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If you’ve ever stood over your stove wondering how to make something snacky and satisfying without diving into another bag of store-bought chips… friend, you’re in the right kitchen. These pasta chips (yes, you read that right) are crunchy, cheesy, and made with the humble bow tie pasta—aka farfalle. What started as a TikTok trend has earned a permanent spot in my snack rotation, and once you try them, you’ll totally get the hype.
They’re quick, fun to make, and ridiculously versatile. Plus, if you’ve got picky snackers (ahem, my children), these golden little bow tie pasta chips are a total win.
Why You’ll Love These Pasta Chips
- Crispy, cheesy, totally snackable – Like your favorite chip, but with a twist.
- Super easy to make – Just boil, season, and crisp.
- Perfect for dipping – Marinara, ranch, or even hummus. Go wild!
- Crowd-pleasing – Great for movie nights, parties, or “I just want something crunchy” cravings.
Whether you’re a pasta purist or just in it for the crunch, this recipe brings the flavor—and fun.
Ingredients for Pasta Chips
You only need a handful of pantry staples:
- 2 cups farfalle pasta (a.k.a. bow tie pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Simple, right? And totally customizable—more on that later.
How to Make Pasta Chips (In the Oven or Air Fryer!)
Step 1: Boil the Bow Tie Pasta
Start by cooking your farfalle in salted water until al dente—you want it tender but not mushy (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and let it cool for a minute or two.
Step 2: Season That Pasta
Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Make sure each piece is coated—you want every bite to have flavor.
Step 3: Time to Crisp
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Spread the pasta on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method (My Favorite!):
- Set to 390°F.
- Cook in batches if needed, for 10–12 minutes.
- Shake halfway through to get that even crisp.
Let them cool slightly before diving in—they crisp up more as they cool!
Tips for Perfect Bow Tie Pasta Chips
- Dry your pasta well after boiling. Extra moisture = soggy chips.
- Want extra cheesy chips? Toss in more Parmesan once they come out of the oven.
- Customize the seasoning! Try Cajun, ranch powder, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you’re using an air fryer, don’t overcrowd—give them space to crisp.
P.S. Don’t worry if some look a little extra golden—that’s where the flavor lives.
A Little Backstory…
Okay, real talk: I was skeptical when I first heard about pasta chips. Pasta? As chips? But one rainy weekend (aka the kind where you open your pantry 27 times), I decided to give it a go. I used farfalle because, let’s be honest, they’re adorable. One bite, and I was hooked. Now these crunchy little bow ties show up at everything from girls’ night to lunchbox surprises.
FAQs About Pasta Chips
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Farfalle holds its shape beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini work too. Just avoid super thin pasta like angel hair.
How do I store leftover pasta chips?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days (if they last that long). Pop them back in the air fryer for a quick re-crisp!
Can I make them gluten-free?
Totally. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be gentle when tossing with oil and seasoning—some GF pastas can be a bit more fragile.
Are pasta chips healthy?
Well, they’re better than a lot of fried snacks, especially if you air fry them. And hey, there’s real cheese in there—so that’s a win in my book.
Craving More Snacky Goodness?
If this pasta chip recipe sparked your inner snacker, check out these air fryer zucchini fries or dip your chips into this homemade roasted garlic hummus for the perfect combo.
You can also explore more of our easy, snackable air fryer recipes here.
These pasta chips are more than just a fun trend—they’re a crunchy, cheesy, totally crave-worthy snack that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you air fry or bake them, they’ll steal the show at your next hangout, snack break, or lazy Sunday binge-watching session.
Let me know how yours turn out—tag @mealsbang on Instagram or drop a pic in our Facebook community. We’d love to see your creations!
Happy snacking,
Lily 💛