If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have seen a recipe for something called pastina. But what is pastina, exactly? While the term does refer to an Italian dish made with small pasta cooked in broth, as well as cheese, butter, and an egg, pastina is also the name given to any very small pasta variety. To learn more about pastina, including how to make the popular TikTok dish as well as additional ways to cook with pastina pasta, keep reading!
What Is Pastina?
Believe it or not, there is more than one definition of the word pastina. In fact, there are three.
As a general term, pastina refers to any very small pasta shape. Typically, pastina is smaller than about 1/4 inch. Since pastina encompasses any variety of tiny pasta, it goes by several names and comes in many different shapes. In American grocery stores, you may see small round pastina called acini di pepe, which translates to “pepper seeds” in Italian, or stelline, which means “little stars”, and is a star-shaped small pasta. Though slightly larger, orzo also counts as pastina, as does corallini and ditalini.
As with many other pasta varieties, dried pastina is typically made with semolina flour, water, and salt. Due to its small size, pastina is often treated like rice, and used in dishes such as soups, salads, and pilaf. It can also be prepared in a similar way to risotto, and is a go-to pasta variety to serve to children.
To make things a bit trickier, there are some pasta brands that sell boxes of small pasta labeled pastina. Barilla makes pastina that is actually star-shaped, as does San Giorgio. Ronzoni also made a star-shaped pastina, but announced last year that the shape was being discontinued.
Lastly, as we mentioned above, pastina can also refer to a dish that combines any small pasta with cheese, butter, and usually an egg. Since this comforting dish is often given to people who are sick, it has earned the nickname “Italian Penicillin.” More on that version of pastina below.
How to Make Pastina
Ready to make pastina like a TikToker? You’ll need a box of any dried small pasta, such as acini de pepe, pastina, or stelline, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, an egg, and freshly ground black pepper. Follow this recipe for a piping hot bowl of pastina that’s downright delicious.
- Add a half a cup of pasta and two of cups of chicken broth to a pot and bring to a boil. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, and turn off the heat.
- Stir in one tablespoon of butter and ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese, store-bought Parm works too.
- Add a beaten egg to the pot with the pasta and cheese, and stir to combine.
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and several grinds of black pepper, and serve.
As you will see, pastina is ridiculously easy to make. Feel free to play with the amounts of broth, pasta, and cheese you use to best suit your taste. Not a fan of the egg? Go ahead and skip it. If you want a more soup-like meal, add more broth to the pot. For a richer take, stir in a tad more butter and/ or more freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s up to you!
Pastina Recipes
If you want to use your small pasta to make a recipe that goes beyond pastina, you can use pastina pasta (or a similar small shape) in place of orzo. Use pastina in this Orzo Tomato Salad, this Mushroom and Burrata Orzotto, or this Squash, Mushroom, and Kale Soup With Dill.
FAQs
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 kind of pasta is pastina? ›
What Type of Pasta is Pastina? Pastina is a type of small, grain-shaped pasta that is commonly used in soups or as a simple, comforting dish on its own.
What is a substitute for 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.
Since the term "pastina" encompasses all small shapes of pasta, it comes in many shapes and goes by many names. You may see round pastina called "acini di pepe" (pepper seeds in Italian), or star-shaped pastina called "stelline" (meaning little stars in Italian).
Is pastina high in carbs? ›
Ronzoni Pastina (0.33 cup) contains 42g total carbs, 40g net carbs, 1g fat, 7g protein, and 200 calories.
How long does pastina last in the fridge? ›
Store, covered in your refrigerator for up to 5 days or your freezer for up to 3 months. Boil the pasta. When you're ready to serve, heat the broth over high until. Cook the pasta in the boiling broth.
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.
Are risotto and pastina the same? ›
Pastina is cooked directly in a sauce, becoming highly risotto-esque. However, despite the shared traits, there are fundamental differences that set the two apart, with qualities and drawbacks to each that chefs should keep in mind.
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 “l*ttle pasta” and actually refers to a wide variety of pasta that is small. Orzo is pastina.
Will Barilla continue to make Pastina? ›
Pastina is here to stay!
Thank you Barilla for keeping it going since Ronzoni decided to discontinue pastina! How could that be!!!! Yes, I recommend this product.
Yes, orzo is a pastina pasta, which translates to "little pasta." Pastina pasta are typically thought of as pasta shapes for soups.
What are the tiny pasta balls called? ›
Acini di pepe – an extremely small, round pasta shape – translates to peppercorn, or seeds of pepper. It comes from the Latin word acinus, meaning grape stones.
Is pastina good 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.
Is pastina hard to digest? ›
Traditional pasta, made with wheat flour, water and salt, has a high gluten content, specifically between 80 % and 90 % of its protein content. Gluten is a difficult-to-digest protein and, even if you have no intolerance or sensitivity towards it, it can cause digestive problems, such as gas and bloating, among others.
Is pastina good for an upset stomach? ›
When the stomach bug is life, Pastina is your savior! My kids are barely eating anything this week but I've been pushing Pastina and it seems to be working! Here's how i make it for the babies — i know traditionally it's more of a soup but this consistency easier for toddlers so that's how we're rolling.
What does pastina mean in Italian? ›
noun. [ feminine ] /pas'tina/ (pasta) small pasta.
Is pastina good when sick? ›
Like all versions of 'the soup for when you're sick', this Pastina is pure comfort, a hug in a bowl. I love that this soup has the nickname, 'Italian Penicillin'. Just like chicken noodle soup with matzo balls is 'Jewish Penicillin'. It is the soup that mums make to comfort their sick kids.
