Ingredients
Pastina
- ¾ cup (4oz / 120g) stelline pastina
Broth & Seasoning
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a small pot, pour in the vegetable broth and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place the pot over medium-high heat with the lid on and bring it quickly to a boil.
- Cook the pastina: Once the broth is boiling, add the stelline pastina and stir thoroughly into the broth. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent clumping or sticking. Cook until the pastina is al dente, usually about 5 to 8 minutes depending on package instructions.
- Finish the dish: After the pastina is cooked, turn off the heat and immediately stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese along with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken and create a creamy, comforting consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy pastina into bowls and garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil, additional Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Italian comfort food!
Notes
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Continuous stirring after adding cheese helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Stelline pastina is small star-shaped pasta; other small shapes can be substituted.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- This dish is perfect for a quick meal or soothing comfort food.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
