TikTok Pastina Recipe (2024)

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This TikTok Pastina recipe is going viral because it is pure comfort food. It is creamy, buttery, cheesy and so easy to make.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (1)

Also know as the "Italian Penicillin", this recipe is what Italian grandmothers make when someone is sick.

This pasta is cooked in delicious chicken broth and it is said to make you feel better when you are under the weather.

What is Pastina

The word Pastina translates to "tiny pasta". It comes in lots of different shapes such as the Steline (little stars) or acini di Peppe (little peppercorns).

Pastina is the term referring to pasta the is smaller than 1-2mm in diameter.

This tiny pasta shapes are commonly used in beloved Italian soups like the famous Italian Wedding Soup.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (2)

These pastinas are very versatile and can be used in cold pasta salads, soups and it can replace ingredients like barley or couscous.

When I visited Italy and tried this pastina, it totally reminded me of a creamy Mac and cheese!

Why you will love this recipe

This recipe is pure nostalgia for people who grew up in an Italian household.

This pastina recipe is a childhood favorite of many as this pasta is one of the first solid foods for babies.

This recipe is like a warm hug. It is creamy, cheesy and buttery. It is easy to make and comes together quickly.

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Ingredients for Pastina

For this recipe you only need 5 ingredients. Most of the ingredients are pantry and household staples.

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  • Pastina: It comes in several shapes and names. The most commonly used are Steline (tiny stars) and Acini di Peppe (Tiny peppercorns). If you can't find those, Orzo is a good substitute but cooking time will vary.
  • Chicken broth: The base of this pastina is chicken broth, it gives it nice flavor and saltiness and if you happen to be under the weather, it will help you feel better.
  • Parmesan cheese: I always grate my own parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Egg: The lightly beaten egg is going to give this pastina its creamy texture.
  • Butter: A pat of butter added to the pastina is known in Italian as "mantecare" or to add fat. This will make your pastina silky and creamy without any cream!
  • Pepper: This is optional but it amplifies the parmesan flavor and rounds up the dish really nicely.

Step by step instructions.

This tiny pasta shapes cook really quickly. The secret to a perfect pastina is all in the ratio of liquid to pasta and the egg technique I will explain below.

Cook the pastina al dente

In a medium sauce pan, add the chicken broth and the pasta. I love to use this enameled sauce pan because it prevents the tiny pasta from sticking to the bottom.

If you don't have an enameled sauce pan, be sure to keep stirring the pastina with a wooden spoon.

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Beat the egg and parmesan

In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg and the grated Parmesan cheese.

Make sure to use a fine microplane as this will prevent the cheese from clumping in the pasta.

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Add the egg to the pastina

When the pastina is cooked al dente, remove from the heat. Add the egg mixture while whisking vigorously to avoid the egg from "cooking".

The pasta will still be hot and this will make the egg safe to eat.

Add a pat of butter to the pasta

Adding butter at the end of the cooking process is called "mantecare" or to add fat. It makes the pasta silky and creamy without having to use cream.

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Serve and enjoy

To serve the pasta, add more shaved parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pepper.

What to serve with Pastina

This Pastina can be served on its own! Adding the egg and parmesan cheese packs plenty of protein into this pasta dish.

If you want to add a side of roasted broccoli, peas or cooked spinach you will have a complete balanced meal.

Storage, reheating and freezing instructions

If you have any leftover pastina, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The best way to reheat this pastina is over the stove top. Since this pasta has egg the best way to avoid the egg curdling in the pasta is to use low heat.

To reheat the pastina, add a splash of water or more chicken broth and cook over low heat until heated thru.

Where to buy Pastina

This tiny pastas can be found at most super markets. Target sells this star shape pasta.
If you are unable to find tiny pasta at your local super market, an Italian grocer is your best bet. Most Italian delis carry a selection of imported pastas and I've always found acini di Peppe in stock.

Can I make pastina with Orzo?

Although orzo is a small pasta is not considered a "pastina" per se. However you could use orzo in this recipe, just note that the broth to pasta ratio is different. If using orzo, cook according to package instructions.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (8)

TikTok Pastina Recipe

Isabel

This TikTok Pastina recipe is going viral because it is pure comfort food. It is creamy, buttery, cheesy and so easy to make.

5 from 19 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 308 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Acini di peppe Or any tiny pasta shape.
  • 1 ½ cups Chicken broth
  • cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • Pepper to taste Optional

Instructions

  • In a sauce pan add the chicken broth and the pasta.

    ½ cup Acini di peppe, 1 ½ cups Chicken broth

  • Cook the pasta over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and pasta is al dente.

  • In a bowl, whisk the egg and parmesan cheese until you get an uniform paste.

    ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 Egg

  • Remove the pasta from the heat and use a whisk to stir the pasta as you add the egg mixture.

  • Add the butter and keep stirring until it has dissolved.

    1 tablespoon Butter

  • Sprinkle more parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

    Pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 15gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 997mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 427IUCalcium: 218mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Pastina

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

TikTok Pastina Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are you supposed to drain pastina? ›

Are You Supposed to Drain Pastina? No. Traditionally pastina is cooked with just enough liquid as to absorb most of it but have some remaining in the pot. It makes sense, since the liquid is so often a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth - see the en brodo pastina recipe listed below as an example.

Does anyone else make pastina? ›

The good news is several other brands still manufacture pastina and sell it in the States. Barilla, Colavita, San Giorgio, and Target's private label Good & Gather all make versions of pastina that are still available.

What is so special about pastina? ›

Pastina is an ingredient commonly found in Italian cookbooks and pantries; it's a favorite pasta to serve children, especially when they are sick, so many Italians have fond childhood memories of it. The small size makes pastina a great base for soups, salads, and dishes that may otherwise use rice.

What is the difference between pastina and stelline? ›

Pastina roughly means small pasta; and stelline are very small, star-shaped pasta with a hole in the middle. Both pastina and stelline have been used in Italian kitchens since the 16th century, and both are typically found in broths.

Why is pastina no longer available? ›

"This wasn't a decision that we wanted to make," the representative shares. "Unfortunately, our long-term supplier informed us that they would no longer be making Ronzoni pastina as of January 2023." Ronzoni explains it was issues locating a new supplier that ultimately led to the demise of its pastina.

Why you shouldn't drain pasta in the sink? ›

Because pasta is made of flour, it releases starch into the cooking water as it boils, creating a white, cloudy liquid that we often deem “dirty” and then dump down the sink. Big mistake. That's the liquid gold we're talking about.

Is Barilla making pastina again? ›

No. We found several other brands still selling the pasta, including Barilla, Ferrara, and San Giorgio. By the way, pastina is also sometimes called stelline, so any company selling that will fit the bill as well.

Is Barilla pastina the same as Ronzoni pastina? ›

Pastina is made by other companies, notably Barilla, but based on the public reaction to the news, Ronzoni's appears particularly beloved.

Is pastina healthy for you? ›

Its healthy and nutritious and also kid friendly with hidden veggies. It's also vegan too so everyone can enjoy this classic Italian staple. If you want an even simpler variation of pastina, you must also try my cheesy pastina recipe which is another favorite of mine.

Do they eat pastina in Italy? ›

Pastina is used in many different ways in Italian cuisine, including as an ingredient of soup, desserts, infant food and also, alone, as a distinct and unique pasta dish.

What replaces pastina? ›

Though not all are one-to-one swaps for pastina, all are extremely cute.
  • Acini di Pepe. This pasta shape, which translates to “grains of pepper,” adds a burst of springy, chewy texture to any dish. ...
  • Fregola Sarda. ...
  • Israeli Couscous. ...
  • Ditalini. ...
  • Orzo.
Jan 11, 2023

Is orzo considered pastina? ›

Yes, orzo is a pastina pasta, which translates to "little pasta." Pastina pasta are typically thought of as pasta shapes for soups. Orzo, also called risoni, is one of the smaller pastas available, along with ditaloni, grattini, risi, midolline and corallini.

Does Barilla have pastina? ›

Barilla Pastina will hold up its firm texture and delicious nutty flavor in soups and simple broths. Barilla® Pastina is crafted with the highest quality Non-GMO durum wheat semolina for a perfect "al dente" texture and delicious flavor.

What do Italians eat when sick? ›

Straciatella, or Italian egg-drop soup, is probably the most popular sick-day food in any Italian household. It's light, comforting, flavourful, and ridiculously easy to make – the perfect thing to make in a flash for yourself or someone you love when they're unwell.

What is the real name of pastina? ›

In fact, a ladybug could probably huck a piece of pastina up on its back and haul it home for dinner. Even though it goes by that name, a more accurate name is stellina. That's because pastina in Italian means “little pasta” and actually refers to a wide variety of pasta that is small. Orzo is pastina.

Do you drain tortellini? ›

Fill a small pot with water, bring it to a boil and sprinkle in a dash of salt. Add the Tortellini and cook at a gentle boil for about 6 minutes. Tip: To keep the pasta from sticking, stir during the first minute or two. Drain and enjoy.

Should you drain cooked pasta? ›

Once pasta is done, turn off the heat and scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Reserved pasta water contains essential starch that can be used later to adjust the consistency of your sauce—both to thin and to thicken. This soupy looking water you used to throw down the drain is actually a miracle ingredient!

How much water to use when cooking pastina? ›

directions. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add pastina and salt, cook until most of the water is absorbed, 3 to 4 minutes.

How do you drain baby pasta? ›

I put a salad plate into the pasta pot. It is slightly smaller in diameter than the sauce pan by about 10mm. Put it face-down over the pasta before you tip the pot to drain it. The small plate will hold the pasta in place as the water flows past the plate on either side.

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