Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Snack Fun

This dish delivers a crispy, flavorful snack by baking pasta coated in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. The farfalle or penne pasta is cooked al dente, dried, then tossed with a blend of aromatic spices and olive oil before baking until golden and crisp. A sprinkle of Parmesan and optional festive garnishes add a savory, holiday touch. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings, this lightened snack combines comforting textures with seasonal flavors.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:36:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for snacking. Save
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for snacking. | grinnosh.com

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

I first made these for a family holiday party and they were a huge hit everyone kept asking for the recipe.

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 became a new holiday tradition with my family everyone loves gathering around to share them.

Notes

Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version nutritional yeast can be used as 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.

A close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful vegetarian appetizer. Save
A close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful vegetarian appetizer. | grinnosh.com

This recipe is a simple way to bring festive flavor to any snack time perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights.

Recipe FAQ

What pasta types work best for this snack?

Short pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold seasonings well and crisp up nicely when baked or air fried.

How can I make the chips extra crispy?

Dry the pasta thoroughly before seasoning, and consider air frying for 10–12 minutes at 200°C, shaking halfway for even crispness.

Can I make this snack dairy-free?

Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a savory alternative to keep it dairy-free.

What spices create the festive flavor?

A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and a touch of rosemary evokes festive, warming notes perfect for holiday occasions.

How should I serve these crispy pasta chips?

Serve warm as a snack or appetizer, optionally with dips like marinara or pesto to enhance the savory experience.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips baked with festive spices for a light, savory holiday snack or cozy treat.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Snack Fun

Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

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

Directions

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

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

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

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

Stage 06

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

Stage 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, omit or substitute cheese.
  • Check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g