Pastina is Italy’s ultimate comfort food. It’s buttery, cheesy, creamy and silky, will cure any ailment and feels like a big warm hug from mom in a bowl.

Pastina, the ultimate comfort food

Pastina is a big warm hug in a bowl. It’s known as Italian comfort food and for good reason. It’s believed a bowl of pastina will cure any cold, mend any broken heart and bring a smile to your face on those not so great days. This dish is creamy, silky and buttery.

Growing up, there was an unspoken rule in our house for when eating pastina. It had to be eaten on the couch and in the most comfortable clothes you owned. Eating it this way just made it taste so much better! Check out more of my pasta recipes here.

what is pastina?

Pastina is an Italian word that translates to tiny pasta. It can come in a variety of shapes from little circles to little stars. The pastina I use is called Stelline and it is different to orzo as it's slightly smaller and not shaped like a grain of rice.

The little pasta is cooked in brodo (homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth) for that extra flavor and a small knob of butter until it’s plump and has absorbed most of the stock. It’s then finished off with parmesan cheese, a little more butter and sometimes a whisked egg!

Everyone has their own version of pastina. Some people like to make it more like a soup while others like to make it thicker and more like a risotto. This recipe will leave you with a thick and risotto-like pastina. If you prefer your pastina more soupy, you can view my pastina in brodo recipe here.

My homemade chicken broth is made with onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves and chicken bones that are simmered for several hours for that depth of flavor.

HOW TO MAKE PASTINA

Pastina is a very simple dish to make that anyone can master!

Cook pastina: In a medium sized pot on a high heat, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the pastina and stir through.

Add the butter: Add the butter to the chicken stock and immediately turn the heat down to low - medium. Continuously stir the pastina until it’s plump and has absorbed 80% of the liquid. 

Cheese: Take the pastina off the heat, season to taste with salt and stir through the cheese . Finish off with a sprinkling of extra cheese and drizzle of olive oil

Main Courses to Pair with Pastina

If you've just whipped up my easy pastina recipe and are wondering what main course to complement your delightful pastina dish with, don't fret! I have some delectable suggestions for you.

How about some roasted chicken infused with aromatic rosemary and a zesty kick of lemon? If you're in the mood for seafood, consider pairing your pastina pasta recipe with a perfectly roasted salmon, glistening with citrus and some butter.

The richness of the salmon harmoniously balances the understated elegance of the pastina.

And for those who crave something classic and hearty, there's nothing like traditional meatballs drenched in a flavorful marinara sauce. And hey, why not take it up a notch with my roasted garlic confit recipe? The more garlic, the better, in my humble opinion!

Whether you're preparing a pastina recipe for one or hosting a dinner party, these main course options ensure a balanced, wholesome meal. Remember, the beauty of a pastina recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing it to blend seamlessly with a variety of flavors.

tips to master the art of cooking pastina

Here are a few key tips can turn your dish from good to simply divine.

Broth is Best

While water is the typical go-to for most pasta, pastina thrives in flavor when you up the ante. Swap out water for chicken or vegetable broth, and watch your simple pastina recipe transform into a comforting bowl of aromatic goodness. You can make my homemade chicken broth if you have the time!

Don’t Forget the Cheese

Who can resist the allure of cheese in a pastina pasta recipe? It's almost essential. While pecorino romano or parmesan is a classic choice, don't hesitate to experiment. Whether it's the sharp bite of pecorino or the gooey melt of mozzarella, different cheeses can add layers of flavor and texture to your dish.

Stir Often

Pastina's small size means it can be a bit of a tricky customer in the pot. It has a knack for sticking to the bottom if left unattended. To achieve that perfect consistency, especially if you're making a pastina recipe for one, ensure you keep an eye on it, stirring gently but frequently.

Seasoning Matters

Just like any pasta recipe, seasoning is key. Salt your broth, taste as you go, and don't shy away from a pinch of herbs or spices if you feel your pastina dish needs a little oomph.

Watch how to make pastina

Watch how I make my pastina recipe here

If you make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations!

If you have any questions or would like to leave a review, please do so here! I always love answering your food and recipe related questions and hearing your feedback on my recipes