Pasta chips?? @NickDiGiovanni ️
Pasta chips??🫣@NickDiGiovanni ❤️ is a easy Italian‑American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Yasna Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $5.07 total, $1.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Penne Pasta (Dried, any short pasta shape works (rigatoni, farfalle))
- 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (For seasoning the boiling water)
- 2 cup Vegetable Oil (High‑smoke‑point oil for deep frying)
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (For final seasoning after frying)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Store‑bought or homemade, for dipping)
Instructions
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with 4‑5 quarts of water, add 1 Tbsp kosher salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Cook Pasta
Add the 8 oz penne to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes (or according to package directions).
Time: PT8M
Drain and Dry Pasta
Drain the pasta in a colander, then spread it on a clean kitchen towel. Pat dry with another towel until the pieces feel dry to the touch.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Pour 2 cups vegetable oil into the heavy‑bottomed pot and heat to 325°F (163°C) using a deep‑fry thermometer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Fry Pasta
Working in small batches, add a handful of dried pasta to the hot oil. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, stirring gently, until the pieces turn golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Season
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried pasta chips, place them on a paper‑towel‑lined plate, and sprinkle with 1 tsp fine sea salt while still hot.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the seasoned pasta chips to a serving bowl and accompany with 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Penne Pasta: Rigatoni, Farfalle, Fusilli
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Fine Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Cheese sauce, Garlic aioli, Spicy arrabbiata
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Kitchen Towels
- Deep‑Fry Thermometer
- Heavy‑Bottomed Pot or Deep Fryer
- Slotted Spoon
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the boiled pasta thoroughly before frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 325°F; do not let it drop too low.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thicker pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for a heartier crunch.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the final salt for extra flavor.
- For a gourmet twist, serve with a garlic‑infused aioli instead of marinara.
Troubleshooting
Pasta chips are soggy.
Make sure the pasta is completely dry before frying and keep the oil temperature at 325°F. Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drop.
Pasta chips burn quickly.
Reduce the oil temperature to 300‑310°F and shorten the frying time. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
Pasta sticks together after frying.
Toss the chips in a single layer on paper towels and sprinkle salt while still hot; avoid stacking while still warm.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit out for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and dry the pasta up to step 3; store in the fridge and fry when ready.
- Prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time and keep warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of fried pasta chips in Italian‑American cuisine?
Fried pasta, often called "pasta fritta," originated in Southern Italy where leftover cooked pasta was repurposed by deep‑frying it for a crunchy snack. Italian‑American home cooks adopted the technique as a fun party finger food, especially in the 20th century.
What are the traditional regional variations of pasta chips in Italy?
In Naples, small pasta like ditalini is fried and served with anchovy‑garlic sauce. In Sicily, thick spaghetti is fried and tossed with chili flakes and lemon. The basic concept varies by shape and seasoning but the crunchy texture remains the same.
How are authentic pasta chips traditionally served in Italian households?
They are usually served hot, sprinkled with coarse sea salt, and accompanied by a simple tomato‑based sauce or a garlicky olive‑oil dip. In some regions they are offered as an antipasto alongside olives and cheese.
On what occasions are pasta chips traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?
Pasta chips are popular at casual gatherings, street fairs, and as a snack during wine‑tasting evenings. They are also a nostalgic treat for children’s birthday parties and family movie nights.
What other Italian dishes pair well with pasta chips as a snack platter?
Pair them with bruschetta, marinated artichokes, cured meats like prosciutto, and a selection of Italian cheeses. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the salty crunch.
How has the modern version of pasta chips evolved in contemporary cooking?
Today chefs experiment with flavored coatings—parmesan, herbs, or spicy chili powders—and serve them with gourmet dips like roasted red‑pepper hummus. Some even bake the pasta instead of deep‑frying for a lighter version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy pasta chips?
Common errors include not drying the pasta enough, frying at too low or too high a temperature, and overcrowding the pot, which leads to soggy or burnt chips. Follow the critical steps of drying and temperature control for best results.
Why does this pasta chips recipe use a frying temperature of 325°F instead of a higher temperature?
325°F allows the pasta to crisp evenly without scorching the exterior. Higher temperatures can cause the outer layer to burn before the interior becomes fully crunchy, while lower temperatures result in soggy chips.
Can I make pasta chips ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can fry the chips, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re‑heat briefly in a hot oven (350°F) to restore crispness before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Yasna Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Yasna Cooks focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes that blend comfort food with global flavors, often featuring quick‑prep techniques and creative twists on classic dishes.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Yasna Cooks?
Yasna Cooks emphasizes simplicity, flavor balance, and making cooking fun for everyday cooks. The channel often uses minimal equipment, encourages ingredient swaps, and highlights visual storytelling to keep viewers engaged.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
