Spicy Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Featured in: Quick Snack Fix

These crispy pasta chips feature rigatoni or penne coated in olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan. Cooked until golden crisp in the oven or air fryer, they offer a zesty, savory snack perfect for entertaining. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, they combine bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:32:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, perfect appetizer with zesty lemon flavor and chili spice. Pin
Golden, crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, perfect appetizer with zesty lemon flavor and chili spice. | quickcrav.com

Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 250 g (about 9 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta, 1½ liters (6 cups) water, 1 tsp salt
  • Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, Zest of 1 lemon, ½ tsp black pepper, 80 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp sea salt
  • Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan, Fresh parsley, chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and pasta. Cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, and 60 g (½ cup) Parmesan. Season with sea salt.
Step 4:
Arrange pasta in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Step 5:
Bake for 18 22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
Step 6:
Immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 7:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Pin
| quickcrav.com

Notes

Delicious dipped in marinara or herbed yogurt sauce

Required Tools

Large pot, Colander, Mixing bowl, Baking sheet or air fryer, Parchment paper (if baking), Grater or zester

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (Parmesan cheese). Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Oven-baked Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips with a cheesy, irresistible crunch, ideal for sharing as a snack. Pin
Oven-baked Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips with a cheesy, irresistible crunch, ideal for sharing as a snack. | quickcrav.com

Enjoy your crispy pasta chips as a zesty snack perfect for any occasion

Recipe Q&A

What type of pasta works best for these chips?

Short pasta like rigatoni or penne are ideal as their shape crisps evenly and holds the coating well.

How can I make the pasta chips extra crispy?

Ensure the pasta is very well drained and dry before adding the coating. Bake or air fry without overcrowding.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, modify the amount of chili flakes to achieve your preferred heat intensity.

Are there alternative cheeses to Parmesan?

Pecorino or vegan Parmesan substitutes work well for different flavor profiles.

What are good dipping options for the chips?

Marinara sauce or herbed yogurt dip complement the spicy, cheesy flavors nicely.

Spicy Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Crispy, golden pasta bites flavored with lemon zest, Parmesan, and a chili kick.

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Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
35 min

Category Quick Snack Fix

Difficulty Easy

Origin Italian-Inspired

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pasta

01 9 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
02 6 cups water
03 1 tsp salt

Coating

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp chili flakes
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 Zest of 1 lemon
06 ½ tsp black pepper
07 ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 1 tsp sea salt

Garnish

01 Extra grated Parmesan
02 Fresh parsley, chopped
03 Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Set the oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt and pasta, and cook until just al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

Step 03

Prepare Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, half of the Parmesan, and sea salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Arrange Pasta: Spread the coated pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket, ensuring pieces are not crowded.

Step 05

Cook Pasta Chips: Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Add Finishings: Sprinkle immediately with remaining Parmesan and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges.

Required equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Parchment paper
  • Grater or zester

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (Parmesan cheese); verify Parmesan for animal rennet to suit vegetarian diets.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 270
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbs: 34 g
  • Protein: 11 g