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Italian penicillin also known as Pastina (which translates to “little pasta). This classic comfort food is made with five ingredients and ideal for chilly weather. I like to make this with my Homemade Chicken Stock for a nutrient-dense bowl of warmth.
It’s no surprise I love pasta. I love everything from Pasta al Limone, Spaghetti and Meatballs to Pasta alla Nerano. All are divine. But Pastina is a bit different. I was introduced to it a few years ago and have been hooked every since. (And it has since gone viral on TikTok.)
It was also one of the first things I fed my little baby boy when he started eating solids. Let’s get started!
What is Pastina
Pastina is the ultimate Italian comfort food. The pasta shape has been made by nonnas for generations. They break out a box and their homemade chicken stock (also known as brodo) whenever their family members gets a cold.
There are two different styles: risotto-like or more like a soup. The one you see here is more risotto-like in texture. If you want it more soupy, feel free to just add more liquid.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pastina
- Pastina pasta. See below for alternative shapes if you’re having trouble finding it!
- Chicken stock. For this recipe, I love using a homemade chicken stock. But use store-bought if needed! I like the brand Pacific Foods or Kettle & Fire.
- Parmesan-Reggiano. I love Parmesan in this recipe for some added savoriness. You could also use Pecorino-Romano.
- Butter. This gives it a nice glossy texture that feels rich and luxurious.
- Black pepper. A hint of spice and flavor.
Pastina Tips
Two Pastina Brands. You can find pastina online from Amazon. They carry the Barilla Brand. In stores (usually Italian markets), you can find the brand La Casa Del Grano.
Difficulty Finding Pastina. If you’re having trouble finding Pastina, feel free to use Acini di Pepe, Fregola Sarda, Ditalini or Orzo.
Egg or No Egg. I like to add an egg on occasion. I do this right before I add in the butter. You want to add it when the heat is off so it doesn’t cook the egg in the pastina. It should be similar to, say, a carbonara: glossy and silky. No visible cooked egg.
Recipe FAQs
A big part of the reason people adore pastina is nostaglia. A lot people grew up eating this. It’s a common thing to make children when they’re sick, under the weather. A bowl in a hug.
About 4 minutes. This is another reason why so many people adore pastina. It’s something that can come together in under 10 minutes with a handful of ingredients.
Well, it doesn’t exactly. But it’s often times made with homemade chicken stock which can be very nutrient-dense, nourishing and hydrating. It’s also easy for your body to digest because it’s incredibly soft.
More Cozy Italian Recipes
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To a medium pot, add the chicken broth (or water) and a pinch of kosher salt.
Bring to a gentle boil and once it reaches a simmer, pour in the pastina and give it a stir.
Cover with a lid and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, uncovering and stirring every now and then. We want smooth pastina!
Uncover the pastina and stir in the unsalted butter and parmesan. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to your liking. If it’s too thick, feel free to add in a splash more of broth. I like it to be the consistency of very wet risotto.
Divide amongst bowls and garnish with more Parmesan-Reggiano and a few rounds of black pepper.
- Two Pastina Brands. You can find pastina online from Amazon. They carry the Barilla Brand. In stores (usually Italian markets), you can find the brand La Casa Del Grano.
- Difficulty Finding Pastina. If you’re having trouble finding Pastina, feel free to use Acini di Pepe, Fregola Sarda, Ditalini or Orzo.
- Egg or No Egg. I like to add an egg on occasion. I do this right before I add in the butter. You want to add it when the heat is off so it doesn’t cook the egg in the pastina. It should be similar to, say, a carbonara: glossy and silky. No visible cooked egg.
Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
