Pastina Pasta

Imagine the comforting aroma of butter and Parmesan cheese melding into a creamy, indulgent delight.

Pastina pasta is a cozy bowl of Italian comfort, incredibly easy to whip up and sure to warm your heart.

As the tiny stars of pasta gently soften, they transform into a velvety embrace, inviting you to experience the magic of simple ingredients.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor its comforting charm together.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 colander

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina pasta
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking pastina pasta, follow this timeline:

1. Read and Gather Ingredients (2 minutes)
   • Quickly read through the recipe to understand the steps.
   • Gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need.
2. Prep Work (3 minutes)
   • Measure out 1 cup of pastina pasta.
   • Measure 2 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
   • Prepare 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, a pinch of black pepper, and optional 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (10 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 5:00: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
   • 5:00 – 5:30: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the boiling water.
   • 5:30 – 10:30: Stir in 1 cup of pastina pasta and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Finishing Touches (2 minutes)
   • 10:30 – 11:00: Drain the pastina using a colander and return it to the saucepan.
   • 11:00 – 11:30: Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted.
   • 11:30 – 12:00: Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and combine well.
   • 12:00 – 12:30: Pour in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and mix until creamy.
   • 12:30 – 13:00: Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste and garnish with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the boiling water.

Stir in 1 cup of pastina pasta.

Cook the pastina for about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Drain the pastina using a colander and return it to the saucepan.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted.

Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and combine well.

Pour in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and mix until creamy.

Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste.

Garnish with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Tips

• Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast pairs well with the creamy texture of pastina, adding a healthy protein to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious accompaniment.
• Garlic Bread: Enjoy with a piece of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce of the pastina.
• Tomato Salad: A fresh tomato salad with basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a revitalizing contrast to the dish.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Add a serving of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the creamy pasta.

Storage

To store leftover pastina pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

To freeze pastina pasta, allow it to cool completely.

Then store it in an airtight container.

When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat pastina pasta, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Add a splash of cream or milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Final Thoughts

Pastina pasta is a comforting and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.

With its quick prep and cook time, it’s perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even add-ins like cooked vegetables or proteins for a more substantial dish.

Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, pastina pasta is sure to be a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Pastina With Another Type of Pasta?

You can substitute pastina with other small pasta like orzo or couscous. Adjust cooking time based on pasta type. Make certain water absorption remains consistent, and maintain ingredient ratios for butter, Parmesan, and cream to achieve desired flavor.

Is Pastina Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Pastina isn’t suitable for a gluten-free diet since it’s made from wheat. You can substitute with gluten-free pasta varieties. Make certain you check labels for cross-contamination and adjust cooking time, as gluten-free pasta cooks differently.

Can I Use Plant-Based Alternatives for Butter and Cream?

You can substitute plant-based alternatives for butter and cream. Use vegan butter for unsalted butter and coconut cream or almond milk for heavy cream. Make certain they’re unsweetened to maintain the dish’s savory profile. Adjust seasoning as needed.

What Are Some Variations to Enhance the Flavor of Pastina?

Enhance flavor by adding sautéed garlic or shallots, substituting pecorino for Parmesan, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You could also mix in cooked pancetta or mushrooms for depth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is Pastina Pasta Suitable for Babies or Toddlers?

You’ll find pastina pasta suitable for babies or toddlers due to its soft texture. Guarantee it’s cooked thoroughly, omit added salt, and mash it further if needed. Add pureed vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor variety.

Pastina Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• 1 Medium saucepan
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 colander

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup pastina pasta
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the boiling water.
• Stir in 1 cup of pastina pasta.
• Cook the pastina for about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Drain the pastina using a colander and return it to the saucepan.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted.
• Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and combine well.
• Pour in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and mix until creamy.
• Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste.
• Garnish with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, it’s important to keep stirring the pastina while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to add more cheese or cream for a richer flavor. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash more cream or a bit of the pasta cooking water.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.