Pasta Chip Nachos Delight (Printable Version)

Crispy pasta chips topped with spicy chicken, jalapeños, and melted cheese for a tasty snack.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta Chips

01 - 8 oz short pasta shapes (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - ½ tsp garlic powder
04 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp salt

→ Taco Chicken

06 - 9 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 2 tsp taco seasoning
09 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Toppings

10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
12 - ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
14 - 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
15 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions, drain and dry thoroughly.
03 - Combine pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt; toss evenly.
04 - Place pasta in a single layer in air fryer basket; cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway until crisp and golden. Transfer to serving dish.
05 - Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, taco seasoning, and salt. Sauté 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
06 - Spread cooked chicken over pasta chips; sprinkle shredded cheese and jalapeño slices on top.
07 - Return assembled nachos to air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
08 - Top with sour cream, cilantro, tomato, and red onion as desired; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pasta gets shatteringly crisp in the air fryer, like the best part of a baked ziti but without the casserole dish.
  • It uses pantry staples and comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Every bite has a different texture—crunchy edges, melty cheese, juicy chicken, and a little heat from the jalapeños.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta completely after boiling is the difference between crispy chips and chewy disappointment—give it a few extra minutes with the towel.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or the pasta will steam instead of crisp, so work in batches if you need to.
  • The cheese melts fast, so keep an eye on it in the final air fry step or it'll bubble over and make a mess.
03 -
  • Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking the pasta so every piece gets evenly crispy.
  • Season the pasta generously before air-frying—the seasoning bakes into the surface and makes all the difference.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, bake the pasta on a sheet pan at 220°C (425°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
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