Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Healthy Snack Fixes

These lightened pasta chips are made by baking farfalle or penne tossed in olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and pepper. The pasta is cooked al dente, dried, and baked until golden and crisp. Optional Parmesan and festive garnishes add extra flavor and color. Perfect for easy entertaining or cozy snacking, with simple variations for gluten or dairy-free preferences.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:25:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful baked pasta snack. Save
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful baked pasta snack. | freshyforks.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 became a holiday favorite in my family because it offers a guilt-free way to indulge in tasty snacks during the season.

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 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.
Finish:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.
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Making these pasta chips brings back joyful moments with family gathered around the table sharing stories and snacks during the holidays.

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

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 6 g

Irresistible, baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday spice aromas, perfect for sharing and snacking. Save
Irresistible, baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips with holiday spice aromas, perfect for sharing and snacking. | freshyforks.com

These lightened Christmas pasta chips are a delicious way to celebrate the season with a crispy treat everyone will love.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What pasta types work best for these chips?

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

How can I make the chips extra crispy?

Ensuring the pasta is thoroughly dried before baking and turning halfway through cooking helps achieve a crispy texture. Air frying at 200°C for 10–12 minutes is another effective method.

Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes, skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast as a flavorful dairy-free alternative.

What seasoning gives these chips their festive flavor?

A combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried rosemary creates a warm, holiday-inspired spice profile.

Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Using gluten-free pasta allows this snack to be gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy, seasoned pasta chips baked to golden perfection with festive spices for a light, flavorful snack.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Time required
30 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Dry pasta thoroughly: Use a clean kitchen towel to pat the pasta dry, removing all excess moisture.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake until crisp: Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning the pasta halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if Parmesan used).
  • For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
  • For dairy-free, omit cheese or use a non-dairy alternative.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Lipids: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams