Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

Featured in: Simple Pleasures

These lightened Christmas pasta chips offer a crispy, flavorful snack featuring pasta tossed in olive oil, smoked paprika, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. Baked until golden and crunchy, they bring festive warmth with an option of Parmesan and red pepper garnish. Prepare in just 30 minutes using common kitchen tools, with tips for air frying and substitutions for dietary needs. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, their savory spice blend complements the texture beautifully.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:56:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful snack for sharing. Save
Golden, crispy Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, a festive and flavorful snack for sharing. | oventhyme.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 quickly became a holiday favorite in our house thanks to its festive flavor and easy preparation.

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.
Savory and spiced Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, perfect for dipping in marinara at your holiday party. Save
Savory and spiced Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, perfect for dipping in marinara at your holiday party. | oventhyme.com

This snack has become a cherished family tradition during the holidays bringing everyone together around the table.

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper Kitchen towel

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if using Parmesan). Use gluten-free pasta or omit cheese for dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

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

Oven-baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, described as crispy, offering a delicious, lighter snack alternative. Save
Oven-baked Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips, described as crispy, offering a delicious, lighter snack alternative. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy these festive pasta chips as a light snack perfect for any occasion.

Kitchen Guide

What type of pasta works best for these chips?

Short pasta varieties like farfalle or penne are ideal as they crisp evenly and hold seasoning well.

How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Pat dry the cooked pasta thoroughly and bake at a high temperature, turning halfway. Air frying also enhances crispiness.

Can I make these chips dairy-free?

Yes, omit the Parmesan or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor without dairy.

Which seasonings highlight the festive flavor?

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and rosemary combine to create a warm, aromatic profile.

Are these chips suitable for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely; their festive spices and easy-to-share portions make them a great snack for seasonal celebrations.

Lightened Christmas Pasta Chips

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

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water following package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.

Phase 03

Dry Pasta: Remove excess moisture by patting the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Phase 04

Season Pasta: In a large bowl, combine pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and black pepper; toss to coat evenly.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Bake Until Crisp: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp.

Phase 07

Add Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and optional holiday garnish; allow to cool slightly before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (if using Parmesan).
  • Gluten-free pasta required for gluten intolerance.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g