This Easy Pastina recipe is a nostalgic Italian comfort food that your kids are sure to love. It's buttery, cheesy and savory, and is like a warm hug in a bowl especially when little ones aren't feeling well.
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Pastina is a comforting and warm meal that brings back lots of memories of being sick on the couch. There's something about the tiny star shaped pasta in a creamy milky broth that can soothe any ailment. Just like our classic butter spaghetti recipe, this simple pastina recipe is one that I'm going to ensure gets passed down for generations of kids and grandkids to come.
While pastina on its own makes an easy lunch or dinner for the little ones, it's even more soothing to the soul when they can dip a soft and fluffy white bread into the cheesy broth.
Why You'll Love Our Easy Pastina Recipe
- It's meant to be gentle and comforting, so it's not overloaded with spices and seasonings, making it an easy and quick meal to soothe little tummies.
- With just a few ingredients (broth, butter, cheese), you'll have a cozy satisfying meal that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup pastina
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- freshly chopped parsley, chives or oregano optional for serving
Tips from the Chef
- Have leftovers? You can easily add pastina leftovers to a soup or casserole, or another recipe that calls for small cooked pasta.
- Add a splash of warm milk with the parmesan cheese and butter to make it even more creamy.
- Pastina absorbs liquid quickly, so if it becomes too dry before serving you can add a splash of milk, broth or more butter.
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the pastina. Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the butter and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both are melted into the pasta. Turn off the heat.
- Serve and add salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley as desired.
How To Store Pastina
Store leftover pastina in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until thoroughly warm.
Recipe FAQs
If you can't find or don't have pastina, you could also use acini di pepe, orzo, ditalini, or another tiny pasta in place of pastina, like alphabets.
Yes, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, bone broth and even beef broth if you have it on hand.
Recipe
Easy Pastina
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth, or chicken broth
- 1 cup pastina
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the pastina. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Add the butter and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until both are melted into the pasta. Turn off the heat.
- Serve and add salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Maddy says
This was delicious!