Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips are a fun and tasty snack! They’re made by baking cooked pasta until crispy and then smothering them in yummy cheese. Who knew pasta could be so exciting?
I love munching on these while watching a movie. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or just indulging in the crunch myself! Just remember, they disappear fast! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle (bow-tie) pasta is fun for these chips, but you can swap it for any other small pasta like penne or elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may differ!
Cheese: I use mozzarella for its gooeyness and Parmesan for a nice salty kick. If you’re looking for alternatives, provolone works well too! Vegan cheese can work if you’re avoiding dairy.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add great flavor! Feel free to add your favorite spices, like paprika for heat or herbs like oregano for extra flavor.
Marinara Sauce: It’s perfect for dipping! You could also try ranch, cheese sauce, or pesto if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Chips Turn Out Crispy?
A big challenge with making pasta chips is ensuring they’re crispy without burning. Here are some tips to help you achieve that crunch:
- Cook the pasta al dente so it’s firm; overcooked pasta can become too soft when baked.
- After draining, make sure to let the pasta dry. Excess moisture can make them soggy.
- Spread the pasta evenly on the baking sheet. If they overlap, some won’t crisp up!
- Monitor closely while baking. Ovens can vary, so it might take a bit less or more time than suggested.
Let them cool slightly before serving, and they’ll get even crisper! Enjoy your crunchy snack time!
Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to enjoying your crispy, cheesy pasta chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, get a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the pasta chips from sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the farfalle pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. You want it to be firm, so it doesn’t turn mushy when baked. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it well so that no excess water makes the chips soggy!
3. Make the Cheesy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy goodness.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Spread the cheesy pasta mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them—this way, each piece gets a nice crispy edge!
5. Bake the Chips:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool slightly on the sheet. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Transfer them to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley for color, and maybe a bit more Parmesan if you fancy!
7. Serve with Marinara:
Enjoy your deliciously crispy pasta chips warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Perfect for snacking while watching a movie or as a party appetizer!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, oven-baked pasta chips!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle adds a fun shape, you can use any small pasta like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure they remain al dente.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Chips?
These chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To help regain some crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can use plant-based cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy! Just note that the texture might be slightly different.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and mix it with the cheeses and seasonings ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then spread and bake when you are ready to serve!
