Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Pasta

This festive snack features lightly baked pasta chips tossed with olive oil and a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and rosemary for a warm holiday flavor. After baking until crisp, they're optionally garnished with Parmesan and colorful red pepper for a cheerful touch. Ideal for easy holiday entertaining or cozy evenings, these lightly spiced crisps bring a satisfying crunch and savory notes, balancing flavor and a lighter texture.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:34:00 GMT
Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips: Golden, perfectly crispy pasta, ideal for a holiday appetizer, spiced to perfection. Save
Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips: Golden, perfectly crispy pasta, ideal for a holiday appetizer, spiced to perfection. | cheerfulchefs.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 festive snack quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, loved for its crispy texture and bold flavors.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook pasta:
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Dry pasta:
Pat the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Toss pasta with seasoning:
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread pasta:
Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp.
Finish:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.
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My family enjoys sharing these pasta chips during holiday movie nights, making it a fun and tasty tradition.

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.

Nutritional Information

Per serving calories 210 total fat 7 g carbohydrates 32 g protein 6 g

Delicious Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a baked snack, presented with vibrant red pepper and fresh parsley. Save
Delicious Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a baked snack, presented with vibrant red pepper and fresh parsley. | cheerfulchefs.com

These lightened pasta chips add a festive crunch to any gathering and are sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for pasta chips?

Short, sturdy shapes like farfalle or penne hold up well when baked into chips, providing a good balance of crispiness and structure.

How can I make the pasta chips extra crispy?

Patting the cooked pasta dry before seasoning helps remove moisture, allowing the chips to crisp up better in the oven or air fryer.

Can I prepare these pasta chips without cheese?

Yes, you can omit Parmesan for a dairy-free option or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar savory note.

Are there alternative cooking methods besides baking?

Air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes creates extra crispness and reduces cooking time.

What serving suggestions complement these pasta chips?

Pairing with dips like marinara sauce or pesto enhances their flavor and adds variety to the snack experience.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, seasoned pasta chips baked for a light, festive snack with holiday spices and a touch of Parmesan.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Pasta

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Italian-American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences 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 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
06 1/2 tsp salt
07 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Holiday Garnish (optional)

01 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
02 1/4 cup diced roasted red pepper

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season pasta: Toss pasta in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake pasta chips: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 07

Add finishing touches: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if Parmesan used).

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams