TikTok Pastina Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This post contains affiliate links for which I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

This TikTok Pastina recipe is going viral because it is pure comfort food. It is creamy, buttery, cheesy and so easy to make.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (1)

Also know as the "Italian Penicillin", this recipe is what Italian grandmothers make when someone is sick.

This pasta is cooked in delicious chicken broth and it is said to make you feel better when you are under the weather.

What is Pastina

The word Pastina translates to "tiny pasta". It comes in lots of different shapes such as the Steline (little stars) or acini di Peppe (little peppercorns).

Pastina is the term referring to pasta the is smaller than 1-2mm in diameter.

This tiny pasta shapes are commonly used in beloved Italian soups like the famous Italian Wedding Soup.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (2)

These pastinas are very versatile and can be used in cold pasta salads, soups and it can replace ingredients like barley or couscous.

When I visited Italy and tried this pastina, it totally reminded me of a creamy Mac and cheese!

Why you will love this recipe

This recipe is pure nostalgia for people who grew up in an Italian household.

This pastina recipe is a childhood favorite of many as this pasta is one of the first solid foods for babies.

This recipe is like a warm hug. It is creamy, cheesy and buttery. It is easy to make and comes together quickly.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (3)

Ingredients for Pastina

For this recipe you only need 5 ingredients. Most of the ingredients are pantry and household staples.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (4)
  • Pastina: It comes in several shapes and names. The most commonly used are Steline (tiny stars) and Acini di Peppe (Tiny peppercorns). If you can't find those, Orzo is a good substitute but cooking time will vary.
  • Chicken broth: The base of this pastina is chicken broth, it gives it nice flavor and saltiness and if you happen to be under the weather, it will help you feel better.
  • Parmesan cheese: I always grate my own parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Egg: The lightly beaten egg is going to give this pastina its creamy texture.
  • Butter: A pat of butter added to the pastina is known in Italian as "mantecare" or to add fat. This will make your pastina silky and creamy without any cream!
  • Pepper: This is optional but it amplifies the parmesan flavor and rounds up the dish really nicely.

Step by step instructions.

This tiny pasta shapes cook really quickly. The secret to a perfect pastina is all in the ratio of liquid to pasta and the egg technique I will explain below.

Cook the pastina al dente

In a medium sauce pan, add the chicken broth and the pasta. I love to use this enameled sauce pan because it prevents the tiny pasta from sticking to the bottom.

If you don't have an enameled sauce pan, be sure to keep stirring the pastina with a wooden spoon.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (5)

Beat the egg and parmesan

In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg and the grated Parmesan cheese.

Make sure to use a fine microplane as this will prevent the cheese from clumping in the pasta.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (6)

Add the egg to the pastina

When the pastina is cooked al dente, remove from the heat. Add the egg mixture while whisking vigorously to avoid the egg from "cooking".

The pasta will still be hot and this will make the egg safe to eat.

Add a pat of butter to the pasta

Adding butter at the end of the cooking process is called "mantecare" or to add fat. It makes the pasta silky and creamy without having to use cream.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (7)

Serve and enjoy

To serve the pasta, add more shaved parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pepper.

What to serve with Pastina

This Pastina can be served on its own! Adding the egg and parmesan cheese packs plenty of protein into this pasta dish.

If you want to add a side of roasted broccoli, peas or cooked spinach you will have a complete balanced meal.

Storage, reheating and freezing instructions

If you have any leftover pastina, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The best way to reheat this pastina is over the stove top. Since this pasta has egg the best way to avoid the egg curdling in the pasta is to use low heat.

To reheat the pastina, add a splash of water or more chicken broth and cook over low heat until heated thru.

Where to buy Pastina

This tiny pastas can be found at most super markets. Target sells this star shape pasta.
If you are unable to find tiny pasta at your local super market, an Italian grocer is your best bet. Most Italian delis carry a selection of imported pastas and I've always found acini di Peppe in stock.

Can I make pastina with Orzo?

Although orzo is a small pasta is not considered a "pastina" per se. However you could use orzo in this recipe, just note that the broth to pasta ratio is different. If using orzo, cook according to package instructions.

TikTok Pastina Recipe (8)

TikTok Pastina Recipe

Isabel

This TikTok Pastina recipe is going viral because it is pure comfort food. It is creamy, buttery, cheesy and so easy to make.

5 from 19 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 308 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Acini di peppe Or any tiny pasta shape.
  • 1 ½ cups Chicken broth
  • cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • Pepper to taste Optional

Instructions

  • In a sauce pan add the chicken broth and the pasta.

    ½ cup Acini di peppe, 1 ½ cups Chicken broth

  • Cook the pasta over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and pasta is al dente.

  • In a bowl, whisk the egg and parmesan cheese until you get an uniform paste.

    ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 Egg

  • Remove the pasta from the heat and use a whisk to stir the pasta as you add the egg mixture.

  • Add the butter and keep stirring until it has dissolved.

    1 tablespoon Butter

  • Sprinkle more parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

    Pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 15gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 997mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 427IUCalcium: 218mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Pastina

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

TikTok Pastina Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are you supposed to drain pastina? ›

Are You Supposed to Drain Pastina? No. Traditionally pastina is cooked with just enough liquid as to absorb most of it but have some remaining in the pot. It makes sense, since the liquid is so often a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth - see the en brodo pastina recipe listed below as an example.

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

Does anyone else make pastina? ›

The good news is several other brands still manufacture pastina and sell it in the States. Barilla, Colavita, San Giorgio, and Target's private label Good & Gather all make versions of pastina that are still available.

What is so special about pastina? ›

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.

Why is pastina no longer available? ›

We searched extensively for an alternative solution but were unable to identify a viable option to make Pastina in the same beloved small shape, size and standards you have come to expect from Ronzoni. As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to discontinue this product.”

Why should you not drain pasta in the sink? ›

There's another benefit of using pasta water: By not rinsing your pasta, you're keeping a nice coating of starch that'll bind the pasta itself to the sauce, creating yet even more harmony on your plate. (Some people also claim pasta water makes your dish more flavorful, but that's for super refined palates.)

Will Barilla continue to make pastina? ›

Did barilla discontinue pastina? Barilla has not discontinued pastina. While Ronzoni, another popular pasta brand, has indeed discontinued their pastina, Barilla continues to produce and offer pastina to its customers .

Is Barilla Pastina the same as Ronzoni Pastina? ›

Pastina is made by other companies, notably Barilla, but based on the public reaction to the news, Ronzoni's appears particularly beloved. Its shape is also unique; it has slightly rounded edges, resembling a miniature flower.

Is orzo considered pastina? ›

Yes, orzo is a pastina pasta, which translates to "little pasta." Pastina pasta are typically thought of as pasta shapes for soups. Orzo, also called risoni, is one of the smaller pastas available, along with ditaloni, grattini, risi, midolline and corallini.

Is pastina unhealthy? ›

When eaten in moderation, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. Whole-grain pasta may be a better choice for many, as it is lower in calories and carbs but higher in fiber and nutrients. However, in addition to the type of pasta you pick, what you top it with is just as important.

Is acini de pepe the same as pastina? ›

Acini di pepe then translates into 'seeds of a pepper'. They were and are known as a symbol of fertility, which is why they are used in Italian wedding soup. They are also sometimes referred to as pastina (Italian for 'tiny dough'); however, some pasta makers distinguish pastina as smaller than acini di pepe.

What pasta is close to pastina? ›

Orzo: Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like grains of rice, but slightly larger than pastina. It is commonly used in soups and salads. Acini di pepe: Acini di pepe is a small, round pasta that is about the same size as pastina. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and pasta salads.

What can I use if I don't have pastina? ›

If you can't find pastina pasta or stelline pasta (I've seen it at Target but also bought it online), you can use any little pasta such as orzo, acini de pepe, alphabet pasta, ditalini, small shells, or even Israeli couscous (this may require a different amount of broth or different cooking time; I have not tested this ...

What does pastina mean in Italian? ›

Pastina is an Italian word that translates to tiny pasta. It can come in a variety of shapes from little circles to little stars.

Should you drain pasta before cooking? ›

Quickly and loosely drain the pasta into a colander in the sink. Noodles should still be wet. Do not rinse the pasta, though. The starch in the water is what helps the sauce adhere to your pasta.

Should you drain ravioli? ›

After the ravioli are done cooking, carefully and gently lift the ravioli from the water with a large strainer or slotted spoon. Then prepare a serving dish with your favorite sauce and begin to add to the bottom, layering the ravioli with the sauce.

How do you strain pastina without a strainer? ›

  1. Straining pasta without a strainer can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. ...
  2. Use a Slotted Spoon.
  3. A slotted spoon is a handy tool that allows you to scoop the pasta out of the pot while leaving the water behind. ...
  4. Use the Lid of the Pot.
  5. Using the pot's lid is a common and effective method. ...
  6. Tongs or Forks.
Mar 27, 2021

Do you drain tortellini? ›

Add the tortellini to the pot and bring the water back to a boil. Cook according to the package directions. Drain and top with butter, sauce or add to your favorite recipes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6459

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.