These Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips are a fun and crunchy snack! Made from pasta, cheese, and a few spices, they are super easy to whip up and perfect for munching.
You won’t believe how good these little chips taste! I love serving them at parties or just enjoying them while watching my favorite show. They disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This fun shape adds extra crunch, but you can use any pasta shape you love! Penne, fusilli, or even rotini work well. Just make sure the pasta is small enough for snacking!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix things up! Use mozzarella for a milder taste or a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Vegan cheese can work too if you’re going dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. If you’re out, consider Pecorino Romano as a substitute; it’s a bit stronger in flavor but delicious! Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative.
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne will do. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones if available!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Pasta Chips?
Getting your pasta chips perfectly crispy is key! The drying step after cooking the pasta is essential. Make sure to remove as much moisture as you can so they’ll fry up nicely in the oven.
- Cook the pasta al dente—this means slightly firm. It prevents overcooking as it bakes.
- Spread the pasta evenly on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd them. This helps them get crispy all around!
- Flip the pasta chips halfway through baking. This ensures they are golden and crunchy on both sides.
Letting them cool on the baking sheet allows them to firm up even more. Enjoy snacking on these delightful chips!
Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Chips:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Marinara or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and delicious snack that will satisfy your cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, you can get everything else ready. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook your farfalle pasta in a pot of generously salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means it’s cooked but still firm when you bite into it). Once done, drain the pasta well, then pat dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture. This is important for getting those chips nice and crispy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil on top. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well-coated with cheese and seasonings. You want it to be deliciously cheesy!
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the pasta mixture out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much. This helps each chip get crispy!
5. Bake to Crunchy Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Then, carefully flip or stir the pasta chips to ensure they bake evenly. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully crispy.
6. Cool and Serve:
When they’re done baking, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
7. Dipping Time:
Serve your delicious cheesy pasta chips with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. They make a great snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy pasta chips and happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great for this recipe, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to follow the cooking times to get them al dente!
Can I Make These Chips Spicy?
Yes! To add some heat, you can incorporate cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re warm and crunchy again!
Can I Prep These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the seasoned pasta and store it in the fridge a few hours before baking. Just spread it out on the baking sheet and bake when you’re ready for a tasty snack!