Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (2024)

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5 from 21 votes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Jump to Recipe

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (1)

Pastina with egg is a traditional Italian comfort food that uses just a few simple ingredients. Topped with crispy prosciutto, this easy recipe is done in less than 20 minutes and is a hit with both adults and young children alike.

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (2)

This post was originally published in February 2022 and has been updated for content.

Pastina, in Italian, literally means "little pasta". In Italy, it tends to refer to any small pasta shape, whereas in the United States, it refers to a tiny star-shaped pasta that is sometimes called stelline. This tiny pasta is the smallest shape of all the pasta and is perfect by itself or in soup recipes.

This recipe makes for a delicious breakfast, easy lunch, or comforting dinner and doesn't take a long time to make. My family loves it served with italian pesto bread, or creamy tomato soup.

Jump to:
  • 🧀 Ingredient notes
  • 📋 Substitutions and variations
  • 🔪 Step by step instructions
  • ⭐ Expert tips
  • 🥡 Storage suggestions
  • 🍝 More easy Italian pasta recipes
  • #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🧀 Ingredient notes

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (3)
  • Pastina - This tiny pasta the shape of little stars is sometimes hard to find in stores. I have been able to find pastina online or you can also substitute with other smaller pastas, such as acini de pepe, anelli, orzo, or even alphabet pasta.
  • Prosciutto - Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham served crispy on top of the creamy pastina. Bacon, pancetta, or ham can be used as a substitute.
  • Cheese - I like adding parmesan cheese for a little bit of a salty flavor and to make this pastina with egg extra creamy. Asiago or pecorino romano are other Italian cheeses that would also be good options.
  • Egg - The egg is tempered into the pastina to make a rich, creamy taste and texture. Tempering is the process of slowly warming up the egg so that it doesn't curdle when you add it to the hot pastina.

📋 Substitutions and variations

  • Creamy - Add a pat of butter or a splash of milk over the top for an extra creamy dish.
  • Vegetarian - Omit the prosciutto and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

🔪 Step by step instructions

First, rip the prosciutto into thin pieces and cook it in a pot or dutch oven until it is crispy. Remove it and allow it to drain on a paper towel.

In that same pot, add chicken broth or stock and bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom to remove any stuck-on bits. Once the broth boils, add the pastina and cook for 6-7 minutes until it is "al dente", meaning that it is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it.

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (4)

Remove the pasta from the heat and slowly add ½ cup of the pastina to the beaten eggs while stirring until it is incorporated. Slowly mix the pastina and egg back into the pot until it is all combined.

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (5)

Once the egg is mixed in, stir in the parmesan cheese and black pepper. Serve the pastina with egg warm, topped with the crispy prosciutto.

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (6)

If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that is mentioned, be sure to look it up in our Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitionsfor more information.

⭐ Expert tips

  • Stir the prosciutto frequently to break it up so it doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
  • Make sure to stir the pastina occasionally as it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Don't skip tempering in the eggs or the heat from the pasta will possibly curdle the eggs when you add it.
  • This recipe makes about 6 cups of pastina which will serve about 6 people for a small portion or side dish and about 4 people for a larger dinner type portion.
Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (7)

🥡 Storage suggestions

Leftovers should be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored like this, the pastina with egg will keep for 3-5 days and can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop over medium low heat. A little bit of milk or butter can be added if the mixture is too thick.

🍝 More easy Italian pasta recipes

If you loved this recipe for pastina with egg, check out these other easy Italian pasta recipes that I know you will love too!

#ScarlatiFamilyKitchen

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me onFacebookandInstagramas well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

📖 Recipe

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (8)

Pastina with Egg

Amanda

Pastina with egg is a traditional Italian comfort food that uses just a few simple ingredients. Topped with crispy prosciutto, this easy recipe is done in less than 20 minutes and is a hit with both adults and young children alike.

5 from 21 votes

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 people

Calories 309 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
  • 4 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces pastina
  • 2 large eggs slightly beaten
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat a pot over medium heat on the stovetop and gently rip the prosciutto into thin pieces and add to the pot.

  • Cook, stirring frequently until the prosciutto is crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove it from the pot and allow it to drain on a paper towel.

  • Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck on bits.

  • Mix in the pastina and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 6-7 minutes. The mixture should be thickened with little to no liquid left.

  • Remove the pot off of the heat and slowly add ½ cup of the pastina with the beaten eggs, stirring constantly.

  • Add the egg mixture back to the pot, stirring constantly, until it is completely incorporated.

  • Mix in the parmesan cheese and black pepper and serve the pastina topped with the crispy prosciutto pieces.

Notes

Recipe yields approximately 6 cups of pastina, which will serve 6 for a small portion or side dish or 4 for a larger dinner type portion.

  • Stir the prosciutto frequently to break it up so it doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
  • Make sure to stir the pastina occasionally as it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Don't skip tempering in the eggs or the heat from the pasta will possibly curdle the eggs when you add it.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Pasta - Any tiny pasta, such as acini de pepe, anelli, orzo or even alphabet pasta can be used as a substitute.
  • Prosciutto - Bacon, pancetta or ham can be used instead of the prosciutto.
  • Cheese - Asiago or pecorino romano are other cheeses that would be good to use.
  • Butter - Add a pat of butter or a splash of milkover the hot pastina for an extra creamy taste and texture.
  • Vegetarian - Omit the prosciutto and use vegetable broth.

Storage Suggestions

Leftover pastina should be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored like this, the pastina will keep for 3-5 days and can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop over medium low heat. A little bit of milk can be added if the mixture becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 859mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 3mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @scarlatifamilykitchen or tag #scarlatifamilykitchen!

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Agnieszka

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (13)
    This stuff is so good I could eat it for breakfast 7 days a week!

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Awww, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  2. Geetanjali Tung

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (14)
    This was such a delicious, comforting dish! Can't wait to make it again. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Glad you loved it, thanks for trying the recipe!

      Reply

  3. Shrilatha

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (15)
    Sounds delicious!!! Trying this weekend
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Awesome, can't wait to hear about it!

      Reply

  4. Jerika

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (16)
    YUM! I want to eat this already!:) I'm adding this to my list of my comfort foods! Thanks.:)

    Reply

    • Amanda

      woohoo! it's one of my favs!

      Reply

  5. Megan

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (17)
    This dish is sooo good! Everyone loved it and it was so easy to make. Thanks for a great recipe that I never tried before.

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Thank you Megan! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  6. Oscar

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (18)
    Oh my gosh, this reminds me of my mothers pastina. Brings back so many childhood memories. Making this tomorrow. Thanks Amanda.

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Absolutely, I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  7. Jean

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (19)
    Im always on the look for new comfort food, Im so glad to see this Italian recipe. Will be making for breakfast.

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Yah! Can't wait to hear how you loved it!

      Reply

  8. Joyce K.

    Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (20)
    When I ate this dish, I literally felt the feeling of comfort. The prosciutto had a nice crunch to it!

    Reply

    • Amanda

      Thanks Joyce! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

Pastina with Egg {Italian Comfort Food} - Scarlati Family Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is pastina so good? ›

Since it's so small, you can go from a few ingredients to a warm bowl of pasta in under 15 minutes, making it a popular choice to cook for hungry (or worse, hangry) kids. For many Italian-Americans, pastina is also the comfort food they grew up eating since they were babies.

Does Barilla make pastina? ›

Barilla's pastina pasta is a favorite of young children due to the fun, miniature star shapes. Adults also love the flavor making it the perfect addition to soups and broths alike.

Is pastina good when sick? ›

Like all versions of 'the soup for when you're sick', this Pastina is pure comfort, a hug in a bowl. I love that this soup has the nickname, 'Italian Penicillin'. Just like chicken noodle soup with matzo balls is 'Jewish Penicillin'. It is the soup that mums make to comfort their sick kids.

What kind of pasta is pastina? ›

What Type of Pasta is Pastina? Pastina is a type of small, grain-shaped pasta that is commonly used in soups or as a simple, comforting dish on its own.

Do they eat pastina in Italy? ›

Pastina is used in many different ways in Italian cuisine, including as an ingredient of soup, desserts, infant food and also, alone, as a distinct and unique pasta dish.

What does pastina mean in Italian? ›

noun. [ feminine ] /pas'tina/ (pasta) small pasta.

Is acini de pepe the same as pastina? ›

Acini di pepe then translates into 'seeds of a pepper'. They were and are known as a symbol of fertility, which is why they are used in Italian wedding soup. They are also sometimes referred to as pastina (Italian for 'tiny dough'); however, some pasta makers distinguish pastina as smaller than acini di pepe.

Is orzo a type of pastina? ›

Yes, orzo is a pastina pasta, which translates to "little pasta." Pastina pasta are typically thought of as pasta shapes for soups.

Is Stellini the same as pastina? ›

Pastina roughly means small pasta; and stelline are very small, star-shaped pasta with a hole in the middle. Both pastina and stelline have been used in Italian kitchens since the 16th century, and both are typically found in broths. But while pastina is used in an everyday meal, stelline is something special.

What do Italians eat when they're sick? ›

Pastina is a symbol of comfort food in Italy, especially served when someone is unwell. It's used to make cozy simple dishes such as being cooked in a light broth called “brodo” in Italian, along with being added to soups, baby food and salads.

What is the best comfort food when sick? ›

In addition to serving small portions of applesauce, bananas, rice and toast, you can also try foods such as:
  • Clear broth.
  • Gelatin desserts.
  • Plain potatoes.
  • Pretzels.
  • Saltine crackers.
  • Roasted/baked chicken.
Jan 10, 2024

How long does pastina last in the fridge? ›

Store, covered in your refrigerator for up to 5 days or your freezer for up to 3 months. Boil the pasta. When you're ready to serve, heat the broth over high until. Cook the pasta in the boiling broth.

Does pastina have any nutritional value? ›

Here in America, parents choose Barilla Pastina for their young children because it is made from 100% highest quality durum wheat; is enriched with essential nutrients, such as thiamin, iron, riboflavin and niacin; and is easily digested.

Is pastina good for an upset stomach? ›

When the stomach bug is life, Pastina is your savior! My kids are barely eating anything this week but I've been pushing Pastina and it seems to be working! Here's how i make it for the babies — i know traditionally it's more of a soup but this consistency easier for toddlers so that's how we're rolling.

Why is Italian pasta so good? ›

High-quality Italian pasta manufacturers take care to process the whole wheat kernels just enough to get a flour that can be turned into a dense, rustic pasta dough—harder to work with than a more finely processed version, but that extra work creates a better final product.

Is pastina good for a sore throat? ›

Pastina's warm broth soothes the throat and hydrates the fevered body; the garlic is believed to support immunity.

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