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Creamy, Easy Pastina Recipe

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Creamy, Easy Pastina is a cozy Italian-inspired comfort dish made with tiny pasta cooked in flavorful broth and finished with egg, butter, and Parmesan. It is silky, satisfying, and ready in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastina or other tiny pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Extra Parmesan, for serving
  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the pastina and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook according to the package directions, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  3. While the pastina cooks, crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
  4. When the pastina is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low, leaving a little cooking liquid in the pan for a creamy consistency.
  5. Slowly stir the beaten egg into the hot pastina while stirring constantly. Cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes, until the egg is fully cooked and incorporated without forming large pieces.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and grated Parmesan.
  7. Continue stirring until the butter and Parmesan melt and the pastina is creamy and glossy.
  8. Season with freshly ground black pepper and taste before adding salt, since the broth and Parmesan may already be salty.
  9. Spoon into bowls and serve immediately with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For egg-free pastina, omit the egg and add a little extra butter and Parmesan for richness.
  • For an extra-creamy consistency, stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk at the end.
  • Add finely chopped baby spinach during the final few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
  • Fresh lemon zest can be added before serving for a brighter flavor.
  • Stir in finely shredded cooked chicken near the end of cooking for a more substantial meal.
  • Finely diced carrots, peas, or zucchini can be added, but cut them small enough to cook quickly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • When reheating, add broth or milk and warm gently, stirring frequently, to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Freezing is not recommended because the tiny pasta can become overly soft and the creamy texture may change after thawing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-easy-pastina-recipe/