Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Weekend Home Bakes

This festive snack transforms pasta into crispy chips infused with garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. After boiling and drying, the pasta is tossed with olive oil and spices, baked until golden and crunchy. Optional Parmesan and roasted red pepper add savory depth and holiday flair. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, this lightened treat offers a satisfying crunch with a blend of warm, aromatic flavors.

For extra crispiness, air frying is recommended. Variations include different pasta shapes and dairy-free options by substituting cheese with nutritional yeast. Serve alongside marinara or pesto dips for added zest.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:07:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, promising a delightful crunch. Save
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, promising a delightful crunch. | pecangroove.com

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

This is a perfect treat I make for my family every holiday season and everyone loves the festive flavors and crunchy texture.

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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Making these pasta chips has become a cherished family moment every holiday season filled with laughter and warm memories.

Notes

Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version nutritional yeast can be a substitute Serve with marinara or pesto for dipping

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 for dairy-free omit or substitute cheese Always check ingredient labels for allergens

Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday garnish, perfect for festive snacking. Save
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday garnish, perfect for festive snacking. | pecangroove.com

These holiday pasta chips make a perfect snack that is easy to customize and sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of pasta works best for this snack?

Short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne hold up well and crisp evenly when baked.

How do I ensure the pasta chips turn out crispy?

After boiling, thoroughly dry the pasta before tossing it with oil and spices. Baking at high heat or air frying enhances crunchiness.

Can I make these without dairy?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

What spices create the festive flavor?

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried rosemary combine to give a warm, aromatic profile.

Are there suggestions for serving this snack?

These chips pair well with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, enhancing their savory character.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, spiced pasta chips baked to a light, flavorful finish—ideal for festive snacking.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
By Pecan Groove Holly Emerson

Recipe Group Weekend Home Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition Italian-American

Portions 4 Number of Servings

Diet Concerns Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta

Seasoning

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp garlic powder
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 ½ tsp dried rosemary
06 ½ tsp salt
07 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Holiday Garnish

01 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
02 ¼ cup diced roasted red pepper

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.

Step 03

Dry Pasta: Pat the drained pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 04

Season Pasta: 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 05

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

Step 06

Bake Pasta Chips: Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley and roasted red pepper. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens and reach out to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan is used.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and omit cheese for gluten-free and dairy-free needs.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutrition info is a guide; don't substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein Amount: 6 g