Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pastina Recipe
A simple and comforting Italian dish featuring tiny pasta called pastina, cooked tenderly in flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, enhanced with garlic-infused olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh parsley. Perfect as a quick meal or soothing comfort food.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pastina and Broth
- 1 cup pastina (small pasta)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasoning and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pastina: Add the pastina to the boiling broth and stir gently to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the pastina is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the garlic and olive oil mixture along with salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the pastina hot as a light meal or comforting side dish. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a little butter or cream at the end.
- Pastina cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan offers better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor twist.
Keywords: pastina, small pasta, Italian pasta soup, quick pasta recipe, garlic pasta, Parmesan pasta, comfort food, easy Italian meal
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pastina-recipe/
