Easy 6-Serving Pastina Recipe

When I think of the simplest joys of childhood, a warm bowl of pastina instantly comes to mind. My grandmother, with her well-worn apron and ever-gentle hands, would always say, “There’s nothing a bowl of pastina can’t fix.” Whether it was a sniffle, a tough school day, or just a quiet night at home, pastina was her remedy—and now, it’s mine.

In this article, I’m sharing a cozy and nourishing pastina recipe that’s both incredibly easy and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that transcends seasons—cooling in the summer with a drizzle of olive oil, or heartwarming in winter with a bit of extra cheese and pepper. Let’s bring that bowl of comfort to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Pastina Recipe

• Quick and simple: Just 5 core ingredients and 10 minutes of cooking.
• Perfect for any season: Light yet hearty, ideal for both warm and cold months.
• Kid-friendly & adult-approved: It’s nostalgic and timeless.
• Customizable: Add herbs, lemon zest, or a soft-boiled egg for extra flair.

Ingredients for Classic Pastina

For this easy pastina recipe, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:

• ¾ cup (4oz / 120g) pastina (I use stelline pastina—tiny star shapes perfect for this dish)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (I prefer low sodium for better control over the saltiness)
• 4 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (finely grated for a smooth melt)
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a soft-poached egg
• A dollop of butter instead of olive oil for extra richness

How to Make Pastina: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Step 1: Warm the Broth

In a medium saucepan, bring the 3 cups of vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Using broth instead of water adds a wonderful depth of flavor without needing extra ingredients.

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing this for toddlers or want a subtler taste, dilute the broth with a cup of water.

Step 2: Add the Pastina

Once the broth is bubbling, stir in the pastina. Keep the heat on medium and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the pastina is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and immediately mix in the freshly grated parmesan. The cheese will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture.

Step 4: Season & Serve

Drizzle in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide into bowls and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This pastina recipe can be a main course for kids, a side dish for dinner, or even a soothing midnight snack. Here are a few ways to elevate it:

• Summer Touch: Add lemon zest and fresh basil for a refreshing twist.
• Winter Boost: Stir in a spoon of ricotta or a soft-boiled egg for extra creaminess.
• Make it a Meal: Add sautéed spinach or peas and serve with grilled chicken or baked tofu.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)

• Calories: ~170 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: This is an estimate based on standard brands and quantities.

Make-Ahead Tips

Pastina is best served fresh, but if you’re prepping in advance:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore the creaminess.
• Avoid freezing—this dish’s texture doesn’t hold well once thawed.

Variations to Try

There’s something so flexible about a basic pastina recipe. Here are a few fun twists:

1. Italian Grandma Style

Swap broth for water and add a knob of butter with the parmesan—this is how many Italian nonnas serve it to soothe colds.

2. Protein-Packed

Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or soft scrambled eggs just before serving.

3. Gluten-Free Pastina

Look for rice-shaped pasta or certified gluten-free brands to recreate this comfort food classic.

Common Questions

What is pastina?

Pastina means “tiny pasta” in Italian. It comes in shapes like stars (stelline), orzo, or little rounds, often served to children or used in soups.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast and skip the dairy-based cheese.

What’s the best pasta shape for this?

Stelline is traditional, but you can use orzo, acini di pepe, or any small pasta shape.

Personal Touch from My Kitchen

This pastina recipe was the very first “meal” I made on my own as a child. I remember standing on a stool, watching the tiny stars swirl in the broth, waiting for that familiar creamy texture. It was one of the simplest, yet most empowering moments of kitchen independence.

I now make it for my niece when she visits, adding a little twist each time—sometimes fresh parsley, sometimes a pinch of chili flakes for myself. It’s a dish that evolves with you.

FAQs About Pastina Recipe

Can I use water instead of broth in pastina?

Yes, you can substitute water for broth, though the final flavor will be milder. If using water, consider adding a pinch of salt and a bit more parmesan to boost flavor.

Is pastina the same as orzo?

Not quite. Pastina refers to a category of tiny pasta shapes (like stars or dots), while orzo is slightly larger and shaped like rice. You can use orzo as a substitute, but the texture will be different.

How do I keep pastina from getting mushy?

Pastina cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it’s al dente. If you leave it in the hot pot too long, it will continue to soften and lose its texture.

Can I serve this pastina recipe to babies or toddlers?

Yes! This recipe is gentle, soft, and nutritious—perfect for young children. Just ensure the broth is low-sodium and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and ensure you’re using a large enough pot to prevent boiling over.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Easy Chicken Brodo with Pasta
• Classic Italian Minestrone Soup
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta
• Comforting Orzo Risotto

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re five or fifty-five, a bowl of warm pastina has the power to soothe, nourish, and delight. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients often bring the greatest comfort. Bookmark this pastina recipe—you’ll be coming back to it whenever you need a little culinary hug.

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