Warm and comforting, this Italian Pastina is my family's go-to meal when you're feeling under the weather or need a quick pick me up.
When I was a little girl and caught a cold, the only thing I can remember wanting to eat was Pastina. It's probably the simplest recipe will ever make, but for some reason it always made me feel warm inside.
To this day, my kids crave the same thing when they're sick. We can go for months without making it all, but once the first sign of a cold hits, they are rummaging through the pantry to look for pastina to make.
In fact, when they were babies and just starting to eat solid foods, I'd combine creamed spinach with the pastina too. I remember their day care aides commenting on how good it smelled when they would heat up their lunches since I always made them from scratch.
What is pastina?
Pastina is probably the smallest type of pasta you can buy and it looks like little stars. Maybe that's why my kids, nieces and nephews all wanted the same thing when they were sick because they were "cute" little pasta shapes.
Who knows, but no matter hold old they get, they still look for this comforting recipe when they're ill. I first posted this recipe back in 2012 and I can't count the number of times I've made Pastina since then.
However, I've never taken another picture of it until now when I was looking for some old meatless recipes to share for Ash Wednesday and this one popped up.
Luckily, I had a box in my pantry, so I got up from my computer, made some Pastina and took a quick picture so I can share this recipe with you again.
How do you make Pastina?
To make this recipe, you'll need pastina pasta, chicken bouillon cube (I like using this better than chicken stock for this recipe), water and whipped butter.
Start by bringing the water and bouillon cube to a boil in a small saucepan. Next, add the pasta and cook until all of the liquid has evaporated. Finally, add the butter (which makes it really creamy!) and serve.
I've never tried other pastina recipes, but this one has been a favorite of ours since I was a little girl.
How much pasta per person?
This recipe makes 2 cups; which is enough for two people or one extra large serving per person. In general, figure on 1 part of dry pasta to 2 parts of liquid.
It takes about ten minutes to make from start to finish and provides hours worth of smiles. ~Enjoy!
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Pastina
Ingredients
- 2 c. Water
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 c. Pastina
- 1 tbsp. Whipped Butter
Instructions
- Bring the water and bouillon cube to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Next, add the pastina and cook until all of the liquid has evaporated; then add the butter. Serve hot.
Visit the recipe index to search for more recipes by category.
More Italian Pasta Recipes
- Tortellini with Brown Butter, Garlic and Basil
- Pasta Nonna
- Pork Ragù over Pasta
- Italian Sunday Dinner: How to Make Neapolitan Ragù
Carrie - ASassyRedhead.com says
I have never heard of this. And where have I been? Because with this low level of expertise on making it, it should be right up my alley.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Oh Carrie, you can definitely do this! 🙂
Anonymous says
We always had this as kids and my children still eat it and love it as do I. It is a great easy to make item.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
It is so easy and tasty. Thanks for stopping by!
Mama J says
This is new to me and I am so excited to try it!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
My kids just love it!
Jean Calabrese says
Comfort food of my childhood. Love it!!
Heather Gillette says
Love pastina! Eat it hot with butter and salt at least 1x a week. I've actually been cooking it in the microwave, a shortcut my sister showed me. LOVE IT!!!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I've never tried it in the microwave!
Nicole says
We also add an egg for protein makes it really creamy