Print

Tomato Pastina Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

Tomato pastina is a comforting, quick-cooking Italian pasta dish made with tiny star-shaped pasta cooked in a flavorful tomato and broth sauce, enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect as a warm, nourishing meal, it’s simple yet full of savory taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato purée
  • 3 cups hot broth or stock
  • 1 cup pastina (such as stelline or risoni)

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a medium pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes, releasing their flavor.
  2. Add tomato purée and broth: Stir in the tomato purée and add 1 cup of hot broth or water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
  3. Cook pastina: Add the pastina pasta to the tomato mixture. Cook while stirring often for 5 to 7 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente texture. Add additional broth or water if the mixture starts to dry out, keeping the consistency moist and saucy.
  4. Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste preference, blending all flavors together.
  5. Serve: Ladle the hot pastina into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level in your dish.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, a splash of cream or milk can be added with the cheese.
  • Pastina pasta cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • This dish is great for kids and easy to customize with additional vegetables or herbs.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.

Keywords: tomato pastina, pastina recipe, Italian pasta, easy pasta dish, stovetop pasta, comforting pasta

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/tomato-pastina-recipe/