Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

These lightened Christmas pasta chips transform simple farfalle or penne into a crunchy, flavorful snack by seasoning with garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. After boiling and drying the pasta, it’s baked until golden and crisp, offering a festive treat that’s both satisfying and lighter than traditional options. Optional garnishes like Parmesan and roasted red pepper add color and depth, making it an ideal party appetizer or cozy snack. Easily customizable for dietary preferences and quick to prepare.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:39:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, crispy and seasoned, ready to eat with holiday herbs. Save
Golden-brown Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, crispy and seasoned, ready to eat with holiday herbs. | olivedune.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 love making these chips for family holiday parties because they bring everyone together and are a healthier treat that everyone enjoys.

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℃) 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.
Season:
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 baking sheet:
Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 18 to 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.
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive snack with roasted red pepper garnish. Save
Close-up of baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive snack with roasted red pepper garnish. | olivedune.com

These chips have become a favorite treat during our family holiday movie nights, making every gathering extra special.

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

Delicious Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips coated in savory seasonings and baked to golden perfection for serving. Save
Delicious Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips coated in savory seasonings and baked to golden perfection for serving. | olivedune.com

Enjoy these festive pasta chips as a crunchy snack at any holiday celebration or cozy night in.

Cooking Questions & Answers

What pasta types work best for these chips?

Farfallle or penne hold their shape well and crisp nicely, though rotini or rigatoni can be used as alternatives.

How can I make these chips dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I use an air fryer instead of baking?

Yes, air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes with a midway shake yields a crispy result.

How do I ensure the pasta crisps evenly?

After boiling, rinse and thoroughly dry the pasta to remove moisture before tossing with oil and seasonings, then spread in a single layer.

What dips pair well with these pasta chips?

Marinara sauce or pesto complement the spices and offer flavorful dipping options.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips with holiday spices, baked for a light and flavorful snack perfect for festive times.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Duration
30 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

Step 03

Dry Pasta: Pat pasta dry using 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, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake Pasta Chips: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 07

Add Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional parsley and roasted red pepper garnish. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan is used

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 210
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g