A Quick and Easy Pastina is truly one of the world’s best comfort foods. I will forever keep this recipe in my back pocket for when someone in my family is under the weather or for when we just need something comforting. Pastina is simple and flavorful and comes together in no time. Make it just once and it will be on permanent request!
Pastina is also lovingly called Italian Penicillin, and for good reason. It’s like an Italian take on chicken noodle soup. It’s good for the soul and the belly.
Let’s get started!
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why make quick and easy pastina?
Pastina, oh how I love thee. For many, many reasons. First and foremost, its a one pot meal. We are all busy with life and kids and all the things. Who needs another pot to wash? Not this girl, I can assure you.
Another fantastic reason to love pastina? It taste LESS THAN 30 MINUTES to make. So if you have people that are under the weather or you just want pure comfort food bliss, you can have it in no time.
And, finally, pastina is the ultimate comfort food. I will forever keep all the ingredients needed to make this on hand. If you feel less than, pastina. Don’t know what to make for picky kids? Pastina. And if you just want to feel warm and cozy and taste something that will be forever wonderful, pastina. Pastina is the answer.
quick and easy pastina ingredients
- Pastina
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken Bone Broth
- Turmeric
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Butter
- Parmesan Cheese
- Egg
- Fresh Parsley
- Lemon
how to make pastina
My quick and easy pastina is so simple and so quick, that there is little to explain so hold on to your knickers. To begin, I sauté onion, carrot, garlic, and celery in a little bit of butter until they begin to soften. I am forever trying to get any extra vegetables into my kids as I can. You can skip this part if you would like.
Once the veggies begin to soften, I add the bone broth, turmeric, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. The turmeric is for its anti-inflammatory properties and fresh ground pepper lets your body absorb it more readily. Continue to cook the broth until it starts to simmer. Add the pastina (or orzo) and cook until just al dente.
Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and extra butter.
For extra protein and creaminess, I like to add an egg. I like to whisk the egg thoroughly before I add it. Then, slowly stir it in while continuously stirring the pastina at the same time. Add a little fresh parsley (it’s full of vitamins and minerals) and a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!
recipe frequently asked questions
You do not have to use bone broth for this pastina recipe. You can even use just water or bouillon if you would like. However, bone broth has many healing properties and if you’re making pastina for someone who is under the weather, I recommend it 100%.
As of yet, I have not found pastina in my local grocery stores. I have to order it. However, orzo is a fantastic substitution that can easily be found. You just want to use a pasta that is very small for this recipe.
Yes, you can! All you need to do is use a small gluten-free pasta.
Yep! All you need to do to keep this recipe dairy-free is omit the butter and parmesan cheese. I would just sub out the butter for avocado oil. As for the parmesan, nutritional yeast is a great option for substitution!
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Quick and Easy Pastina aka Italian Penicillin
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup carrot, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup pastina or other small pasta like orzo
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, thoroughly whisked optional
Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in 2 tbsp butter until they begin to soften. Add the garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant – 2-3 minutes.
- Add the bone broth, turmeric, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Continue to heat the broth until it starts to simmer. Add the pastina (or orzo) and cook until just al dente.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and extra 2 tbsp butter.
- Let the pastina cool for 4-5 minutes. Then, slowly stir it in the optional egg while continuously stirring the pastina at the same time. Add a little fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. I always top with a extra parm.
- Enjoy!
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Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Pastina recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
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If you guys make this Pastina Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
This is the perfect comfort food recipe! We absolutely love it!
Thank you so much!
Our whole family loves this recipe! It is true comfort food in a bowl. Yummmmmmmo!!!!
Thank you soooooo much!
It’s like a hug from your best friend in a bowl!
Thank you, Brenda!
Excellent!
Tastes as good as it looks!
Thank you so much! So glad you like it!
My first time making pastina and it is sooooo good! I didn’t have lemon so I made it without. Still delish.
I am so glad you liked it, Cindy! Thank you so very much for letting me know. That made my day!