Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Warm Baked Treats

These lightened Christmas pasta chips offer a crispy, flavorful snack perfect for festive occasions. Made by seasoning cooked farfalle or penne with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, then baked until golden and crunchy. Optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese and roasted red pepper add a festive touch. Ideal for serving as a snack or appetizer, these chips can also be air-fried for extra crispiness.

Simple to prepare and versatile, they pair well with dipping sauces like marinara or pesto. Suitable for vegetarian diets and easily modified to be dairy-free or gluten-free by ingredient substitutions.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:09:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for snacking, and delicious. Save
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for snacking, and delicious. | pumpkinhearth.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 enjoyed making these with friends during the holidays; they were a hit at our 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

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 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.
Arrange on Sheet:
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.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday garnish, perfect for a festive appetizer. Save
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday garnish, perfect for a festive appetizer. | pumpkinhearth.com

This recipe always brings smiles when shared with my family during festive occasions.

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

Savory Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, baked until crispy and golden brown, are a satisfying snack. Save
Savory Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, baked until crispy and golden brown, are a satisfying snack. | pumpkinhearth.com

Enjoy these chips warm or at room temperature for best flavor and crisp texture.

Recipe Q&A

What type of pasta works best for these chips?

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

How can I make the pasta chips extra crispy?

Pat the pasta dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking, then bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden. Air frying for 10–12 minutes can also enhance crispiness.

Can I customize the seasoning blend?

Yes, the seasoning can be adjusted by adding or substituting herbs and spices like rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to suit your taste.

Are these chips suitable for dairy-free diets?

Omit the Parmesan cheese topping or replace it with nutritional yeast to keep the chips dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

What are good dipping options to serve with the pasta chips?

Marinara sauce, pesto, or any favorite savory dips complement the crispy chips well and enhance the festive flavors.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

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

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Time required
30 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Easy

Cuisine origin Italian-American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info Meat-free

What you'll 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: Set oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente following package directions. Drain and rinse with 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: Combine pasta in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 05

Arrange for baking: Spread the seasoned pasta evenly 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 finishing touches: Immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional parsley and roasted red pepper. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan is used.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g