Classic Italian Pastina Recipe

Pastina, those tiny pasta shapes, are a beloved staple in many Italian households. These miniature pasta pieces have a knack for bringing comfort and warmth to the dinner table.

Whether you’re cooking for kids or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, pastina is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore some delightful pastina recipes that will please the entire family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic finely to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, usually taking about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Pastina

Pour in the Pastina pasta and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta starts to lightly toast.

4. Pour in the Broth

Now, it’s time to add the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the Pastina to simmer in the broth for about 10-12 minutes or until it’s tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Serve

Once the Pastina is cooked to your desired level of tenderness and the broth has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

You can serve the Classic Italian Pastina in individual bowls. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color.

These pastina recipes are just the beginning of your culinary journey with this versatile pasta. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique pastina dishes.

Whether it’s a comforting bowl of buttery pastina or a cheesy spinach and pastina bake, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring smiles to your dining table. Buon appetito!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 2 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 360 mg

Please note that the estimated nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

10 Simple Classic Italian Pastina Recipes

Indulge in the world of pastina with these 10 simple and delicious recipes. From classic pastina with butter and Parmesan to creamy mushroom sauce and zesty lemon spinach, there’s a pastina dish for every palate. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these recipes will become family favorites.

1. Acomforting Italian classic

this recipe combines pastina with tender peas. Cook the pastina until al dente, then sauté peas in butter until they’re vibrant green. Toss them together, season with salt and pepper, and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a delightful, quick dish.

2. Pastina with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

For a creamy twist, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic until they’re soft. Add heavy cream, simmer until it thickens, and then mix in cooked pastina. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

3. Pastina and Egg Drop Soup

Create a comforting soup by cooking pastina in chicken broth until tender. Then, whisk in beaten eggs to create delicate ribbons in the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of grated Parmesan for added flavor.

4. Pastina with Pesto

Mix cooked pastina with your favorite pesto sauce, whether it’s classic basil or a unique sun-dried tomato variation. Toss until well coated, and garnish with pine nuts and extra grated Parmesan.

5. Pastina Primavera

Combine cooked pastina with a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan for a fresh and colorful pasta dish.

6. Pastina Carbonara

For a twist on the classic carbonara, mix cooked pastina with a creamy sauce made from eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and pancetta or bacon bits. Season with black pepper and serve piping hot.

7. Pastina with Lemon and Spinach

Sauté fresh spinach in olive oil with minced garlic until wilted, then toss with cooked pastina. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for a bright and zesty flavor. Top with grated Parmesan.

8. Pastina with Tomato and Sausage

Brown Italian sausage in a pan, then stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer. Combine with cooked pastina, season with basil and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

9. Pastina Alfredo

Create a creamy Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with cooked pastina until it’s coated in velvety richness, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley.

10. Pastina with Broccoli and Garlic

Sauté broccoli florets in olive oil with minced garlic until tender-crisp. Toss with cooked pastina, season with salt and pepper, and finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

These 10 simple pastina recipes offer a variety of flavors and styles, perfect for satisfying your pasta cravings in different ways. Enjoy experimenting with these quick and delicious dishes!