cheese melt and crisp up the pasta chips. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Italian nachos?
Absolutely! Large tubular shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or penne work best because they fry up crisp and sturdy, but you can experiment with small shells or other short pasta shapes if you prefer.
Is it necessary to fry the pasta chips?
Frying gives you the best texture—crispy chips that hold the toppings well. Baking the pasta chips might be a healthier alternative but won’t achieve quite the same crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and load up on extra veggies like olives, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What marinara sauce do you recommend?
Feel free to use any good-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce—just make sure it’s rich and flavorful since it’s a key player in this Italian Nachos Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild, but adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy pepperoni can give the Italian nachos a pleasant kick if you enjoy some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Nachos Recipe is a joyous celebration of textures and flavors that brings the comforts of Italy to a familiar snack format. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and utterly addictive in every way. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a tasty treat, give this recipe a try—you might just discover the next star of your appetizer lineup!
Print
Italian Nachos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Italian Nachos feature crispy fried pasta chips topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and olives. Baked until bubbly and garnished with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes, they offer a delicious Italian twist on classic nachos, perfect for a fun appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Chips
- 8 oz large pasta (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 grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool completely by spreading it on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Fry the pasta: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the pasta in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season immediately with salt and garlic powder if using.
- Assemble the nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fried pasta chips evenly on a baking sheet.
- Top with cheese and toppings: Spoon marinara sauce over the pasta chips, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Add pepperoni slices and black olives as desired.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is completely dry before frying to get crispy chips and prevent oil splatter.
- You can experiment with other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain the right oil temperature for even frying.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra veggies or vegan cheese.
- Leftover pasta chips can be stored in an airtight container but are best consumed fresh for crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
