Imagine a dish so simple yet so magical that it can instantly transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. Pastina, the beloved Italian comfort food, is more than just a meal—it's a culinary hug that soothes the soul and brings instant comfort. Whether you're feeling under the weather, craving a taste of home, or simply want to experience the pure simplicity of Italian cooking, this tiny pasta dish is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling broth to prevent pasta from sticking and enhance flavor.
- Pour 1 cup of pastina pasta directly into the boiling broth, stirring gently to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the pasta, stirring occasionally, for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Test the pasta for doneness by tasting a small piece. It should be soft but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pastina, stirring to distribute evenly and create a creamy texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the pastina to serving bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the comforting and creamy Italian classic.
Tips
- Use high-quality chicken broth for maximum flavor depth
- Stir gently and frequently to prevent pasta from sticking or clumping
- Watch the liquid absorption carefully—you want a creamy, not dry or soupy consistency
- Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in taste, so grate it yourself if possible
- The pasta continues cooking after removing from heat, so slightly undercook to prevent mushiness
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for subtle flavor variations
- For a richer version, add a small pat of butter when stirring in the Parmesan cheese
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
