Imagine a mountain of crispy, golden pasta chips, smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce, loaded with tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and a colorful array of fresh toppings. That’s exactly what you get with this Old Chicago Italian Nachos copycat recipe. Inspired by the beloved appetizer from the popular restaurant chain, this dish brings the fun and flavor of Italian-American fusion right to your kitchen. It’s the perfect appetizer for game days, casual gatherings, or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Crispy, Unique Base: Wonton wrappers or lasagna noodles are transformed into irresistible crispy chips, offering a satisfying crunch that traditional tortilla chips simply can’t match. The light, airy texture of the fried pasta provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy toppings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, creamy Alfredo, melted mozzarella, and zesty toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is an adventure, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to swap out the chicken for sausage or vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or add your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Sharing: Italian nachos are designed to be shared. Pile them high on a platter and watch as your friends and family dive in. It’s a fun and interactive appetizer that encourages conversation and connection.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite its impressive appearance and complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Pasta Chips:
- 8-10 wonton wrappers, cut into triangles, or lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into triangles
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce, homemade or store-bought
- Pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
Preparation:
Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will make the assembly process much smoother and more efficient.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Chips
If using lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly. Cut the cooked noodles or wonton wrappers into triangles. The size of the triangles is up to you, but aim for pieces that are easy to handle and will crisp up nicely in the oil.
Step 2: Fry the Pasta Chips
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet until it reaches a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature, or test it by dropping a small piece of pasta into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly, the oil is ready.
Carefully add the pasta triangles to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chips from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Sprinkle the chips with a pinch of salt while they are still hot.
Step 3: Warm the Alfredo Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the Alfredo sauce over low heat. If using, stir in a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Heat the sauce until it is warm and smooth, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
While the pasta chips are frying and the Alfredo sauce is warming, take some time to prepare the toppings. Chop the tomatoes, banana peppers, black olives, and green onions. Shred or cube the cooked chicken. If using fresh basil or parsley, chop it finely.
Step 5: Assemble the Italian Nachos
Now comes the fun part: assembling the Italian nachos! On a large serving platter or baking sheet, arrange the crispy pasta chips in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chips, followed by the shredded or chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, banana peppers, black olives, and green onions.
Drizzle the warm Alfredo sauce generously over the toppings, making sure to cover as much of the cheese and chicken as possible. At this point, you can either serve the nachos immediately or place them under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and warm the toppings. If broiling, keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent them from burning.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the nachos from the oven or broiler and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the chips are crisp.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
- Pair with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Enjoy as a satisfying snack or light meal.
- Serve with your favorite Italian-inspired cocktails or beverages.
Tips:
- For extra crispy pasta chips, use day-old wonton wrappers or lasagna noodles.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of pasta into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly, the oil is ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the pasta chips, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chips.
- To prevent the pasta chips from sticking together, fry them in small batches and drain them on paper towels.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize the nachos to your liking. Some other popular options include sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
- If you want to make the nachos ahead of time, you can prepare the pasta chips and toppings in advance and assemble them just before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle the nachos with a dash of hot sauce.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: Approximately 450-550
Protein: 25-35g
Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
This Old Chicago Italian Nachos copycat recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer that is sure to impress your friends and family. With its crispy pasta chips, creamy Alfredo sauce, and delicious toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable snacking experience.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use regular tortilla chips instead of pasta chips?
A: While you can use tortilla chips, the texture and flavor will be significantly different. The pasta chips provide a unique crispy, airy base that complements the creamy Alfredo and toppings. Tortilla chips will be denser and may not hold up as well to the sauce. If you do use tortilla chips, choose a sturdy variety that won’t get soggy easily.
Q2: Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?
A: Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce is delicious and relatively easy to make. There are countless recipes available online. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your nachos even further. If you’re short on time, store-bought Alfredo is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Q3: What other types of meat can I use instead of chicken?
A: The possibilities are endless! Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled), pepperoni, ground beef, or even shrimp would all be delicious additions to these nachos. If you’re vegetarian, you could use sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or black beans.
Q4: How can I make these nachos healthier?
A: There are several ways to lighten up this recipe. Use whole wheat lasagna noodles or wonton wrappers for the chips, bake them instead of frying them, use low-fat Alfredo sauce, and load up on the vegetables. You could also use grilled chicken breast instead of shredded chicken.
Q5: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the individual components (pasta chips, Alfredo sauce, toppings) ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the nachos just before serving to prevent the chips from getting soggy. If you need to make them completely ahead of time, broil them for a few minutes before serving to crisp up the chips and melt the cheese. However, keep in mind that the nachos will be best when served fresh.
