Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Bakes From The Heart

These lightened Christmas pasta chips offer a crispy texture with a festive blend of spices including garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Made by baking al dente pasta tossed in olive oil and seasonings until golden, they provide a lighter alternative to traditional snacks. Optional Parmesan and colorful garnishes add brightness and extra flavor. This easy-to-make treat is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, delivering satisfying crunch with a touch of seasonal warmth.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:44:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful snack perfect for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful snack perfect for sharing. | recipesforevers.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 discovered this recipe while looking for a festive appetizer that would please both kids and adults during our holiday party.

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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| recipesforevers.com

This recipe became a family favorite during our winter holidays because it brings everyone together over a crunchy, flavorful snack.

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, and 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.

Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, seasoned with spices and ready to be enjoyed as a snack. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, seasoned with spices and ready to be enjoyed as a snack. | recipesforevers.com

These pasta chips make an easy, crowd-pleasing snack; perfect to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the holidays.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for these chips?

Short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne are ideal because they crisp evenly when baked or air fried.

Can I make these chips gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.

How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Be sure to dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before seasoning and bake or air fry at high temperature, turning halfway through.

What spices are used to season the pasta chips?

The chips are seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper for a festive flavor profile.

Are there dairy-free options for serving?

Yes, you can omit Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free.

What are suggested dips to accompany these chips?

Marinara and pesto are excellent dipping choices that complement the spices and crispiness of the chips.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices for a light, festive snack perfect for any occasion.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Complete Duration
30 minutes

Recipe Type Bakes From The Heart

Complexity Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Meatless

What You Need

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Arrange pasta and bake: Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 06

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan cheese is used.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 210
  • Total Fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams