Name: Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cooked pasta (such as rigatoni or bowtie); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Marinara sauce for dipping

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Ready to crunch into the latest snack sensation? Pasta Chips are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and crispy, crave-worthy snacking. Imagine your favorite pasta, tossed in a blend of olive oil, savory seasonings, and a shower of Parmesan, then crisped to golden perfection in an air fryer or oven. Each bite delivers irresistible texture and Italian-inspired flavor, perfect for dunking into a tangy marinara sauce. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to elevate your afternoon snack game, Pasta Chips will steal the show (and disappear fast!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Pasta Chips is how they transform everyday staples into something truly magical. Each ingredient in this easy recipe is there for a reason, adding crunch, depth, or that bold cheesy hit that makes every chip impossible to stop eating.

Cooked Pasta: Short shapes like rigatoni or bowties work best for maximum scoop-ability and crunch. Make sure to cook them al dente for the perfect texture!
Olive Oil: Coats each piece of pasta with just the right amount of richness and helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer or oven.
Garlic Powder: Brings a gentle savory kick and rounds out the classic Italian flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds fragrant, earthy undertones that complement the cheese and sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and forms a delicious crispy crust as the chips cook.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life—be sure to season to taste.
Marinara Sauce: The perfect dipping partner; go for your favorite store-bought or homemade version.

How to Make Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook and Dry the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of well-salted water to a boil, then add your short pasta of choice. Be sure to cook until just al dente—about a minute shy of the package instructions—so your Pasta Chips don’t get mushy. Drain them thoroughly, then spread on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry. The drier your pasta, the crispier your final chips will be!

Step 2: Season Everything

Once dry, transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to make sure every noodle gets hugged with seasoning and cheese. This coating is exactly what sets homemade Pasta Chips apart from any store-bought snack.

Step 3: Time to Crisp!

Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the pasta in an even layer in the basket—no overlapping for ultimate crunch—and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Give the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even crisping. Don’t have an air fryer? The oven method is just as easy: bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the pasta once for all-over crispiness. You’re looking for golden hue and ultra-crunchy texture.

Step 4: Serve and Dip

When your Pasta Chips are freshly crisped and still warm, it’s time to gather around with your favorite marinara sauce. Serve right away for that unmistakable shattering snap. They’re outrageously good on their own, but a marinara dip makes the flavor pop and completes the experience.

How to Serve Pasta Chips

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle your Pasta Chips with extra Parmesan, a pinch of chopped fresh basil, or a dusting of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil or a quick grind of fresh black pepper just before serving makes them look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Pasta Chips pair beautifully with light, fresh sides for contrast. Think a crisp green salad drizzled with a zippy vinaigrette, a bowl of marinated olives, or a small plate of fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. They can also join a snack board alongside cured meats, cheeses, and veggies for a show-stopping appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Pasta Chips stacked in tumblers for easy sharing at parties, or arrange them around a bowl of marinara like nachos. For a family movie night, dish them up in parchment cones for a fun handheld treat. They’re equally at home tucked beside a sandwich or soup, adding crunch and personality wherever they go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Pasta Chips left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp for up to three days, making them the rare homemade snack that’s as good tomorrow as it is today.

Freezing

While Pasta Chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Place completely cooled chips in a freezer-safe bag, press out excess air, and freeze for up to a month. Just keep in mind that freezing may alter the crispiness.

Reheating

To restore maximum crunch, reheat Pasta Chips on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick blast of heat makes them taste like they were just made, especially if they’ve lost a little crunch in storage.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Pasta Chips?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully for Pasta Chips—just cook it al dente and handle gently, as some shapes are a bit more delicate than wheat-based pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for making Pasta Chips?

Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni, bowtie (farfalle), penne, or ziti hold up best and get the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy middles. Avoid very small shapes, as they can get overly crisp or burn quickly.

Can I make Pasta Chips without an air fryer?

Definitely! Oven-baking is a fantastic option. Just spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer and flip halfway through baking to ensure all sides get crispy and golden.

How do I prevent the Pasta Chips from sticking together?

After tossing with oil and cheese, spread the pasta out in one layer, giving each piece a little space. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness, so cook in batches if needed for best results.

Can I change up the seasonings in my Pasta Chips?

Absolutely—feel free to make them your own! Try smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, or nutritional yeast for a new flavor twist. The base recipe is endlessly customizable, so experiment and find your favorite combination.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Pasta Chips, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain chips again. With their golden crunch, bold flavors, and pure fun factor, they’re guaranteed to win hearts wherever you serve them. Give this snack a whirl, get creative with your dips, and share the Pasta Chips love with everyone around your table!

Pasta Chips Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These crispy Pasta Chips are a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Using cooked pasta coated in flavorful seasonings, these chips are air-fried or baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooked Pasta

8 ounces cooked pasta (such as rigatoni or bowtie)

Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional

Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and pat dry.
Season the Pasta: Toss pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Air Fry or Bake: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C), air fry for 10–12 minutes or bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.