10+ Pastina Recipes for Comforting Meals

10+ Pastina Recipes for Comforting Meals

Pastina is a small pasta that can be used in many comforting recipes. This versatile ingredient is perfect for quick meals, making it a favorite for families and busy individuals alike.

Whether you are looking for a warm bowl of soup or a simple side dish, pastina recipes can offer a delicious solution.

A pot of boiling water with pastina pasta cooking inside, steam rising, with a spoon stirring the pasta. A bowl of grated cheese and a pepper shaker sit nearby

You can enjoy pastina in various ways, adapting it to your taste preferences. It pairs well with broth, vegetables, and cheeses, allowing you to create hearty and satisfying meals in no time.

Exploring pastina recipes will give you plenty of ideas to bring this cozy dish into your kitchen.

1) Creamy Chicken Pastina Soup

A steaming pot of creamy chicken pastina soup surrounded by fresh ingredients and a rustic ladle

Creamy Chicken Pastina Soup is perfect for a comforting meal. It combines tender chicken, small pasta, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. You’ll enjoy the soothing flavors in every spoonful.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a little olive oil. Add your chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink. Then, toss in diced carrots and celery for that classic soup taste.

Next, stir in chicken broth and let it simmer. Once the veggies are tender, include the pastina. Cook until the pasta is soft and then add cream for that creamy texture.

You can season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. This soup is sure to warm you up!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup pastina pasta
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add shredded chicken and cook until no longer pink.
  4. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add pastina and cook until soft.
  7. Mix in cream and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot.

2) Garlic and Parmesan Pastina

A steaming bowl of pastina topped with grated Parmesan and minced garlic, surrounded by fresh herbs and a rustic wooden spoon

Garlic and Parmesan Pastina is a simple and delicious dish. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal. The flavors of garlic and cheese blend nicely with the tiny pasta.

Start by cooking the pastina in boiling water until tender. While it cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the sautéed garlic. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

Feel free to add a little salt and pepper to taste. Serve this warm, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of pasta ready in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water in a pot and cook the pastina according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Drain the pastina and mix it into the pan with garlic.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

3) Vegetable Pastina Risotto

A pot of vegetable pastina risotto simmers on a stovetop, surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Vegetable Pastina Risotto is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can use tiny pasta, like pastina, for a creamy texture. This dish is perfect as a side or a light meal.

Start with vegetable broth and sauté your favorite vegetables. Onions, carrots, and peas work well. Add pastina when the vegetables are tender, and let it cook until it absorbs the broth.

Stir in some grated cheese for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy the warmth this dish brings!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (like Parmesan)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
  2. Sauté onion and carrot until soft.
  3. Add peas and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Stir in the pastina and simmer for about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Add cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well and serve.

4) Spinach and Cheese Pastina Bake

A bubbling casserole dish of spinach and cheese pastina bake sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of grated cheese

This Spinach and Cheese Pastina Bake is a delicious meal that’s simple to make. You’ll love the creamy mix of pastina, cheese, and fresh spinach. It combines comfort and flavor in one dish.

Start by cooking the pastina until it’s tender. Then, mix it with cheeses and pesto for extra flavor. Layer in spinach and cover everything with a rich tomato sauce.

Bake it all together for a warm, inviting dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

  • 1 box (12 ounces) pastina
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup pesto
  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook pastina according to package instructions.
  3. In a bowl, mix pastina, ricotta, spinach, and pesto.
  4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
  5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  6. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5) Sausage and Tomato Pastina

A steaming pot of pastina with sausage and tomato sauce, surrounded by scattered ingredients and cooking utensils on a kitchen counter

Sausage and tomato pastina is a comforting dish that’s quick to make. It combines the rich flavors of sausage with the freshness of tomatoes. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start by browning your favorite sausage in a pot. Once it’s cooked through, add diced tomatoes and some garlic. Let this mixture simmer to bring out the flavors.

Next, stir in cooked pastina until everything is well combined. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sausage (Italian or your choice)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pastina
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced tomatoes and garlic; simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Cook pastina according to package instructions.
  4. Stir cooked pastina into the sausage and tomato mixture.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

6) Lemon Herb Pastina with Asparagus

A steaming bowl of lemon herb pastina with asparagus, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils on a rustic kitchen counter

Lemon Herb Pastina with Asparagus is a light and refreshing dish. It combines the delicate flavors of fresh herbs and lemon with tender pasta and crisp asparagus.

To start, cook your pastina until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, sauté asparagus in olive oil until it’s bright green and slightly tender.

Once the pastina and asparagus are ready, mix them together in a bowl. Add lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve it warm and enjoy the freshness!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 1 cup asparagus, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pastina in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Drain pastina and mix with asparagus.
  5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and herbs.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

7) Pastina with Roasted Red Peppers

A steaming bowl of pastina mixed with roasted red peppers sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves

Pastina with roasted red peppers is a comforting and easy dish. The small pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with a rich, flavorful sauce. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky taste.

You will need some basic ingredients for this recipe. Combine roasted red peppers with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs. The creamy texture and vibrant color make it visually appealing.

To cook, start by boiling your pastina in salted water. Once it’s tender, toss it with the roasted red pepper sauce. You can top it with grated cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water in a pot and add salt.
  2. Cook pastina for 3-5 minutes until tender.
  3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add roasted red peppers and mix well.
  5. Drain pastina and combine it with the sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.

8) Mushroom and Herb Pastina

A steaming bowl of mushroom and herb pastina on a rustic wooden table

Mushroom and herb pastina is a simple yet flavorful dish. You can easily prepare it for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of mushrooms and fresh herbs enhances the taste of the tiny pasta.

Start by sautéing your favorite mushrooms in olive oil. Add garlic and shallots for extra flavor. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and golden.

Next, combine the cooked pastina with the mushroom mixture. Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a bright touch. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese for creaminess.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4-6 oz mushrooms, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pastina according to package instructions.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
  3. Add garlic and shallots; cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until tender.
  5. Drain the pastina and mix it with the mushroom blend.
  6. Add herbs, salt, and pepper.
  7. Serve with grated cheese if desired.

9) Pastina with Pesto and Pine Nuts

A bowl of pastina with vibrant green pesto, topped with golden pine nuts, sits on a rustic wooden table

Pasta is a comforting dish, and pastina adds a lovely twist. Combine it with pesto and pine nuts for a tasty treat. This dish is simple and quick to prepare.

Start by cooking the pastina in boiling salted water. Cook it until it’s tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain and set aside.

Next, mix your pesto with the warm pastina. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto, whichever you prefer. The warmth of the pasta will help release those delicious flavors.

Sprinkle pine nuts on top for added crunch. You can lightly toast them in a pan for extra flavor. Serve your dish warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil salted water in a pot.
  2. Cook the pastina for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain the pastina and return it to the pot.
  4. Mix in the pesto thoroughly.
  5. Toast pine nuts in a pan (optional).
  6. Top the dish with pine nuts and serve warm.

10) Baked Pastina Casserole with Mozzarella

A bubbling casserole dish of baked pastina topped with melted mozzarella cheese, surrounded by fresh herbs and spices

Baked pastina casserole with mozzarella is a comforting dish that combines small pasta with creamy cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.

Start by cooking the pastina until it’s tender. Then mix it with cooked chicken, canned tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Stir in mozzarella for an extra cheesy goodness.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook the pastina according to package instructions.

  3. In a large bowl, combine the pastina, chicken, tomatoes, parsley, and mozzarella.

  4. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

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