Name: Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz uncooked short pasta (farfalle, elbow noodles, penne, rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or Fiber Gourmet/gluten free/whole grain pasta); 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Pinch of red chili flakes (optional); Olive oil cooking spray, as needed

Have you ever thought of turning pasta into a crunchy snack? This Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe is a total game-changer! These golden, flavorful bites bring all those Italian herbs and cheesy goodness into a fun, crisp treat.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand with bright pink painted nails dipping a golden, bubbly textured cheese puff into a small white ramekin filled with smooth, thick white sauce. The ramekin sits on a wooden surface surrounded by more cheese puffs scattered around it. In the background, there is a light cream block with a copper-colored grater resting on top. The overall scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I never imagined pasta chips could be this addictive! Every time I make a batch, they disappear fast, whether it’s game day or just a casual afternoon snack. The Italian seasoning paired with Parmesan gives them such a mouthwatering flavor.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these pasta chips satisfy your snack cravings fast.
Versatile Pasta Choices: Use any short pasta you love—farfalle, penne, rigatoni—you name it!
Customizable Seasonings: Italian herbs with a touch of chili flakes make every bite flavorful, but you can tweak it your way.
Cook Your Way: Whether you air fry or bake, both methods yield perfectly crispy results.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients for this crispy pasta snack, choose short pasta shapes that hold their form well and crisp up nicely. I also recommend picking a quality grated Parmesan for that irresistible savory kick.

Flat lay of uncooked farfalle pasta scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a few whole black peppercorns arranged neatly, kosher salt crystals in a tiny white bowl, a pinch of red chili flakes in another small white bowl, all placed symmetrically alongside a few fresh green parsley sprigs for color contrast, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Uncooked Short Pasta: Shapes like farfalle, penne, or rigatoni work great because they crisp evenly and hold seasoning well.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil gives these chips their classic Italian flair.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Kosher Salt: Essential to bring out all the natural tastes and balance the seasoning.
Black Pepper: For just a hint of sharpness that complements the herbs and cheese.
Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Melts slightly during cooking adding a crispy, cheesy coating and umami richness.
Red Chili Flakes (Optional): Perfect for those who love a little kick, but totally optional based on your spice preference.
Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Helps the seasoning stick and achieves that golden crispness without excess oil.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you like things spicy or mild, baked or air-fried, the options are endless to make these chips truly your own!

Gluten-Free Variation: I often swap in gluten-free pasta when cooking for friends with sensitivities. Using a good quality gluten-free short pasta works just as well and crisps up beautifully in both the oven and air fryer.
Extra Flavor Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast gives the chips an extra depth of flavor that my family can’t get enough of.
Spicy Twist: For a little heat, I sprinkle in some red chili flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper along with the Italian seasoning. It adds a subtle but satisfying warmth.
Herb Swap: If you want to mix up the herbs, fresh chopped rosemary or thyme also makes a lovely alternative or addition to the dried Italian seasoning.
Oil Variation: While olive oil spray is my go-to for crisping, a light coating of flavored oil, like garlic-infused olive oil, adds a nice aromatic touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe

The image shows short tube-shaped pasta pieces spread in a single layer inside a black air fryer basket, which is part of a white air fryer appliance. The pasta is light golden yellow in color and is coated with small white and black specks of seasoning, giving it a textured look. The air fryer basket has a grid pattern and a control handle on the front. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of 8 oz short pasta—farfalle, penne, or elbow noodles all work wonderfully. Cooking it al dente is key here; you want the pasta tender but still with a little bite so it crisps nicely instead of turning mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully, then drain thoroughly to ensure no extra moisture remains.

Step 2: Season and Coat with Olive Oil Spray

Transfer your drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Spray generously with olive oil cooking spray—not too little, as the oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages that perfect crispy texture. Toss well so every piece glistens with oil.

Step 3: Add the Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Magic

Now sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and if you love a little heat, a pinch of red chili flakes. Don’t forget the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese—that’s where a lot of the savory goodness comes from. Toss everything thoroughly so every chip is flavored to perfection.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method — Air Fryer or Oven

For the air fryer: Preheat it to 400°F. Lay the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket—overlapping pieces won’t crisp evenly, so do this in batches if needed. Cook for 4 minutes, then toss the pasta chips gently and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until they reach your preferred crunch level.

For the oven: Preheat to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, keeping an eye on them towards the end so they don’t over-brown. Once golden and crisp, take them out and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

These pasta chips are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with dipping sauces like zero point marinara, a homemade skinny Alfredo, cheesy dips, or ranch elevates the experience. Serve them warm for the best texture and crunch—perfect for parties, movie nights, or a cozy snack craving.

Top Tip

Getting those perfectly crispy and flavorful pasta chips can be a little tricky at first, but these tips will help you master the Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe every time!

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta just until al dente is crucial. If it’s overcooked, the chips won’t crisp up properly and might become mushy instead.
Use Olive Oil Spray Liberally: Spraying the pasta well with olive oil cooking spray before seasoning helps the flavors stick better and ensures even crisping without sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you’re air frying or baking, spreading the pasta in a single layer without overlap allows hot air to circulate and crisp each piece evenly.
Season Generously: I learned early on that a good sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning really brings these chips to life—don’t skimp on the flavor boosters!

How to Serve Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe

A white round ramekin filled with smooth red marinara sauce sits in the center, surrounded by a mix of crispy, golden baked bowtie and tube-shaped pasta scattered in a ring around it. Behind this ring of pasta, three more white ramekins with different creamy sauces in light beige, white, and orange shades are partly visible. A white cheese wedge and a white-handled grater lean behind the sauces. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy Pasta Chips, consider topping them with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green and aroma. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red chili flakes can add an extra burst of flavor and a little heat. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction or garlic-infused olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

These pasta chips pair beautifully with dipping sauces like a zero point marinara sauce, creamy homemade skinny Alfredo, or a tangy skinny ranch dressing. You can also serve them alongside fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or a light charcuterie platter for a well-rounded appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Crispy Pasta Chips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to 2 days if kept sealed properly. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them lose their crunch.

Freezing

Freezing pasta chips isn’t recommended because they tend to absorb moisture and lose their crisp texture upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or reheated rather than frozen.

Reheating

To bring leftover pasta chips back to life, reheat them in your air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes until crispy again. This method revives their crunchiness far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, rigatoni, elbow noodles, ziti, or rotini work best because they crisp up nicely. You can also use gluten-free or whole grain varieties depending on your dietary needs.

Is air frying better than baking for these pasta chips?

Both methods yield delicious results. Air frying is faster (around 9 minutes total) and gives a quick, even crisp. Baking takes about 20 minutes but works well if you don’t have an air fryer. Just be sure to spread pasta in a single layer.

How do I keep the pasta chips from sticking together?

Make sure to toss the cooked pasta with olive oil spray thoroughly and avoid overcrowding the air fryer or baking sheet. Cooking in batches helps ensure each piece crisps separately.

Can I make these pasta chips spicy?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch (or more!) of red chili flakes to the seasoning mix is an easy way to add some heat. You could also sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky spicy twist.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Pasta Chips with Italian Seasoning Recipe have quickly become one of my favorite snacks to whip up—they’re crunchy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a fun twist on traditional chips, this recipe hits the spot every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a go-to in your snack rotation!