How to Make the Perfect Pasta Chips
Italian-American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These addictive baked pasta chips are the viral TikTok snack everyone is searching for, delivering a crunchy satisfying crunch that makes the best homemade chip alternative from scratch. Learn how to make crispy pasta chips with simple pantry seasonings for an easy quick recipe that works as a snack, appetizer, or fun weeknight dinner side dish.
Why this recipe works
This Pasta Chips recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz farfalle or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt and black pepper to taste
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook and Drain the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and spread the pasta out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry completely. Removing excess moisture is the most critical step for achieving ultra-crispy pasta chips.
Step 2: Season the Pasta
Transfer the dried pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well so every piece is evenly coated. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and toss again until all pieces are uniformly seasoned.
Step 3: Add Parmesan and Toss
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned pasta and toss one final time. The cheese will cling to the oiled pasta and create a delicious savory crust during baking. Make sure the cheese is distributed as evenly as possible across all pieces.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry Until Crispy
For oven method spread the pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes flipping halfway through until deeply golden and crispy. For air fryer method cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the pasta chips from the oven or air fryer and let them cool on the pan for 3 to 5 minutes as they continue to crisp up while cooling. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- farfalle pasta → any short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or rigatoni works great
- Parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for a dairy free vegan version with the same savory depth
- smoked paprika → regular paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the pasta thoroughly after boiling which creates steam and prevents crisping
- Overcrowding the baking sheet so pasta steams instead of roasting into chips
- Pulling them out of the oven too early before the chips have fully dried out and crisped through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 9g protein, 48g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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