Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

This festive pasta snack combines al dente pasta tossed in olive oil and a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and rosemary. Baked until crisp and golden, it offers a lighter alternative for holiday gatherings. Optional Parmesan and colorful garnishes add rich flavor and visual appeal. Versatile and easy to prepare, it's perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:06:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with festive spices; an appetizer delight. Pin
Golden, crunchy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with festive spices; an appetizer delight. | crumbkiss.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 recipe has become a go-to during the holidays for a fun appetizer that everyone enjoys.

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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| crumbkiss.com

This snack always brings my family together during the festive season for sharing and laughter.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 6 g per serving

Crispy baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a lighter snack, perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing. Pin
Crispy baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a lighter snack, perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing. | crumbkiss.com

Enjoy these festive pasta chips as a perfect crunchy snack that’s easy to make and share.

Recipe FAQ

What pasta types work best for this dish?

Short pasta like farfalle, penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold seasoning well and crisp nicely when baked.

How can I make these chips extra crispy?

After seasoning, air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes with a shake halfway increases crispiness.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar flavor without dairy.

Are there suitable dips for serving?

Marinara sauce or pesto complement the savory spices and add moisture for dipping.

What holiday spices are used for seasoning?

Aromatic garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried rosemary create a festive flavor profile.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, seasoned pasta chips baked to golden perfection with festive holiday spices for a light, tasty snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Vegetarian

Components

Pasta

01 8 ounces farfalle or penne pasta

Seasoning

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Holiday Garnish (optional)

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Add Garnishes and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let 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 healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and omit cheese for gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein: 6 g