The recipe for pastina is the ultimate Italian comfort food. There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pastina to make you feel cozy and comforted. It’s like a little hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. Simple and nostalgic, pastina reminds us that the best meals don’t have to be complicated—they just need a little love and a few basic ingredients.
What is pastina
Pastina is a super simple and cozy dish made by cooking tiny pasta in broth. It’s popular all over Italy, with lots of different versions using various broths and pasta shapes. No matter how it’s made, pastina is always easy, comforting, and perfect when you’re looking for something quick and heartwarming.
How to make pastina
To make pastina, bring your broth to a boil and add the tiny pasta. Cook it until soft, then serve it in bowls. Add a little butter and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. If you like it creamier, you can use soft cheese instead of Parmesan.
For a vegan or vegetarian version, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth—it’s easy and just as tasty!
Ingredients
Broth: Chicken broth is the go-to for pastina because it’s light and flavorful. In the past, people always had broth ready at home, but now it’s usually made when needed. A good broth is the secret to a delicious pastina!
Pasta: Tiny pasta shapes, like pastina or other small kinds, work best for this recipe. Their small size blends perfectly with the broth, making every bite comforting and easy to enjoy.
Butter: Adding a small bit of butter to the bowl makes the dish creamy and rich. If you’d like, you can swap the butter for a little olive oil instead—it’s just as tasty!
Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. It makes the dish even more savory and satisfying.
Soft Cheese: In Italy, soft cheese is often added to pastina, especially for kids. This creamy cheese comes in small portions and melts easily, giving the dish a smooth and comforting twist.
How to make the chicken broth
Making chicken broth is easy, and it’s the perfect base for delicious pastina. Follow this simple guide for a flavorful, homemade broth.
Making broth is simple and makes your pastina extra tasty. Fill a big pot with about 3 liters of cold water. Add all the ingredients except salt. Cook everything slowly over low heat for at least an hour. When it’s done, taste and add salt if needed. Strain the broth with a fine sieve to remove any bits. It’s even better if you make it the day before—broth tastes richer after it rests. You’ll end up with just over 2 liters of delicious broth.
Ingredients for chicken broth:
- Chicken thighs: These are the best for broth because they have just the right amount of fat, bones, and meat to make it tasty.
- Celery, carrot, and onion: These three veggies are the classic starting point for any good broth.
- Herbs and spices: Use bay leaves and thyme for a mild, herby flavor. If you like, add a couple of cloves and juniper berries to give the broth a light, aromatic kick.
- Parmesan rind: For an extra special touch, toss in a Parmesan rind to add a rich, savory flavor.
- Optional: Not traditional, but a spoonful of soy sauce can make the broth even more flavorful.
Just let everything simmer for 1–2 hours, and you’ll have a homemade broth that’s perfect for your pastina!
Tips and Tricks for the pastina recipe:
- Cook the pastina gently in the broth. In the last few minutes, turn off the heat and let the pasta soak up the broth for extra flavor.
- Check the pasta while it cooks—tiny shapes like pastina often finish quicker than the package says. You’ll know it’s ready when it puffs up a little and becomes soft but not mushy.
How to store it
You can’t really save pastina because the pasta falls apart if it sits too long. But you can store the broth! Keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze it to use later. Frozen broth is super handy for quick meals and tastes just as good as fresh when reheated.
Pastina Recipe – Italian Comfort Food
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 celery stalk
- 3 quarts water
- 3 juniper berries
- 3 cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt
Pastina Ingredients
- 1¼ cup pastina
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps to Make Pastina
- Heat the broth: Bring your broth to a boil in a pot.
- Cook the pasta: Add the tiny pasta (pastina) to the boiling broth and cook until soft, following the package instructions.
- Serve: Ladle the pastina and broth into serving bowls.
- Add toppings: Stir in a little butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Make it creamy (optional): For a creamier version, use soft cheese instead of Parmesan.
Easy Steps to Make Broth for Pastina
- Fill a pot: Add about 3 liters (12 cups) of cold water to a large pot.
- Add ingredients: Put in everything except the salt.
- Cook it: Simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour.
- Taste and season: Try the broth and add salt if needed.
- Strain it: Pour the broth through a fine sieve to remove the bits.
- Make it better: Let it rest in the fridge overnight for even more flavor.
- Enjoy: You’ll have just over 2 liters (8 cups) of delicious broth for your pastina!
