Basta Chips are a modern, internet‑driven twist on the traditional Italian love of crunchy snacks. While Italy has a long history of fried and baked pasta dishes like pasta fritta, the viral "Basta Chips" phenomenon started on social media as a quick, pantry‑friendly snack that celebrates simple ingredients such as olive oil, Parmesan, and paprika.

In southern Italy, similar snacks are often made with durum‑wheat spaghetti fried in olive oil and seasoned with chili flakes. In the north, baked pasta chips may feature butter, sage, and grated Grana Padano instead of paprika. The viral version popularized by Angelo Coassin uses smoked paprika for a modern flavor profile.

Basta Chips are typically served as an aperitivo or snack, placed in a bowl alongside olives, cured meats, and a glass of wine. They are enjoyed warm or at room temperature, allowing the crisp texture and salty‑savory flavor to complement drinks and conversation.

While not tied to a specific holiday, Basta Chips have become popular at casual gatherings, game nights, and as a quick party finger food during Italian aperitivo hours. Their ease of preparation makes them a go‑to snack for impromptu celebrations.

Basta Chips pair beautifully with classic Italian antipasti such as bruschetta, marinated artichokes, and a selection of Italian cheeses. They also complement a simple caprese salad or a light tomato‑based soup.

The authentic recipe calls for dried short‑shape pasta, extra‑virgin olive oil, freshly grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Acceptable substitutes include any short pasta shape, vegetable oil, Pecorino Romano, regular paprika, or a pinch of chili powder for heat.

Common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta (which makes the chips soggy), using too little oil (resulting in uneven browning), and overcrowding the baking sheet (preventing crispness). Follow the timing guidelines and flip the chips halfway for best results.

Baking reduces the amount of added fat, keeps the preparation simpler, and aligns with the health‑conscious trend of the viral snack. It also allows home cooks without a deep‑fryer to achieve a crisp texture using a standard oven.

Yes, bake the chips a day ahead, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Re‑heat in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes to restore crunch before serving.

The chips should be golden‑brown, slightly puffed, and have a firm, crunchy bite. The surface will be lightly coated with melted Parmesan and a dusting of paprika, giving a speckled reddish hue.

The YouTube channel Angelo Coassin focuses on quick, viral‑style Italian comfort foods and snack hacks, delivering concise tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern, share‑worthy twists.

Angelo Coassin emphasizes ultra‑simple, pantry‑based recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes, often using viral trends as inspiration. Unlike many traditional Italian channels that focus on classic techniques and lengthy preparations, Angelo delivers fast, visually engaging content aimed at a younger, social‑media‑savvy audience.