Pasta chips are cooked pasta tossed with parmesan and Italian seasoning, then baked until golden and crispy. They take about 25 minutes start to finish and make a crunchy, shareable snack that’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Snack, appetizer
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Chips
- A crunchy, shareable snack made from pantry staples you probably already have.
- Baked, not fried, so it’s lighter than a typical chip.
- Ready in about 25 minutes with minimal hands-on effort.
- Endlessly dippable — works with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz bowtie or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How to Make Pasta Chips
- Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the pasta with parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread the pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Pasta Chips
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente, since it continues to crisp up in the oven.
- Spread the pasta in a single layer without overlapping for even crisping.
- For extra crunch, air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Let the pasta chips cool for a minute before serving — they crisp up further as they sit.
Variations to Try
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Try different pasta shapes — bowtie, rigatoni, and shells all crisp up nicely.
- Swap marinara for ranch or garlic aioli for dipping.
How to Store It
Best served fresh and warm. Leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days — re-crisp in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes — air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What pasta shape works best?
Bowtie, rigatoni, and shells all crisp up nicely thanks to their ridges and shape.
Can I make these ahead?
They’re best fresh, but you can re-crisp leftovers in the oven or air fryer.
What should I dip them in?
Marinara is classic, but ranch or garlic aioli both work well too.