Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Fresh Pasta Creations

Experience a lighter take on festive snacking with these Christmas pasta chips. Farfalle or penne pasta is cooked until just tender, then tossed in olive oil and a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Baked until golden and crisp, these chips are optionally garnished with Parmesan and roasted red pepper for extra flavor and color. Perfectly crunchy and seasoned, they make an ideal holiday treat or cozy snack anytime.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:40:00 GMT
Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, golden and crispy, ready to be enjoyed with holiday spices. Pin
Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, golden and crispy, ready to be enjoyed with holiday spices. | toastybasil.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 my go-to for holiday parties because it combines flavor with a satisfying crunch without the heaviness of traditional fried snacks.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook Pasta:
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Dry Pasta:
Pat the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Toss with Seasoning:
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange Pasta:
Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 18 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp.
Add Finishing Touches:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.
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| toastybasil.com

This snack always brings the family together as we enjoy the festive flavors and crunchy texture while sharing stories around the holiday table.

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

Nutritional Information

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

Festive Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a vibrant appetizer, perfectly seasoned and baked until delightfully crunchy. Pin
Festive Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a vibrant appetizer, perfectly seasoned and baked until delightfully crunchy. | toastybasil.com

This lightened pasta chips recipe is perfect for festive occasions or anytime a crunchy snack is desired without the guilt.

Recipe Q&A

What pasta types work best for these chips?

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

How do you achieve maximum crispiness?

Pat pasta dry before seasoning and bake evenly spread; turning halfway helps ensure a golden, crisp texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative with umami flavor.

What spices complement these festive chips?

A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and rosemary creates a warm and savory holiday profile.

Is oven baking the only method?

Air frying at 200°C for 10–12 minutes is a great alternative to achieve extra crispiness.

How should these chips be served?

They can be served plain as a snack or alongside dips like marinara or pesto for added flavor.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices, baked light for a festive, flavorful snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min


Skill level Easy

Origin Italian-American

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

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, for serving)

Holiday Garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until just al dente following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season pasta: 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 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if Parmesan is used).
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta; omit cheese for dairy-free.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 32 g
  • Protein: 6 g