Pasta Chips With Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 oz Dried Pasta (any short shape such as penne or rigatoni, works best for chips)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (for seasoning the cooking water)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; half for the chips, half for the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided between pasta and sauce)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 whole Shallot (minced)
• 0.67 cup Tomato Paste (canned, smooth)
• 2 tablespoons Vodka (for deglazing; optional if avoiding alcohol)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for a silky sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)

Instructions

1. Boil and Cook Pasta

   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tablespoon salt, then add the dried pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

2. Drain Pasta

   Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot.

   Time: PT1M

3. Season Pasta for Frying

   Add 0.25 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to the hot pasta. Toss until evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

4. Preheat Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

5. Air‑Fry Pasta Chips

   Spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Cook for 12‑15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.

   Time: PT13M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Start Vodka Sauce – Sauté Shallot

   While the pasta chips are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and a pinch of salt; sauté until translucent, about 2‑3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

7. Add Tomato Paste

   Stir in 2/3 cup tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to develop depth.

   Time: PT2M

8. Deglaze with Vodka

   Add 2 tablespoons vodka, stir, and let it simmer for about 1 minute to evaporate the alcohol.

   Time: PT1M

9. Finish the Sauce

   Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and the remaining 0.25 cup grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

   Time: PT5M

10. Serve

    Transfer the crispy pasta chips to a serving bowl and dip them into the warm vodka sauce. Enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

220

Protein

14g

Carbohydrates

46g

Fat

30g

Fiber

4g