Description
Enjoy a unique and crunchy twist on traditional pasta with these baked Pasta Chips. Made from rigatoni cooked until al dente, tossed in flavorful olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan, then baked to golden crispness. Served with a creamy garlic and Greek yogurt dip, these guilt-free snacks are perfect for munching anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Chips
- 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta (You can swap for smaller shapes like penne.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used for a milder flavor.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Sea salt recommended for a gourmet touch.)
- 1 tsp Pepper (Use freshly ground black for the best taste.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used if preferred.)
- 1 tbsp Italian Herbs/Spices (Use your favorite blend like oregano or basil.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast makes a good vegan substitute.)
Dipping Sauce
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Low-fat or vegan options work too.)
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (Consider non-fat varieties for fewer calories.)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic (minced, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Pasta for Baking: Spread the cooked rigatoni in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet to promote crisping.
- Season Pasta: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the pasta pieces.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the seasoned pasta and toss gently to coat all pieces well.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the pasta chips turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: While pasta chips bake, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Remove the crispy pasta chips from the oven and serve warm with the creamy garlic dipping sauce for a delightful snack.
Notes
- Use smaller pasta shapes like penne if rigatoni is not available for more bite-sized chips.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegan cream cheese and yogurt for the dip.
- Ensure pasta is cooler to avoid sogginess and to help chips crisp up better in the oven.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
