Classic Pastina Recipe. When the weather turns chilly, someone in the family catches a cold, or you simply need a little comfort in a bowl, nothing beats a warm serving of pastina. Often lovingly called “Italian penicillin,” this traditional Italian comfort food has been warming hearts and filling little bellies for generations.
Made with tiny pasta, flavourful broth, butter and Parmesan cheese, classic pastina is simple, nourishing and wonderfully easy to prepare. It’s a favourite among Italian families and a perfect recipe to have on hand for busy parents.
Classic Pastina Recipe (Italian Penicillin)
What Is Pastina?
Pastina translates to “little pasta” in Italian. It’s a catch-all name for the tiny pasta shapes traditionally served in soups and simple comfort dishes.
For many Italian families, pastina is more than just a meal. It’s a childhood memory, a go-to dish when someone isn’t feeling well, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest foods are the most satisfying.
Known as Italian penicillin, pastina is especially popular during cold and flu season. While it isn’t a medicine or a cure for illness, its warm broth and easy-to-eat texture make it a comforting choice when appetites are low.
Classic Italian Pastina Recipe
Servings: 2 adult portions or 3 small child-sized portions.Prep time: 2 minutes.
Cook time: 10–12 minutes (depending on the pastina variety).
Total time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pastina (tiny star, acini di pepe or other small pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the broth: Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil in a small saucepan.
- Cook the pasta: Add pastina and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the egg (optional): For an extra creamy, traditional-style version, whisk an egg in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle it into the hot pastina while stirring constantly. Make sure the egg reaches a safe temperature.
- Season and serve: Add a little salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Tips for Making the Best Classic Pastina Recipe
Make It Your Own
Want to add a little extra goodness? Stir in finely grated carrots, a little shredded chicken or a handful of baby spinach. You can also adjust the broth depending on whether your family prefers a soupier or thicker consistency.
Perfect for Little Eaters
Pastina is a wonderful meal for toddlers and young children who enjoy soft, bite-sized foods. Allow it to cool before serving and adjust the texture to suit your child’s age and eating abilities.
A Little Bowl of Italian Comfort
Whether you’re making it for a sick little one, a chilly evening or a quick family lunch, classic pastina is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can bring a little Italian tradition to your family’s table.
Related: 14 Dump-and-Freeze Family Meals to Save Time and Money
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