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Pastina Recipe

Classic Italian Pastina

A cozy, nostalgic Italian comfort dish made from tiny star-shaped pasta, chicken broth, butter, and milk—perfectly creamy, quick, and endlessly customizable.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 243
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 cup dry pastina tiny star-shaped pasta
  • 1 tbsp butter salted or unsalted
  • 6 tbsp milk warmed, more or less to taste
Optional Seasonings
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to taste

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Bring chicken broth or water to a boil in a small saucepan.
  2. Add pastina and stir. Cook for 4–5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. While pasta cooks, warm the milk in a small bowl for about 20 seconds in the microwave.
  4. Once liquid is nearly absorbed, remove from heat. Stir in butter and warmed milk until creamy.
  5. Season with black pepper and grated cheese if desired. Let rest briefly to thicken, then serve warm.

Notes

For added richness, use broth instead of water and salted butter. This recipe is easily scalable and can be upgraded with an egg, spinach pastina, or served as a side dish.