Description
A comforting and creamy Italian pastina recipe made with tiny pasta, butter, and cheese. Perfect for a quick and nourishing meal, especially loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (optional, for added creaminess)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the pastina and a pinch of salt, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 5-6 minutes).
- Lower the heat, then stir in the butter until melted.
- If using, beat the egg in a small bowl and slowly drizzle it into the pot while stirring constantly to avoid scrambling.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional cheese or herbs.
Notes
- Use milk instead of broth for an even creamier version.
- Skip the egg for a simpler dish or if serving very young children.
- You can add cooked vegetables or shredded chicken for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg