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Pastina

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This Pastina recipe is an easy-to-make Italian pasta dish that is perfect for anyone looking for something comforting or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic pastina pasta dish has been a staple in Italian households for generations and is known for its simplicity and delicious taste. I will be sharing our family’s traditional Pastina recipe with you so that you can recreate this comforting meal at home.

Pastina

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • QUICK AND EASY – Pastina is known for its short cooking time, making it a convenient option for those looking to prepare a quick meal. It typically cooks in just a few minutes, allowing you to have a warm and comforting dish on the table without much effort.
  • KID FRIENDLY – The small size and soft texture make it appealing to children. It is often a popular choice for picky eaters, as it is easy to chew and swallow. Additionally, pastina can be shaped into fun designs or mixed with kid-friendly ingredients to make mealtime more enjoyable for little ones.
  • INEXPENSIVE – This pasta is an economical choice, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. It is widely available and typically affordable, allowing you to create satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
  • COMFORT FOOD-This pasta dish is often associated with comfort food, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. It can bring back memories of childhood and family meals, making it a comforting choice during times when you crave a familiar and soothing dish.
Ronzoni-pastina-in-a-bowl

Pastina Ingredients

  • pastina 1 Cup
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and Pepper
pastina-bowl-in-hand

Pastina Recipe

  • In a medium-sized pot, combine the chicken stock, pastina, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the pastina in the chicken stock, stirring occasionally, until about 80% of the liquid has been absorbed. This will take approximately 15 minutes.
  • Melt-butter-in-stock-pot
  • add-Ronzoni-pastina
  • add-chicken-broth
  • Remove the pot from the heat and season the pastina with salt to your liking.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates into the pasta.
  • Cook-pastina-on-medium-heat
  • add-parmesan-cheese
  • Remove-from-heat
  • To serve, divide the creamy pastina among serving bowls or plates.
  • Drizzle each portion with a little olive oil for added flavor.
  • Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper over the pastina to taste, adding a touch of spiciness and aroma.
  • For an extra indulgence, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
pastina-stars-up-close

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a lighter option, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. This will reduce the sodium content while still providing great flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best taste and texture. However, if you only have pre-grated Parmesan, it can be used as well.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. Adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant twist to the dish.
  • Remember to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can always add more salt, black pepper, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pastina-Recipe

FAQs about Pastina

Pastina is a type of small pasta that is commonly used in soups or served as a side dish. It is characterized by its tiny, star shape and is often enjoyed for its delicate texture.

NO, Not all pastina has been discontinued Ronzoni’s star-shaped pastina has been discontinued but other brands are still available.

Store in an airtight container for 5 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave add a splash of milk or butter to make it creamy again.

Cooked pastina pasta can be frozen, but it may affect the texture slightly when thawed and reheated. It is best to slightly undercook if you plan to freeze it, as it will continue to cook when reheated.

  • Amazon has Pastina
  • Your local grocery store.
  • Any Italian grocery store.

More Recipes

pastina-pasta-recipe
Ronzoni-pastina-in-a-bowl

Pastina

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Pastina recipe is an easy-to-make Italian pasta dish that is perfect for anyone looking for something comforting or when you’re feeling under the weather. 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup pastina (small pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Freshly grated black pepper, for seasoning
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the chicken stock, pastina, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the pastina in the chicken stock, stirring occasionally, until about 80% of the liquid has been absorbed. This will take approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat and season the pastina with salt to your liking.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates into the pasta.
  5. To serve, divide the creamy pastina among serving bowls or plates.
  6. Drizzle each portion with a little olive oil for added flavor.
  7. Sprinkle freshly grated black pepper over the pastina to taste, adding a touch of spiciness and aroma.
  8. For an extra indulgence, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you prefer a lighter option, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. This will reduce the sodium content while still providing great flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best taste and texture. However, if you only have pre-grated Parmesan, it can be used as well.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. Adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant twist to the dish.
  • Remember to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can always add more salt, black pepper, or Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 276Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 878mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 12g

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© Adventures of a Nurse
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Local Recipes Utica NY

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Welcome to the place where my two passions—healthcare and culinary arts—merge. I’m Carla Bushey, and I’ve transitioned from a dedicated nursing career of over 25 years into the dynamic world of food blogging. This space is dedicated to bringing you a treasure trove of recipes, each a testament to the tastes and traditions that resonate with my soul. My home, the beautiful Upstate New York, serves as the backdrop to my culinary creations, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the classic Italian cuisine of my hometown, Utica. Dishes like the beloved Chicken Riggies and the comforting Utica Greens are more than just recipes—they are stories, shared from my kitchen to yours.

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