Golden baked pasta chips topped with cheese, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauce for a crispy, flavorful bite.
# What You 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well and pat dry with a clean towel.
03 - Toss pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange pasta in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes.
05 - Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
06 - On an oven-safe platter or skillet, layer half of the baked pasta chips. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chips. Add remaining chips and top with remaining cheese.
07 - Return the layered dish to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Top with diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, sliced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Drizzle with the prepared zesty sauce and serve immediately.
