Description
Creamy Italian Pastina is a comforting and simple dish made with tiny pasta cooked in broth and enriched with butter, cheese, and sometimes egg or milk for a rich, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a splash of milk or cream
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add the pastina and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- If using, beat the egg in a small bowl. Slowly stir it into the hot pastina, mixing constantly until it cooks through and thickens the mixture.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add a splash of milk or cream for extra richness, if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Stir constantly when adding the egg to avoid scrambling.
- For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the egg if desired.
- Customize with herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Great for kids or as a soothing meal when you’re under the weather.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg