Creamy Italian Pastina Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Italian Pastina is the ultimate comfort food, especially beloved by Italian families. This cozy, simple dish is made with tiny star-shaped pasta, rich butter, creamy cheese, and often a splash of milk or broth. It’s warming, nostalgic, and perfect for kids, cold days, or anyone in need of a soothing, satisfying meal.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pastina pasta (stelline or other tiny pasta shapes)unsalted butterwhole milk or chicken brothgrated Parmesan or Pecorino cheeseeggsaltblack pepper

directions

Bring a pot of salted water or broth to a boil.

Add the pastina and cook according to package directions, usually 5-6 minutes, until tender.

Drain most of the liquid, leaving a small amount to help create a creamy base.

Lower the heat and stir in butter until melted.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then quickly stir it into the warm pasta to thicken and coat the noodles.

Pour in milk (or a bit more broth) and mix until the mixture becomes creamy.

Stir in grated cheese until melted and smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve warm, with extra cheese on top if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2-3 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for more depth.

Use cream instead of milk for a richer version.

Stir in peas, chopped spinach, or cooked carrots for extra nutrition.

Top with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Use veggie broth for a vegetarian option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pastina in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What is pastina?

Pastina means “little pasta” in Italian, often in the shape of tiny stars or dots.

Can I make this without egg?

Yes, simply skip the egg and use more milk and cheese for creaminess.

Is it safe to add raw egg?

Yes, the heat from the pasta cooks the egg quickly when stirred in right away.

What cheese works best?

Parmesan, Pecorino, or even a mix of Italian cheeses works beautifully.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, use any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or ditalini.

Can I add meat?

Sure—crumbled cooked sausage or diced ham makes it heartier.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, it’s soft, mild, and easy to digest—perfect for little ones.

Can I freeze pastina?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with added liquid to restore the texture.

Why is it clumpy after reheating?

Just add a splash of milk or broth and stir to loosen it up.

Is it considered a soup or pasta?

It’s often served as a creamy in-between—comforting like soup but eaten with a spoon like soft pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Pastina is a timeless dish that brings warmth, simplicity, and comfort to the table. Whether you’re making it for a child, a sick day, or just to indulge in some cozy nostalgia, this quick and creamy recipe is always a welcome bowl of love.

Print