Winter Recipe of the Day: Nonna's Classic Pastina

It's the new year, and it's freezing. The holiday chaos has finally subsided, you're feeling especially drained, and on top of it, everyone you know seems to be coughing.

When you're battling sniffles, burnout, or just the winter blues, one humble dish is guaranteed to provide instant comfort: Pastina.

Pastina isn't just food — it's therapy in a bowl. Often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” this creamy, silky, carb-laden elixir is a simple but magical concoction of tiny star-shaped pasta, chicken broth, butter, parmesan, and a whisked egg. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and the edible equivalent of a warm, fuzzy hug.

Best of all? It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect antidote to hectic schedules, seasonal stress, and stubborn colds.

Why Pastina Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s a reason pastina holds a special place in the hearts (and kitchens) of Italian families. It’s the dish that Nonna (Italian grandma) makes when you’re feeling under the weather, homesick, or just in need of a little extra TLC.

Much like chicken soup, pastina has earned a reputation for its healing properties. The warm broth soothes sore throats, while the creamy texture comforts both body and soul. And let’s be real: there’s something about tiny, star-shaped pasta that just makes you smile.

But pastina isn't only for sick days. It’s perfect for those cold winter evenings when you need something quick, cozy, and satisfying — a little bowl of joy that tastes like home.

The Secret to Pastina’s Magic

At its core, pastina is about simple ingredients coming together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The star of the show is, of course, the tiny pasta — usually shaped like stars or other miniature shapes — which cooks quickly in a bubbling pot of broth.

But the real magic happens when you stir in a whisked egg. This technique gives pastina its creamy, risotto-like texture without the need for heavy cream. Combined with butter and parmesan, the result is a rich, velvety dish that feels far more indulgent than it actually is.

Want to take it to the next level? Add a sprinkle of black pepper, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, stir in some minced garlic for a little extra zing.

How to Make Pastina (Recipe)

Yield: Serves 2

Nutrition Info: 368 calories per serving

Total Time: 11 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken or veggie broth (for a soupy vibe, use more)
• ½ cup tiny star-shaped pasta (pastina)
• 1 tbsp cold butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan (plus more for topping)
• 1 egg, whisked
• Garlic, black pepper, parsley, and olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the broth in a small pot over medium heat. If you like a bit of a kick, toss in some minced garlic while the broth warms up. It’s not traditional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Once the broth is gently bubbling, stir in the tiny pasta. Let it cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Think of it as a spa day for your carbs.
• Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter until it melts.
• Next, add the parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully incorporated.
• Finally, pour in the whisked egg while stirring vigorously. This step is crucial to achieving that creamy, luscious texture — you want the egg to blend smoothly, not scramble.
• Ladle the pastina into bowls, top with extra parmesan, black pepper, parsley, or a fancy drizzle of olive oil.

Pro Tip: Eat your pastina while wrapped in a blanket. Even better? Enjoy it while binge-watching your favorite comfort show.

Why Pastina Is the Perfect Winter Dish

Aside from being fast, easy, and delicious, pastina is the ultimate winter comfort food for several reasons:

It’s warming: The hot broth instantly takes the chill out of a cold evening.

It’s soothing: Whether you’re nursing a cold or a broken heart, there’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta.

It’s nostalgic: For many, pastina is a childhood memory. It’s the dish your grandmother made when you were sick, or the simple meal that brought the family together around the table.

Tips for Perfect Pastina Every Time

Double the recipe for a crowd: The base recipe serves two people, but you can easily double it to feed a family of four.

Customize to your taste: Feel free to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand. Don’t have parmesan? Use pecorino. Want more protein? Add shredded chicken or a poached egg.

Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version.

A Dish That’s More Than Just Pasta

Pastina is more than just a quick meal. It’s a tradition, a memory, a symbol of love. It’s the kind of dish that gets passed down through generations, not because it’s fancy or complex, but because it makes people feel good.

So the next time life feels overwhelming, or you’re fighting off a cold, skip the canned soup and make pastina instead. It’s faster, tastier, and — let’s be honest — it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

After all, who doesn’t need a little extra comfort this time of year?