Pastina

15-20 Minutes

Onion, garlic bulbs, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and green herbs arranged on a white background.

Ingredients

1 pound (16 oz) Pastina (like Stelline or Acini di Pepe)

1 cube chicken bouillon 

4 medium Eggs

1 cup (about 3-4 oz) Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for serving)

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Light beige cooking pot with a black lid knob and gray handles on each side.

Cooking Guide

  • In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.
  • Once water is boiling, add bouillon cube and pastina to water. You can also add a pinch of salt (be mindful of the saltiness of your broth) and cook according to time on package directions
  • While pastina is cooking, mix eggs with a touch of salt and pepper (not scrambled, but mixed together still with some texture)
  • When pastina is about ¾ way done cooking, add egg mixture directly into the pot and stir.
  • Finish cooking, remove from heat, and stir in parmesan to create a creamy, rich dish
  • Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: The quality of the cheese makes a huge difference. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano will melt much better and provide superior flavor than pre-grated options.

Add a Pat of Butter: Stirring in a tablespoon of unsalted or salted butter after the pastina is cooked It adds richness, silkiness, and incredible depth of flavor.

Try a Parmesan Rind: If you have one, simmer a Parmesan rind in the broth while the pastina cooks. Remove it before serving—it adds a deep, savory, umami flavor.