Lisa's Italian Nachos take the classic Tex-Mex snack to a whole new level with a delicious Italian twist. Crispy, golden pasta chips are topped with gooey cheese, pepperoni, olives, and other Italian-inspired toppings, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a quick and tasty snack. These nachos are easy to make and will impress all your guests with their unique flavors. So, get ready to dive into a plate of irresistible Lisa's Italian Nachos!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup of sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In batches, fry the cooked pasta until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the fried pasta chips from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the fried pasta chips on a baking sheet.
- Top the pasta chips with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, black olives, green olives, diced bell peppers, and red onion.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the toppings.
- Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the nachos from the oven and sprinkle them with chopped fresh basil and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Lisa's Italian Nachos hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Italian Nachos originated in Kansas City, Missouri in the late 1980s.
The pasta chips used in this recipe are similar to the Italian snack called "frico", which is made by frying shredded cheese until crispy.
You can customize Lisa's Italian Nachos by adding your favorite Italian toppings like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or Italian sausage.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
Lisa's Italian Nachos are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional nacho recipe, perfect for parties and get-togethers.