This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (2024)

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In 2023, the discontinuation of one particular food product made headlines in a low-key surprising way: Ronzoni's beloved pastina, which I was able to confirm firsthand at my local grocery store. For many, pastina is sentimental. The itsy-bitsy star-shaped pasta was a first solid food for lots of babies, including me! Ronzoni's official announcement should give you an idea of the sheer gravity of this situation. (But before you get too upset about it, know that several other brands still make it — including Barilla.) I digress. Believe it or not, I'm actually not here to talk about the discontinuation. Rather, I'd like to gush about the beloved "Italian penicillin" that's arguably the most delicious dish you could make with pastina. It's also called pastina. And no shade to chicken noodle soup, but for its simplicity, budget-friendly nature, and stick-to-your-bones heartiness, I think it might be the ultimate sick season comfort food. Pastina is a thick-and-creamy "soup" made by boiling tiny pieces of pasta in water or broth until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. Essentially, it's the Italian (and Italian American) answer to chicken noodle soup. Feel a cold coming on? Eat some pastina — hence the "Italian penicillin" of it all. It's also been a staple on TikTok ever since the discontinuation of the pasta shape. Search "pastina recipe" on the platform, and you'll be met with thousands of videos showcasing the myriad takes on the dish. Some use a tempered egg to lend creaminess. Others use milk as the main liquid. One TikToker even adds some finely-chopped veggies for a little nutrient boost, but the one common thread between all pastina-lovers is that everyone feels strongly about their personal spin on it. This brings us to my favorite version. I was first introduced to this dish by a high school friend; I became obsessed with it after my first hesitant bite, and we'd often throw it together as a late-night snack ever since that fateful day. I still make it all the time, tweaking quantities and ingredients throughout high school, college, and adulthood. You can imagine my surprise when I realized, thanks to TikTok, that this "secret" family recipe I had been making for nearly 15 years was actually a wildly popular sick food...but that's life, folks. Unique experiences are a myth. Here's exactly how you can make the version of pastina soup that I've fallen head over heels in love with, which just so happens to be vegetarian if you use vegetable stock or broth. First, the ingredients: STEP #1: Add your stock to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil, then stir in your pastina and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the stock is absorbed — but not all of it! More on this shortly. STEP #2: While the pasta simmers, whisk the egg in a small bowl until completely combined. STEP #3: When you have just a bit of stock remaining in your saucepan, turn off the heat completely. By "just a bit of stock," I mean that the pasta should be showing just underneath the surface of the simmering stock. For my visual learners out there, here's what I mean: STEP #4: Mix in the remaining ingredients one at a time. Trust me, y'all — I've made a LOT of pastina, and I've found that the one-at-a-time method is the easiest way to make sure you wind up with a creamy, velvety bowl of deliciousness instead of scrambled eggs. First, stir in the butter until fully melted. Next, the Parm. If you're grating it fresh, as I did, aim for about a 1/2 cup — but TBH, measure with your heart here. You cannot overdo cheese. Last is the egg. As demonstrated by yours truly in this chaotic GIF, in which I use a crusty burner as my tripod, pour in the beaten egg while vigorously stirring the pastina mixture. You'll wind up with glossy, clump-free results. That's it! To serve, ladle the pastina into bowls and top with lots of black pepper and extra Parm. Not to state the obvious, but yeah, it's absolutely delectable whether you're as sick as a dog or the epitome of health. IMO, pastina actually has a lot going for it when compared to most soups. It takes just about 10 minutes to make from beginning to end, and it's a lot more filling. Not for nothing: Since it's super thick, it's even easier to eat than chicken noodle soup. Like, you can eat this while practically horizontal in bed and not worry about dripping hot broth all over your sheets. If that's not a cold season win, I don't know what is. If the Great Ronzoni Discontinuation of Pastina affected your ability to find pastina at your local grocery store, I'll also let you in on a little secret: You can basically use whatever teeny, tiny pasta shape you can get your hands on since "pastina" in Italian is a blanket category for any small pasta — not just the Americanized star shape. My go-to shape for pastina is actually acini di pepe, but it's your pastina, not mine. Make it as you wish. If you're a kid at heart and want to use alphabet pasta, by all means, go for it. For those of you who read the recipe above and are now thinking to yourselves, "This is NOT the version I grew up with," never fear. As mentioned, pastina recipes tend to differ pretty heavily from person to person, so here are some equally tasty variations that are totally worth trying if you'd like: If you try this recipe or one of its variations in your own kitchen, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below or by DMing me. (And if you have a secret family method for your version of pastina, please, please, please tell me all about it.) FAQs References

In 2023, the discontinuation of one particular food product made headlines in a low-key surprising way: Ronzoni's beloved pastina, which I was able to confirm firsthand at my local grocery store.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (1)

Ross Yoder

For many, pastina is sentimental. The itsy-bitsy star-shaped pasta was a first solid food for lots of babies, including me! Ronzoni's official announcement should give you an idea of the sheer gravity of this situation.

(But before you get too upset about it, know that several other brands still make it — including Barilla.)

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (3)

Ross Yoder

I digress. Believe it or not, I'm actually not here to talk about the discontinuation. Rather, I'd like to gush about the beloved "Italian penicillin" that's arguably the most delicious dish you could make with pastina. It's also called pastina. And no shade to chicken noodle soup, but for its simplicity, budget-friendly nature, and stick-to-your-bones heartiness, I think it might be the ultimate sick season comfort food.

HBO / Via giphy.com

Frankly, it's also a terrific "any season" comfort food — and a great rent week meal, to boot.

Pastina is a thick-and-creamy "soup" made by boiling tiny pieces of pasta in water or broth until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. Essentially, it's the Italian (and Italian American) answer to chicken noodle soup. Feel a cold coming on? Eat some pastina — hence the "Italian penicillin" of it all.

It's also been a staple on TikTok ever since the discontinuation of the pasta shape. Search "pastina recipe" on the platform, and you'll be met with thousands of videos showcasing the myriad takes on the dish. Some use a tempered egg to lend creaminess. Others use milk as the main liquid. One TikToker even adds some finely-chopped veggies for a little nutrient boost, but the one common thread between all pastina-lovers is that everyone feels strongly about their personal spin on it.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (4)

TikTok

This brings us to my favorite version. I was first introduced to this dish by a high school friend; I became obsessed with it after my first hesitant bite, and we'd often throw it together as a late-night snack ever since that fateful day. I still make it all the time, tweaking quantities and ingredients throughout high school, college, and adulthood. You can imagine my surprise when I realized, thanks to TikTok, that this "secret" family recipe I had been making for nearly 15 years was actually a wildly popular sick food...but that's life, folks. Unique experiences are a myth.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (5)

Vvoevale / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Here's exactly how you can make the version of pastina soup that I've fallen head over heels in love with, which just so happens to be vegetarian if you use vegetable stock or broth. First, the ingredients:

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (6)

Ross Yoder

You'll end up with two servingsif you use the exact quantities above, but the beauty of this recipe is that you can easily halve it if you'd like pastina for one, or double it for four servings. Hell, you can even triple it if you're cooking for a crowd or if you'd like some leftovers.

Also, importantly: There's really no need to add onlyhalf an egg if you're cooking pastina soup for one. My advice would be to use one egg whether you're cooking for one or two people and use two eggs if you're cooking for four or beyond.

STEP #1: Add your stock to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil, then stir in your pastina and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the stock is absorbed — but not all of it! More on this shortly.

Ross Yoder

STEP #2: While the pasta simmers, whisk the egg in a small bowl until completely combined.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (7)

STEP #3: When you have just a bit of stock remaining in your saucepan, turn off the heat completely.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (8)

Ross Yoder

By "just a bit of stock," I mean that the pasta should be showing just underneath the surface of the simmering stock. For my visual learners out there, here's what I mean:

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (9)

Ross Yoder

STEP #4: Mix in the remaining ingredients one at a time. Trust me, y'all — I've made a LOT of pastina, and I've found that the one-at-a-time method is the easiest way to make sure you wind up with a creamy, velvety bowl of deliciousness instead of scrambled eggs. First, stir in the butter until fully melted.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (10)

Ross Yoder

Next, the Parm. If you're grating it fresh, as I did, aim for about a 1/2 cup — but TBH, measure with your heart here. You cannot overdo cheese.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (11)

Ross Yoder

The added butter and Parm cool down the mixture just enough so you're not adding eggs to a boiling soup.

Last is the egg. As demonstrated by yours truly in this chaotic GIF, in which I use a crusty burner as my tripod, pour in the beaten egg while vigorously stirring the pastina mixture.

Ross Yoder

You'll wind up with glossy, clump-free results.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (12)

Ross Yoder

Depending on how salty your stock is, you may or may not need salt. I didn't need it with the brand of stock I used, but now is a great time to taste what you cooked up and add salt as needed, just in case.

That's it! To serve, ladle the pastina into bowls and top with lots of black pepper and extra Parm.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (13)

Ross Yoder

If you're feeling extra, a drizzle of olive oil definitely takes the whole dish over the top — but you do you.

Not to state the obvious, but yeah, it's absolutely delectable whether you're as sick as a dog or the epitome of health. IMO, pastina actually has a lot going for it when compared to most soups. It takes just about 10 minutes to make from beginning to end, and it's a lot more filling. Not for nothing: Since it's super thick, it's even easier to eat than chicken noodle soup. Like, you can eat this while practically horizontal in bed and not worry about dripping hot broth all over your sheets. If that's not a cold season win, I don't know what is.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (14)

Ross Yoder

If the Great Ronzoni Discontinuation of Pastina affected your ability to find pastina at your local grocery store, I'll also let you in on a little secret: You can basically use whatever teeny, tiny pasta shape you can get your hands on since "pastina" in Italian is a blanket category for any small pasta — not just the Americanized star shape. My go-to shape for pastina is actually acini di pepe, but it's your pastina, not mine. Make it as you wish. If you're a kid at heart and want to use alphabet pasta, by all means, go for it.

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (15)

Ross Yoder

For those of you who read the recipe above and are now thinking to yourselves, "This is NOT the version I grew up with," never fear. As mentioned, pastina recipes tend to differ pretty heavily from person to person, so here are some equally tasty variations that are totally worth trying if you'd like:

Brothy, No-Egg Pastina— Use double the amount of stock called for in the recipe above, omit the egg and butter, and wait to add your Parm and black pepper until you've ladled the soup into bowls for serving. This version is especially great for small kids, FYI!

Pastina with Veggies— Sauté some finely diced onion, celery, and carrot in butter or olive oil until just softened before adding your stock and bringing everything to a boil.

Chicken-y Pastina— Start with the method for either of the variations above (it's up to you!), adding pre-cooked shredded or cubed chicken to the boiling stock at the same time you stir in the uncooked pastina.

If you try this recipe or one of its variations in your own kitchen, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below or by DMing me. (And if you have a secret family method for your version of pastina, please, please, please tell me all about it.)

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (16)

Ross Yoder

This Viral 10-Minute Pastina Recipe Is The Ultimate Soup Season Comfort Meal, And It Couldn't Be Easier To Make (2024)

FAQs

Why does pastina make me feel better? ›

Warmth: Consuming warm foods like pastina can soothe the throat and warm the body, providing a comforting sensation that can help you relax and feel better. Easy Italian Chicken Pastina Soup is made with homemade chicken broth and tiny pasta stars.

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.

Is pastina good for you? ›

If you have not yet tried Pastina, you are missing out on the ultimate Italian comfort food. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, satisfying, and comforting.

What is Italian comfort food when sick? ›

Pastina is a symbol of comfort food in Italy, especially served when someone is unwell. It's used to make cozy simple dishes such as being cooked in a light broth called “brodo” in Italian, along with being added to soups, baby food and salads.

Why do I feel bad after eating pasta? ›

You may have a gluten intolerance if you get sick after eating gluten, a type of protein. You might feel tired, nauseous or bloated. Another name for gluten intolerance is non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

Is pastina good for a sore throat? ›

Made with simple ingredients, it's healthy & nutrient-dense which makes it great for when your feeling less than 100%. It's soothing on a sore throat and for picky eaters too (pureed veggies make it great for veggie averse kids).

Is orzo like pastina? ›

The main difference between orzo and pastina is their shape and size. Orzo is rice-shaped and larger, while pastina is star-shaped and very small. Additionally, orzo is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, while pastina is often used in Italian cuisine.

What is the best meal to eat when sick? ›

Choose bland carbohydrates like plain rice, toast, crackers, or pretzels when your stomach feels queasy. These low-fiber options provide gentle nourishment while minimizing irritation. Ginger. Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to calm an upset stomach.

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

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.

Is pastina good for diarrhea? ›

Although the acronym stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—some pastina with butter fits in also. The brat diet is ideal for smaller children or those experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This very simple pastina with butter is also just very cozy on a winter snowy day as well.

What do Italians say when they like food? ›

Che buono/a! is the first and most important compliment you can say about any dish.

Why is pastina soup good for you? ›

Pastina's warm broth soothes the throat and hydrates the fevered body; the garlic is believed to support immunity. But Granny did not use a lot of garlic. The stereotypical Italian eats massive quantities of garlic. European Italians, however, are very restrained in their use of most seasonings, including garlic.

Why does pasta give you energy? ›

Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow release of energy. Unlike simple sugars that offer a quick, yet fleeting boost of energy, pasta helps sustain energy. LOW SODIUM & CHOLESTEROL-FREE: Pasta is very low in sodium and cholesterol-free.

How does pasta affect your mood? ›

Pasta can potentially boost serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to regulate mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Carbohydrates, including pasta, help increase serotonin levels which may indirectly contribute to feeling happier.

Does pasta give you energy or make you tired? ›

However, not all carbs are created equal. Chowing down on processed white bread, pasta and rice will leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Why? High carbohydrate containing foods such as these boost the production of a neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which can make us feel content and sleepy.

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