If you’re looking for a fun and crunchy snack that’s both delicious and packed with protein, then you’ve got to try these Protein Pasta Chips! The year was 2020 when pasta chips took the internet by storm, and even though the trend has passed, I still can’t get enough of them. I love making mine with @eatbanza pasta because it tastes just like traditional pasta, but with 20 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving! So, not only are these pasta chips super crunchy and fun to eat, but they’ll actually keep you full and nourished. Plus, I’ve paired them with my homemade marinara sauce that you can make in a big batch and store for future busy nights. Let’s dive into this awesome recipe!
Method
Start by preparing the pasta. Cook the @eatbanza pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta well to remove any excess starch, and set it aside. While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F, or if you prefer using the air fryer, set it to 400°F as well.
Next, coat the pasta. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked and rinsed pasta with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Make sure each piece of pasta is evenly coated in the seasoning and oil for that perfect crispiness when baked. Now, it’s time to bake the pasta chips. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer across the sheet. Make sure the pasta doesn’t overlap to ensure even cooking. Bake the pasta in the oven for 20 minutes, and remember to shake the tray halfway through the cooking time so that all the sides of the pasta get golden and crunchy. If you’re using an air fryer, cook the pasta chips at 400°F for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
While the pasta chips are baking, it’s time to make the marinara sauce. Start by adding the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sugar (I used monkfruit), kosher salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse the mixture a few times until it’s somewhat smooth but still chunky. Be careful not to make it too liquidy. In a large pot or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion mixture from the food processor and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce to the pan, stirring to combine. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together. After the sauce has cooked, remove the lid, add the fresh chopped basil and parmesan cheese, and stir everything until well mixed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Once the pasta chips are done baking, remove them from the oven (or air fryer) and serve them with a generous portion of your homemade marinara sauce. These crispy pasta chips paired with the rich, flavorful marinara sauce make for a satisfying, healthy snack or appetizer. Enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot or pan for making sauce
- Food processor
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper)
- Spoon or spatula for tossing pasta
- Large bowl for mixing pasta
- Air fryer (optional, if you prefer it over the oven)
Protein Pasta Chips with Homemade Sauce
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Pasta Chips:
1 8oz package @eatbanza pasta of your choice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
For the Homemade Marinara Sauce:
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp sugar (I used monkfruit)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 26 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Directions
- Start by preparing the pasta. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, and then rinse it well to remove any extra starch. Set the pasta aside and preheat your oven to 400°F (or 400°F if you’re using the air fryer). In a large bowl, coat the cooked pasta with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Now, bake the pasta chips: Spread the coated pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure there’s no overlap. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to ensure every side gets golden and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 400°F and air fry for 10 minutes.
While your pasta chips are baking, you can make the marinara sauce. Start by adding the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse it a few times until the mixture is somewhat smooth but still a bit chunky—don’t make it too liquidy! Next, heat olive oil in a pot or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion mixture and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, and cover the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. After the sauce has cooked, remove the lid, add the fresh basil and parmesan cheese, and stir everything together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Now your sauce is ready!
Once the pasta chips are done, remove them from the oven (or air fryer) and serve them with a generous amount of your homemade marinara sauce. You’re all set for a fun and healthy snack!
Notes
- Be sure to spread the pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overlapping pasta can cause uneven cooking and result in some pieces being too soft instead of crunchy.
- If you’re using the air fryer, keep a close eye on the chips to make sure they don’t burn. Every air fryer is a little different, so it may cook faster than you think.
- The marinara sauce can simmer for a little longer if you like a thicker sauce. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Serving Suggestions
These protein pasta chips are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer. For a more filling meal, pair them with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. You could even sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top or serve them with a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Fun Fact
Did you know that @eatbanza pasta is made from chickpeas? Not only does it taste just like regular pasta, but it’s packed with protein and fiber! It’s a great way to make your pasta-based dishes healthier without compromising on taste.
Conclusion
These Protein Pasta Chips are the perfect snack when you’re craving something crunchy but also want something a little more filling. Paired with my homemade marinara sauce, it’s a snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious! Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy your crispy, protein-packed pasta chips and the rich, flavorful sauce that goes with them! Happy snacking!
