Pasta Chips Nachos Crunchy (Printable)

Golden-baked pasta chips topped with cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy zesty sauce for a delicious snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta Chips

01 - 9 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese & Toppings

07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
11 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 small avocado, diced

→ Zesty Sauce

14 - 1/2 cup sour cream
15 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
16 - Juice of 1/2 lime
17 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How-To:

01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than the package recommends. Drain and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
03 - Combine the drained pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
04 - Arrange the pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
05 - Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
06 - On an oven-safe platter or skillet, layer half of the baked pasta chips, then sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat with remaining chips and cheeses.
07 - Return the layered dish to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
08 - Top with diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and avocado. Drizzle with the prepared zesty sauce and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns pasta into something you can actually eat with your hands, which somehow makes everything taste better.
  • You get that addictive textural contrast of crispy pasta, melted cheese, and fresh toppings all at once.
  • It's forgiving enough for a casual weeknight but impressive enough to pull out when people drop by unexpectedly.
02 -
  • Pat your pasta completely dry after draining—any moisture trapped inside will create steam pockets and ruin the crunch.
  • Don't skip the halfway flip during the first bake; the bottom side needs equal time to crisp up, not just the top.
  • Add your fresh toppings and avocado only at the very end, right before serving, so they stay bright and the avocado doesn't turn dark.
03 -
  • Buy already-shredded cheese if you're short on time, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly and browns more evenly.
  • Make your sauce a few minutes before you need it so the flavors have time to mingle and the lime can soften the cream slightly.
Return