Hi friends, I’m Jacob Allen from Beyond The Bayou Blog, your friendly food enthusiast! Today, I am sharing classic Pastina Recipe that is everyone’s favourite food to eat.
There’s something about the simplicity of small pasta, broth, and Parmesan cheese coming together to create this comforting dish. As I was stirring the pot, the savory flavors and comforting texture were coming in my mind.
That experience inspired me to perfect my own pastina recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Let’s cook and savor a little taste of Italy together!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
1. Quick and Easy: This pastina recipe is perfect for busy days because it’s super simple and takes less than 10 minutes to make.
2. Nourishing: Packed with pasta, veggies, broth, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is healthy, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
3. Versatile: Whether you need comfort food when you’re under the weather or a comforting dinner, pastina is a flexible dish that always hits the spot like a warm hug.
4. Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cute and fun shapes of pastina pasta, making it irresistible to them.
Overview: How to Make Pastina Recipe?
Chicken Marsala is a classic dish known for its simplicity and rich flavor. It starts by coating chicken breasts in seasoned flour, which creates a golden crust and thickens the sauce later. Cooking the chicken in olive oil until golden brown ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The Marsala wine sauce is the highlight of this dish. Sautéing shallots and garlic in the same skillet adds depth, while deglazing with Marsala wine infuses sweet and nutty flavors. Adding chicken broth and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Simmering everything together allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a mouthwatering Chicken Marsala that’s sure to become a favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes or polenta and veggies for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Pastina Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the pastina to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
- Once the pastina is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding cooked vegetables, shredded chicken, or cooked beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your taste preference for a cheesier or milder flavor.
Nutrition
Time For My Personal Tips!
Tip 1: I always make sure to use good quality Parmesan cheese for this recipe—it really makes a difference in flavor. Grate it fresh if you can, as pre-grated cheese might not melt as smoothly.
Tip 2: To add an extra depth of flavor, sometimes I substitute half of the broth with a good-quality homemade stock. It elevates the taste and makes the dish even heartier.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Try adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of freshness. It’s all about making it your own!
What To Serve With Pastina Recipe?
Variations in Pasta’s Shape And Size
While I love using pastina for its small size and quick cooking time, you can definitely experiment with other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You Can Also Make Vegetarian Pastina Recipe!
Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this dish. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Prevent Sticking in Pastina Recipe
To stop the Pastina from sticking together, make sure to stir it occasionally while it’s cooking in the broth. Adding a drizzle of olive oil when serving will also help keep it from sticking and make it extra tasty.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Perfect Pastina Recipe
- Store any leftover Pastina in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To reheat, warm the Pastina in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth over medium heat. Cover with a lid and stir occasionally until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the Pastina in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to the bowl and microwave for a few minutes until warmed up.
- I wouldn’t recommend freezing this Pastina recipe because the texture may not be as good when thawed and reheated.
Where I can Find Pastina?
You can find pastina in most supermarkets, typically in the pasta aisle. Additionally, Italian supermarkets and specialty grocers usually offer a wide variety of pastina products and shapes.