Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Sweet & Spiced Treats

These lightened Christmas pasta chips are made by baking al dente farfalle or penne with olive oil and a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, and pepper. Crisped to a golden finish, they offer a flavorful and lighter alternative to traditional snacks. Optional Parmesan and colorful garnishes add festive flair. Perfectly suited for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:20:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for a delicious snack. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips seasoned with holiday spices, ready for a delicious snack. | mellowspice.com

Crispy, festive pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices and baked for a lighter, irresistible snack—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

These pasta chips became an instant favorite in my family during the holidays, bringing a fun twist to traditional snacks.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 3:
Pat the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 4:
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 5:
Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.
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Sharing these with family during the holidays always brings smiles and a cozy feeling around the table.

Notes

Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version or pair with sauces like marinara or pesto for dipping.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, kitchen towel are needed to prepare this recipe.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy if Parmesan is used. Use gluten-free pasta or omit cheese for dietary needs.

Freshly baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, featuring holiday colors and smells, perfect for a cozy bite. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, featuring holiday colors and smells, perfect for a cozy bite. | mellowspice.com

These lightened Christmas pasta chips make a delightful snack that’s both festive and easy to prepare.

Recipe FAQs

What pasta works best for the chips?

Farfalle or penne are ideal for these chips, but rotini or rigatoni can also be used for similar results.

How do I ensure the chips get crispy?

Pat the cooked pasta dry before tossing with seasonings and bake until golden, turning halfway to ensure even crisping.

Can these chips be made dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Are there alternative cooking methods?

Air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes with occasional shaking can produce extra crispy chips.

What dips pair well with these pasta chips?

Marinara sauce or pesto complement the savory, spiced flavor of the pasta chips beautifully.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips seasoned with holiday spices and baked for a light, festive snack.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Sweet & Spiced Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details 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

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat 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 instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

Step 03

Dry the pasta: Pat the drained pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 04

Season the pasta: In a large bowl, toss pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper 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 to 22 minutes, turning the pasta halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 07

Add finishing touches: Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if Parmesan used).
  • Use gluten-free pasta and omit cheese for gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g