Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Chips:
- 2 cups of uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite dip, such as ranch, garlic butter, or pesto)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Olive Oil: Helps the pasta become golden and crispy while adding a smooth, rich flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, oregano, and basil give the chips a savory, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunch.
- Pasta: Using the right shape of pasta is key for getting the perfect crispiness. Penne, farfalle, or rotini work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Dipping Sauce: A tangy marinara or creamy ranch dip complements the crispy pasta chips perfectly.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and Dry: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and spread it out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. This is an important step—moisture will prevent the pasta from crisping up properly in the oven.
Season the Pasta
- Toss with Olive Oil: Once the pasta is dry, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the pasta. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Toss again until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Bake the Pasta Chips
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Spread the Pasta: Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring that the pasta pieces aren’t overlapping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta turns golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the baking time, give the pasta a good stir to ensure it crisps up evenly.
- Cool Down: Once the pasta chips are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The cooling process helps them become even crispier.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Heat the Marinara: If you’re serving these pasta chips with marinara sauce, heat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Top with Parmesan: Once the sauce is warm, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 20 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g