Save to Pinterest A savory and addictive snack or side dish featuring golden, crunchy pasta tossed with aromatic garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a creative twist on classic pasta.
I first discovered this crispy pasta while searching for inventive snack ideas for gatherings. The simple combination of garlic and Parmesan quickly turned routine pasta into a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli), 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (finely minced), 70 g (2/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional), 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Garnish: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, additional grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Toss Pasta:
- In a large bowl, toss the warm pasta with olive oil and minced garlic until evenly coated.
- Add Coating:
- Add grated Parmesan, black pepper, Italian herbs, and chili flakes (if using). Toss again to coat every piece thoroughly.
- Bake:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway, until the pasta is golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Save to Pinterest This crispy pasta recipe has become a fun family favorite for movie nights at our house. We love adding a sprinkle of parsley and sharing right off the tray.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl, and kitchen towel are all you need to prepare this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 315 calories, 11 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer, party snack, salad topping, or alongside soups for extra crunch and flavor.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this savory, crunchy pasta as a unique snack or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which pasta works best for this dish?
Short varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold up well and crisp evenly in the oven.
- → How do I make the pasta extra crunchy?
Pat the cooked pasta dry thoroughly and let it sit for ten minutes before baking to boost crunchiness.
- → Can I use another cheese besides Parmesan?
Pecorino or Asiago offer great alternatives for a different flavor profile and work well in this method.
- → Is there a way to reduce the spiciness?
Omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder taste, and adjust the black pepper to your liking.
- → Is this suitable for air frying?
Yes, cook at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness and a quicker result.
- → What dietary considerations should I know?
The dish contains wheat and dairy. Check packaged cheese for additives if sensitive to allergens.