Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, festive pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices and baked for a lighter, irresistible snack—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

I discovered this recipe while looking for a festive appetizer that would please both kids and adults during our holiday party.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 225 g (8 oz) farfalle or penne pasta
• Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
• Holiday Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup diced roasted red pepper (for festive color)

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 3:

Pat the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 5:

Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:

Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp.

Step 7:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.

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This recipe became a family favorite during our winter holidays because it brings everyone together over a crunchy, flavorful snack.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, kitchen towel

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if using Parmesan). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, and for dairy-free, omit or substitute cheese. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 32 g. Protein: 6 g per serving.

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These pasta chips make an easy, crowd-pleasing snack; perfect to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the holidays.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for these chips?

Short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne are ideal because they crisp evenly when baked or air fried.

→ Can I make these chips gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Be sure to dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before seasoning and bake or air fry at high temperature, turning halfway through.

→ What spices are used to season the pasta chips?

The chips are seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper for a festive flavor profile.

→ Are there dairy-free options for serving?

Yes, you can omit Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free.

→ What are suggested dips to accompany these chips?

Marinara and pesto are excellent dipping choices that complement the spices and crispiness of the chips.