5 from 3 votes
Pastina
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.
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
9 mins
Servings:
2
Calories:
400 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian, American, Italian-American Fussion
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- kosher salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup parmesan-reggiano cheese plus more for garnish, grated
- black pepper as garnish, freshly ground
- olive oil as garnish
Instructions
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Tips and Tricks:
- 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.
Nutrition Information
Calories
400kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
63g
(21%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4g
(2%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
0.5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
30mg
(10%)
Sodium
2mg
(0%)
Potassium
3mg
(0%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
350IU
(7%)
Calcium
3mg
(0%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 400
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 400kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 3mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 350IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.