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What is pastina?

Pastina is one of those delightful little gems in the world of pasta. It’s actually the smallest type of pasta you can find, and its tiny, star-shaped pieces are a real favorite, especially among kids. Often used in soups and broths, pastina cooks up super quickly and is known for being easy to eat and digest, making it a go-to for comforting meals, like when you need something soothing when you're not feeling well. Plus, you can dress it up with just a bit of butter and cheese for a simple, yet tasty dish. So, whether you're whipping up a light soup or just need a little bowl of comfort, pastina is a lovely choice!

The origin of pastina and it’s brief history

Pastina, which literally means "little pasta,” has its roots in Italian cuisine. It's the smallest form of pasta available and traditionally made from wheat flour and water. This pasta has been warming souls and bellies for generations, often served as one of the first solid foods to babies, or enjoyed as a soothing meal by those feeling under the weather.

The origins of pastina can be traced back to Italy, where pasta itself has a rich and storied heritage that dates back to at least the 12th century. Over the centuries, Italian pasta makers began to create a variety of shapes and sizes of pasta, each with its own unique name and purpose. Pastina emerged as the perfect solution for lighter, broth-based soups due to its tiny size, which allowed it to be easily swallowed without chewing – ideal for the very young, the elderly, and anyone in between.

In traditional Italian households, pastina often appears in simple yet nourishing dishes. It is typically cooked in a clear broth and sometimes enriched with a bit of butter or grated Parmesan cheese. This combination not only provides a comforting meal but also offers a gentle way to ease into eating solid foods.

As Italian immigrants traveled and settled around the globe, they brought their love for pasta, including pastina, with them. It didn’t take long for pastina to find its way into the hearts of people worldwide, becoming a pantry staple for its versatility and the comfort it provides.

Today, pastina remains a symbol of comfort food in many cultures, not just in Italy. It's celebrated for its ability to absorb flavors and its quick cooking time, making it a go-to choice for quick, hearty meals in busy households.

Pastina Pasta Shapes

Acini di Pepe - Acini di Pepe are tiny little balls of pasta named for their tiny “peppercorn” shape. Small and spherical, Acini di Pepe pasta is best known as the star of the beloved classic, Italian Wedding Soup. This tiny pastina, or soup cut, is usually baby’s first pasta in Italy, so there is a soft spot in most Italian’s heart for this nostalgic pasta shape.

Ditalini - Ditalini Rigate, or Ditalini Pasta, are small tube-shaped pasta with ridges. Where once tiny pasta shapes like Ditalini were known as just soup pasta, these small but mighty cuts show up in everything from pasta salads to cheesy sides and baked pasta recipes. We love Ditalini as a rustic Italian soup pasta starring in Minestrone and Pasta Fagioli.

Orzo - Orzo, meaning “barley” in Italian, is a tiny cut of pasta best known for its feature in homemade soups. Though it is small in size, Orzo is more than just a soup cut. It’s great in baked pasta, cheesy side dishes and cold pasta salads. Try it in a Greek-inspired pasta dish featuring crumbled feta, chickpeas, olives, spinach, basil and lemon. We love it tossed in a Mediterranean-style orzo pasta salad like Lemony Greek Orzo or a summery Orzo Caprese with pesto, cherry tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella. Orzo is a great substitute for rice in nearly any recipe.

Elbow Macaroni - Elbow Macaroni is a distinct pasta shape of small curved tubes best known for its feature in the baked pasta classic, Macaroni and Cheese. But this fun c-shaped pasta shines in a number of incredible pasta dishes and sauces. Elbows capture thicker sauces and small ingredients in their hollow bends, so besides cheesy baked pasta, they are great for cold picnic pasta salads, rich tomato-based sauces, lush cream sauces and primavera-style sauces loaded with vegetables.

How is pastina made and what is it made of?

Pastina is usually made from the same simple ingredients as most pasta: semolina wheat flour and water. Sometimes, eggs are also added to give it a richer flavor and a more tender texture.

Making pastina follows the basic pasta-making process. The flour is mixed with water (and sometimes eggs) to form a dough. Then, this dough is shaped into tiny stars, rice shapes, or other cute little forms that make pastina so unique and loved, especially among kids and in soups!

It's cooked just like any other pasta—boiled in salted water for a few minutes until it's soft and ready to be mixed into your favorite soup or served with a bit of butter and cheese for a simple, comforting dish. Yummy and versatile, pastina is a pantry staple that's great to have on hand for a quick meal or to add a delightful texture to soups and stews.

The Best Pastina - The Delallo Difference

DeLallo Pasta comes from the town where pasta was born, a region near Naples, at the beginning of the Amalfi Coast. The art of making our pasta begins with the very best quality wheat. We carefully choose wheat with the highest gluten index, gluten content and protein content. All of these characteristics affect how the pasta cooks, as well as its taste and texture. The durum wheat is milled into coarse ground semolina flour and then carefully kneaded with cold, fresh, mineral-rich mountain spring water. We dry our pasta slowly at low temperatures to reproduce the traditional way of making pasta. This method respects the ingredients, preserving the pasta’s color, texture and aroma.

Ways to use pastina and recipes

Pastina’s small size and quick cooking time make it extremely versatile, perfect for whipping up a warm meal on a chilly evening or adding a delightful texture to soups and stews. Here are some delightful ways to use pastina, along with some friendly recipes to get you started!

Enriching Soups and Broths - One of the most classic ways to enjoy pastina is in a simple, nourishing broth. Whether you're under the weather or just in need of some comfort food, pastina adds a delightful texture and helps make chicken or vegetable broth more filling. Try some classic Italian soups like Chicken Pastina Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, or Pasta Faglioli. Or comforting Lemon Chicken Soup, Chicken Tomato Orzo Soup, or Cannellini Bean Soup.

Refreshing Salads and Grain Bowls - Bright, colorful, and refreshing, pastina salads are. perfect for picnics and potlucks. Here are some of our favorites. Olive Tomato and Pesto Grain Bowl, Mixed Green and Roasted Vegetable Bowl, Greek Orzo Salad, and Macaroni Salad with Creamy Parm and Pesto Dressing.

Cheesy and Baked Pasta Dishes - Move over mac and cheese, and make room for cheesy pastina! These dishes are real crowd-pleasers and super simple to whip up. Parmesan Orzo, Greek Baked Chicken and Orzo, Creamy Pesto and Chicken Orzo, and Baked Orzo with Mushroom, Peas and Cheese.

Pastina: FAQ

What does pastina mean in Italian?

In Italian, "pastina" literally means "little pasta." It refers to a variety of small pasta shapes that are often used in soups or as a dish for young children. It's a beloved comfort food for many, especially when served in a warm broth or with a light sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal!

What does pastina taste like?

Pastina has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that makes it incredibly versatile. It absorbs the flavors of whatever it's cooked with, so when you simmer it in a chicken broth or mix it with a bit of butter and cheese, it tastes wonderfully cozy and comforting. Think of it as a gentle hug in a bowl - subtle, soothing, and just plain delightful!

Why is pastina an Italian comfort food?

Pastina holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially in Italian culture! It’s considered a quintessential comfort food, and for a good reason. Here’s why:

1. Fond Childhood Memories: For many Italians and Italian-Americans, pastina is one of the first solid foods given to babies. Its soft texture and ease of digestion make it the perfect choice for little ones. This association with the warmth and care of childhood meals often carries into adulthood, making a simple bowl of pastina comforting on a deeper, emotional level.

2. Simplicity and Versatility: Pastina embodies the beauty of Italian cooking—using a few quality ingredients to create something wonderful. It’s incredibly versatile, too! You can dress it up with just butter and Parmesan, or make it into a heartier meal with broth, vegetables, and a sprinkle of herbs.

3. Ultimate Comfort: There’s something about the warm, soothing nature of a bowl of pastina, especially when made into a broth-based soup, that can make anyone feel better. It’s often a go-to food not just for cold days or sick days but whenever a little culinary hug is needed.

4. Cultural Heritage and Tradition: Like many Italian dishes, pastina connects those who eat it to generations past. Recipes and specific ways of preparing it (like in a chicken broth or with a beaten egg stirred in at the last minute) are often passed down through families, making each bowl of pastina rich with history and tradition.

Is there another name for pastina?

Pastina is often affectionately called "little pasta" since it refers to any variety of tiny pasta shapes. Some specific types include stars (stelline), tiny tubes (ditalini), or little spheres (acini de pepe). It’s a beloved ingredient in many comforting soups and is perfect for little ones just starting to eat solid foods.

Where can I buy Delallo Pastina?

Order DeLallo pastina online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.