Name: Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cooked pasta (rigatoni, bowtie, or penne work best); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Pasta Chips are the ultimate crunchy, savory snack you never knew you needed. Imagine the glorious fusion of perfectly cooked pasta and the irresistible crisp of your favorite chip—just begging to be dunked in a creamy dip! Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a new way to jazz up pasta night, these crispy bites will win over kids and adults alike. Their golden crunch and punchy Italian flavors make Pasta Chips endlessly snackable and downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy, delightful recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples, yet every ingredient plays a big role in creating that signature crunch and savory punch. Here’s what you need to whip up these crave-worthy Pasta Chips, and why you shouldn’t skip any of them:

Pasta (8 ounces, cooked al dente): Rigatoni, bowtie, or penne are best for holding onto all the delicious seasonings and geting maximally crispy.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasonings adhere and adds richness for an extra tempting texture.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a deep, aromatic flavor that makes every bite pop.
Italian Seasoning (½ teaspoon): A blend of herbs that delivers the classic taste of Italy in one shake.
Paprika (¼ teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and lovely color—try smoked paprika for a twist!
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the other flavors and perfecting that savory crunch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Adds salty, cheesy goodness that turns every chip into pure magic.

How to Make Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook and Prep Your Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite short pasta—rigatoni, bowties, or penne are fabulous choices. Cook the pasta just until al dente according to the package instructions. This keeps the Pasta Chips sturdy and prevents them from falling apart during crisping. Once cooked, drain well and spread the pasta out for a few minutes to cool and shed extra moisture.

Step 2: Season the Pasta

Tumble the cooled pasta into a big mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then shower on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and a generous heap of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece is glossy and coated. This step guarantees every single chip is full of flavor and ready to crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Air Fry or Bake

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the Pasta Chips are deeply golden and irresistibly crunchy. If you’re using an oven, preheat to 425°F, spread the pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning them halfway. Either way, you’ll end up with golden, toasty chips that beg to be snacked on!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let your Pasta Chips cool for just a few minutes after cooking—you want them crisp but not scalding! They’ll firm up even more as they sit. Now’s the perfect time to prep your favorite dip, because these chips are about to disappear fast.

How to Serve Pasta Chips

Garnishes

Sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes while the Pasta Chips are fresh from the air fryer. For a fresh touch, a handful of chopped parsley or basil adds color and a pop of flavor that’s sure to impress. If you’re a cheese fan, a dusting of Pecorino Romano will take these chips over the top.

Side Dishes

Pasta Chips love good company, so pair them with a dipping trio: classic marinara for zesty, ranch for creamy, or whipped ricotta for a decadent twist. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a veggie platter for a playful, satisfying snack spread that’s perfect for parties or movie nights at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Pile Pasta Chips high on a rustic wooden board with lots of dips, tuck them into paper cones for an on-the-go snack, or use small mason jars for a fun, individualized presentation at picnics or gatherings. They’re an absolute conversation starter (and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Pasta Chips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their crispy crunch for up to three days—though, honestly, they rarely stick around that long. Just make sure the container is truly airtight so the chips don’t soften.

Freezing

While it’s not common, you can freeze fully cooked and cooled Pasta Chips. Place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and keep for up to one month. Thaw briefly at room temperature before reheating to refresh their texture.

Reheating

If your Pasta Chips have lost a bit of their crunch or you’re serving leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes at 350°F. This brings their crispy texture back to life—just keep a close eye so they don’t brown too much.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free short pastas like penne or rotini work wonderfully for Pasta Chips. Just be gentle when mixing and crisping, since gluten-free pasta can be a bit more fragile when cooked.

What dips go best with Pasta Chips?

Pasta Chips are ridiculously versatile when it comes to dips. Marinara is a classic, but ranch, whipped ricotta, pesto, or even a creamy spinach dip are all fantastic choices—they’re perfect for experimenting and mixing up flavor profiles.

Do I need to oil the air fryer basket?

If your air fryer tends to stick, a quick spritz of spray oil before adding the seasoned pasta helps ensure easy chip removal. Most nonstick baskets will be fine without extra oil, but it’s always good to double-check.

How thick should the layer of pasta be when baking?

Always spread the pasta in a single, even layer—this is key to getting that even crunch! Crowding means steam and soggy pasta, so use two trays if needed for a big batch of Pasta Chips.

Can I make Pasta Chips ahead for a party?

You sure can! Pasta Chips taste just as addictive made a few hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container until serving, then refresh in a hot oven or air fryer for a couple minutes to regain peak crispiness if you’d like.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, if you haven’t tried Pasta Chips yet, you’re in for a seriously fun surprise. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and outrageously crunchy—perfect for snacking or serving to friends. Grab some pasta and make a batch soon; you’ll love sharing (and devouring) these unforgettable chips!

Pasta Chips Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Learn how to make crispy and flavorful Pasta Chips, a viral snack sensation perfect for snacking or parties. These crunchy chips are made from cooked pasta coated in seasonings and Parmesan cheese, air fried or baked until golden and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 ounces cooked pasta (rigatoni, bowtie, or penne work best)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta al dente, drain, and cool slightly.
Season the Pasta: Toss pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, air fry pasta for 10–12 minutes until crispy, shaking halfway through.
Bake: For oven baking, preheat oven to 425°F, bake pasta on a sheet for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dip.