This Pastina recipe is a crowd favorite for a reason!
Buttery, creamy, and comforting, it’s the perfect dish when you’re in need of something quick and cozy.
With less than 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a bowl of warm pastina made from simple ingredients like vegetable broth, Parmesan, and olive oil.
The best part? The rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the broth, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
Enjoy the ultimate Italian comfort food—no fuss, just flavor!
For Pastina
- Pastina – Small pasta shapes (I used stelline pastina), perfect for a quick and comforting dish.
- Vegetable Broth – Low sodium broth adds rich flavor and helps create a cozy base.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds creaminess and that perfect cheesy finish to the dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A drizzle enhances the flavor and creates a silky texture.
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste, to bring out all the natural flavors.
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Grated Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top gives the dish that little extra touch.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked, for a bit of extra flavor and spice.
Pastina - A Simple Italian Comfort Dish (Ready in 8 Minutes)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (120g) pastina (I used stelline pastina)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a small pot, add the vegetable broth and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat over medium-high with the lid on and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pastina:
- Once the broth reaches a boil, add the pastina and stir it into the broth.
- Stir occasionally to prevent clumping or sticking to the bottom.
- Cook according to the package instructions until the pastina is al dente, usually about 5-8 minutes.
- Make it Creamy:
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the broth thickens and becomes creamy.
- Serve:
- Serve in bowls, topping with an extra drizzle of olive oil, more Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
- Pastina: Stir occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can result in mushiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, use fresh Parmesan and grate it yourself. Finely grated cheese works best for a smooth consistency.
- Broth: If you're using store-bought vegetable broth, opt for a high-quality one for the best taste.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, you can toss in some veggies like carrots, celery, or broccoli.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 2mg
- Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While pastina is traditional, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can easily swap vegetable broth for chicken broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking to maintain the flavor depth.
- How do I prevent the pastina from sticking together?
A quick stir while the pastina cooks is key! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to keep everything moving. And once it’s done, don’t forget that little drizzle of olive oil to keep things nice and smooth.
- Can I add vegetables to the pastina?
Of course! Feel free to throw in some spinach, carrots, or peas for an extra burst of nutrition. Just add them in with the broth, and they’ll cook right along with the pasta.
- How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back that creamy texture.
