
Crispy pasta chips are a fun twist on classic pasta and have quickly become my go-to snack for parties or cozy movie nights. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into crunchy bites bursting with savory flavors and pairs perfectly with your favorite dip.
I first tried making pasta chips when I wanted to clear out half a box of rigatoni and now everyone requests them for game day or a quick afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- Short dried pasta like rigatoni penne or farfalle: This shape holds onto seasonings and crisps up beautifully Choose quality brands for best texture
- Olive oil: Adds richness and encourages browning Use extra virgin for bold flavor
- Garlic powder: Layers in a savory bite Look for freshly packed powder for best taste
- Onion powder: Builds a sweet background note Pick a brand without added fillers
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the chips with a gentle smoky depth Spanish smoked paprika is especially aromatic
- Dried oregano: Offers a fresh herbal note A good quality oregano will be vibrantly green and fragrant
- Dried basil: Adds subtle sweetness Check for bright color and whole leaf pieces if possible
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together Flaky sea salt works beautifully if you have it
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat For best flavor grind fresh before mixing
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds big umami punch Use freshly grated for best melt and crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Heat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a big pot of salted water then add your pasta and cook just two minutes less than what the package says for al dente. This helps the chips get extra crispy later Drain and let the pasta cool slightly so it is easier to handle
- Season:
- Move the pasta into a big bowl Drizzle evenly with olive oil Then scatter on the garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika oregano basil salt and black pepper Toss gently with a spoon or your hands until every piece is coated in the mixture
- Arrange and Top:
- Lay the seasoned pasta in a single layer over the baking sheet This helps each piece crisp up evenly If you are adding parmesan sprinkle it on now for extra flavor and crunch
- Bake to Crisp:
- Slide the tray into the hot oven Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes turning all the pasta halfway through so both sides brown Keep an eye on them in the last minutes They are done when deeply golden and crisp to the touch
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the chips cool slightly on the tray so they finish crisping Serve them plain or set out your favorite dips like marinara ranch or pesto for dunking

My favorite part is always the smoky paprika It was a game changer the first time I sprinkled it in and my family immediately asked for a double batch. Once I made these using leftover macaroni from dinner and they became the most requested snack at every gathering.
Storage Tips
Once cool put pasta chips in an airtight container and keep at room temperature They stay crisp for up to three days Avoid refrigerating or they will soften
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of parmesan Try pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for a savory dairy free kick Mix up spices by adding chili flakes barbecue spice or dried rosemary
Serving Suggestions
Pile into bowls as a hearty snack Add to a charcuterie board for a fun crunchy twist Serve with dips like salsa creamy ranch herbed yogurt or spicy pesto
Cultural and Historical Notes
Inspired by Italian American flavors this recipe takes classic pasta and transforms it with techniques similar to oven roasted chickpeas or potato chips It is a modern viral snack that keeps everyone talking
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap dried herbs for fresh in summer for a brighter taste Try pumpkin spice seasoning in autumn for a sweet twist Stir in lemon zest or sun dried tomatoes for a fresh springtime update
Three Helpful Notes
Be sure to cool the pasta before seasoning so it will not steam and get soggy Use parchment for easy lift and no sticking If making a double batch rotate trays between oven racks for even baking
Success Stories
My niece made these for her college study group and they disappeared before the first round of flashcards were reviewed A friend experimented with chickpea pasta for a higher protein bite and loved the results
Freezer Meal Conversion
Freeze uncooked seasoned pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet Then transfer to a zip top bag and bake from frozen adding five extra minutes to the cooking time for a fresh baked crunch anytime

These crispy pasta chips are a satisfying snack that impresses every time. Serve them warm with a dip for guaranteed smiles.
Recipe Guide
- → Which pasta shapes work best for pasta chips?
Short varieties like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle hold up well and crisp nicely when baked.
- → Can pasta chips be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap standard pasta for your favorite gluten-free option to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Is cheese necessary for flavor?
No, cheese is optional. You can omit it or use a vegan alternative for dairy-free snacking.
- → What dips pair well with pasta chips?
Marinara, ranch, or pesto complement the savory seasonings and provide excellent contrast.
- → Can pasta chips be air-fried?
Absolutely! Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
- → How do I prevent soggy chips?
Drain the pasta thoroughly and bake in a single layer for even crisp results.