Pasta Snack
A crunchy, savory pasta snack seasoned with chili powder, onion salt, and seasoned salt, perfect for parties or quick munchies, appealing to snack lovers and kids alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling water; drain.
- Deep fry macaroni at 375°F until golden.
- Mix seasoned salt, onion salt, and chili powder.
- Coat the fried macaroni pieces with the seasoning mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For crispy macaroni, make sure your oil is at the right temperature, around 375°F, before frying. If you prefer a healthier version, try baking the coated macaroni in the oven at 400°F until crispy instead of deep frying. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
These pasta snacks make a great appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for added flavor. They are also perfect with a refreshing drink like Fresh Ice Tea With Vernors or paired with sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad like Funruly Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried macaroni in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can briefly re-fry them in hot oil for a couple of minutes to restore their crunch or use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Snack contains roughly 45 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like fusilli or penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the shape.
How can I make these macaroni snacks spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You could also consider serving with a spicy dipping sauce to complement the flavors.
What variations can I try with the seasoning?
Feel free to get creative! You can mix in cheese powder for a cheesy flair, or add Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a different twist. For a sweet touch, sugar can be added to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).