Pastina Recipe

Italian Penicillin in a Bowl

There’s a reason pastina is known as “Italian penicillin.” This humble dish has soothed generations, and in my family, it’s more than just food—it’s love in its purest form.

My Noni made pastina for me when I was little. On the days I was home from school, whether I had a cold, a scraped knee, or just needed comfort, she would stand over the stove, stirring gently, creating something magical from the simplest ingredients. – forever etched in my memory. I made it for my daughters as they were growing up, continuing a tradition that spans generations.

It’s amazing how something so simple—tiny pasta, broth, egg, and cheese—can feel like everything you need in a bowl. It’s warmth, it’s a memory, and it feels like home – all year long.

I love this recipe so much that I included it in my cookbook, ‘MaMa Mia Cucina’, because some recipes aren’t just meant to be made—they’re meant to be passed down. I have often referred to this as ‘Noni’s get-well soup’.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for when you’re sick, tired, or just need something soothing.
• Made with pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime.
• Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Gentle, nourishing, and easy to digest—great for kids and adults alike.
• A timeless family recipe that connects generations through food.

About the Ingredients

This recipe is what I refer to as ‘simple food’ built on simplicity, and every ingredient plays a very important role.

• Pastina: These tiny pasta stars (or grains) cook quickly and create that signature soft, comforting texture.
• Chicken Broth: The heart of the dish, adding warmth and depth of flavor. Homemade is wonderful, but a good-quality store-bought broth works well if that’s what you have available to you.
• Egg: Whisked in at the end, it creates a silky, rich consistency that makes the dish extra comforting.
• Parmesan Cheese or Romano Cheese: Freshly grated – Adds saltiness and a nutty, savory depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Garlic powder is an optional ingredient: It adds extra flavor and garlic is good for you!

Personal Chef Tips:

• What is Pastina?
  Pastina is tiny Italian pasta, often used in soups and comfort dishes, a wonderful little pasta for children or when feeling under the weather.
• Can I make Pastina without egg?
  Yes, you can skip the egg for a lighter version. You can skip the egg and cheese and simply toss with butter.
• How do you store leftover Pastina?
  Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add extra broth when reheating, as it thickens.

Pastina (little star pasta)

What Tools You Will Need

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic kitchen essentials:

Pastina Recipe

2 cups chicken broth

½ cup pastina

1 large egg, beaten

¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

½ teaspoon salt

black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon butter

¼ teaspoon garlic powder, optional

In a small saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, adding pastina and salt. Cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes. While the pastina is cooking, beat the egg in a small bowl adding in the grated cheese (and garlic powder) until well-combined.

Once the Pastina is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the egg mixture continuously for a minute – the egg will cook in the broth. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with black pepper. Serve.