Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips are a fun and tasty snack! Just bake cooked pasta until it’s crispy and sprinkle it with cheese for extra flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing!
These chips are so crunchy and cheesy, you’ll want to munch on them all day! I like to dip them in marinara sauce for a little extra zing. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Choose short pasta shapes like farfalle or rotelle for the best texture. If you’re gluten-free, try using brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, which also holds up well during baking.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture or Parmesan for more saltiness. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Olive Oil: This helps the chips crisp up nicely. If you’re looking for something else, melted butter or avocado oil works great too. Just keep an eye on flavors that might change.
Herbs: Dried Italian herbs bring lots of flavor. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them, but you may need to adjust the quantity since fresh herbs are usually less potent.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Chips Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is crucial for pasta chips! Here’s how to achieve it:
- **Cook the Pasta**: Boil until just al dente, which means it’s slightly firm when bitten. This will prevent sogginess when baking.
- **Toss with Seasoning**: Once cooled, make sure all the pasta is coated evenly with olive oil, spices, and cheese. This helps every piece get crispy.
- **Spread Evenly**: Lay out the pasta on your baking sheet in a single layer with some space between pieces. This ensures they all get enough heat from the oven.
- **Watch Closely**: Since ovens can vary, start checking around the 15-minute mark to prevent burning. They should be golden and crispy!
Letting them cool for a few minutes also enhances their crunch. Enjoy snacking!
How to Make Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Chips:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) short pasta (like mafaldine, farfalle, or rotelle)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and easy snack you can whip up any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to help the pasta chips avoid sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but stop just before it’s fully cooked (usually 1-2 minutes less than the instructions say). When ready, drain the pasta and let it cool a bit.
3. Toss with Seasonings:
Once the pasta is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated.
4. Add the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss lightly again to make sure each piece of pasta has some cheesy goodness stuck to it.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out nicely; this way, they’ll crisp up well without sticking together.
6. Bake to Crunchy Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the pasta chips for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy. Keep an eye on them as they bake to prevent burning, especially in the last few minutes.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the chips cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
8. Serve with Dipping Sauce:
These cheesy pasta chips are best enjoyed right away! Serve them with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if you like an extra zing. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbows also work well. Just make sure they’re cooked al dente for the best crunch!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as they may lose their crispiness. Re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes before eating!
Can I Make These Chips Spicy?
Yes! For some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Can I Freeze the Chips?
While it’s not recommended to freeze the chips once baked (as they may lose crunch), you can freeze the seasoned, uncooked pasta before baking. Just thaw and bake them when you’re ready for a fresh batch!
