Pastina Pasta: Made for Babies. Perfect for Grown-Ups.
Recipes in this Video
Pastina, meaning 'little pasta' in Italian, is a beloved comfort food often served to children and those feeling under the weather. This simple dish is a staple in many Italian households, known for its ease of preparation and soothing qualities. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil or butter and a sprinkle of cheese, making it a versatile meal that can be customized with various herbs or vegetables. Today, pastina is cherished worldwide, often appearing in recipes that highlight its comforting nature.
Ingredients
- ●pastina
- ●water
- ●salt
- ●olive oil
- ●butter
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●black pepper
- ●fresh herbs
Instructions
- 1Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
- 2Add salt to the boiling water.
- 3Stir in pastina and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Drain the pastina, reserving a bit of the cooking water.
- 5Return the pastina to the pot.
- 6Add olive oil and butter, stirring until melted and combined.
- 7Mix in grated parmesan cheese until creamy.
- 8Season with black pepper to taste.
- 9Add chopped fresh herbs for garnish.
- 10Serve warm, optionally with more cheese on top.
Ingredient Alternatives
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil reduces saturated fat while adding flavor.
parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated pecorino
Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and dairy-free.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Italian pasta has a rich history, originating from ancient times when it was made from durum wheat. It holds a central place in Italian cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and ability to pair with various sauces and ingredients. Traditionally served during family meals and festive occasions, pasta has evolved into countless regional variations, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
Ingredients
- ●pasta
- ●olive oil
- ●garlic
- ●onion
- ●tomato
- ●basil
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●red pepper flakes
- ●vegetables
- ●ground meat
- ●cream
- ●wine
- ●lemon
Instructions
- 1Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
- 2Add salt to the boiling water.
- 3Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- 4In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 5Add chopped garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- 6Add diced tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 7Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and black pepper.
- 8If using, add ground meat and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 9For a creamy sauce, add cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- 10Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
- 11Finish with grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
- 12Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest.
Ingredient Alternatives
parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated cheese blend
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.
cream
Healthier: coconut cream
Cheaper: milk
Coconut cream offers richness while being dairy-free.
ground meat
Healthier: plant-based meat
Cheaper: lentils
Lentils are a budget-friendly protein alternative.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 cup pastina
- ●4 cups whole milk
- ●1/4 cup sugar
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- ●1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 2Add the pastina to the simmering milk and stir well to prevent sticking.
- 3Add the sugar and salt, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pastina is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- 6Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- 7Serve warm in bowls, optionally garnished with additional cheese.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●1 cup pastina
- ●2 cups water
- ●1/4 cup olive oil
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ●1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- ●1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- 2Add the pastina to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3While the pastina is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 4Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 5Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 6Let the tomato sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 7Once the pastina is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- 8Toss the pastina in the sauce until well coated.
- 9Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- 10Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●1 cup pastina
- ●4 cups water
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ●1/2 cup cream cheese
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
- ●1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- 2Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the boiling water.
- 3Stir in 1 cup of pastina and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Once cooked, drain the pastina and return it to the pot.
- 5Add 1/2 cup of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the pot with the pastina.
- 6Stir well until the cheeses are melted and evenly distributed.
- 7Drizzle in 1 tbsp of olive oil and mix thoroughly.
- 8Season with 1/4 tsp of black pepper and adjust salt if necessary.
- 9If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- 10Serve warm.
Equipment
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