Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Simple Comfort Treats

These lightened pasta chips offer a crispy snack bursting with holiday flavors like garlic, smoked paprika, and rosemary. Made with farfalle or penne, the pasta is cooked al dente, dried, then tossed in olive oil and aromatic seasonings before baking to a golden crisp. A sprinkle of Parmesan and festive garnishes like roasted red pepper and parsley add color and richness. Perfect for easy entertaining or winding down with a savory bite, these chips bring festive warmth with minimal effort and lighter comfort.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:02:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, seasoned to perfection, ready for dipping on a holiday table. Pin this
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, seasoned to perfection, ready for dipping on a holiday table. | terracrumb.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 family favorite during the holiday season because it offers a fun alternative to traditional snacks and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 225 g (8 oz) farfalle or penne pasta
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Seasoning: 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Seasoning: 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Seasoning: 1/2 tsp salt
  • Seasoning: 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Seasoning: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
  • Holiday Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Holiday Garnish (optional): 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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Watching my family enjoy these festive pasta chips brings warmth and joy to our holiday celebrations.

Notes

Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version nutritional yeast can be a substitute Serve with marinara or pesto for dipping.

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.

A close-up of vibrant Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with festive garnishes, a flavorful vegetarian snack. Pin this
A close-up of vibrant Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with festive garnishes, a flavorful vegetarian snack. | terracrumb.com

These pasta chips are an easy way to add a festive touch to your snack lineup this holiday season.

Recipe Questions

What pasta types work best for these chips?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal as they crisp evenly and hold seasoning well.

How can I ensure the chips become crispy?

Pat pasta thoroughly dry before seasoning and bake at 200°C (400°F), turning halfway to crisp all sides evenly.

Can I make these chips dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory touch.

Are there alternative cooking methods for these chips?

Air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes works well to achieve extra crispiness and quick cooking.

What dips pair well with these festive pasta chips?

Classic marinara sauce, pesto, or creamy herb dips complement the spiced chips perfectly.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, baked pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices for a light, festive snack or cozy night treat.

Prep time
10 mins
Time to cook
20 mins
Time Required
30 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

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)

Holiday Garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 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.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan is used.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g