Food
top view of uncooked stelline pastina in round bowl isolated on white background
6 Pastina Recipes On TikTok That Are Nonna-Approved

These “Little Stars” are a comfort food staple.

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Pastina is currently trending on foodie TikTok, but ask any Italian American you know, and they’ll tell you they grew up on this stuff. Pastina refers to any kind of teeny-tiny pasta, and there are lots of different shapes from round acini de pepe to alphabet letters. It’s most recognizable in the adorable Stelline shape, which directly translates to “little stars.” It cooks like any regular pasta in salted water or chicken broth to form a thick porridge that you can top with tons of cheese, breadcrumbs, protein, and veggies for a cheap, easy, and satisfying comfort meal. Check out these pastina recipes from TikTok that are Italian grandma-approved to get you through the cold winter.

Recently, Pastina went viral on TikTok when the the pasta brand Ronzoni announced they were discontinuing the beloved “little star” macaroni shape and users promptly freaked out . Some started stock piling pasta boxes, while others tried to make the most of what they had remaining in their pantry. But not to worry, because there are tons of other pasta brands that wouldn’t dare drop the Italian staple, like Barilla, De Cecco, and Prince.

The creamy, nostalgic dish is known as “Italian penicillin,” because it’s a go-to, one-pot meal Italian parents and grandparents whip up when the little ones are sick. Growing up Italian, creamy pastina boiled with broccoli and topped with mounds of parmesan was a weekly meal in my grandma’s house. The simple recipe stayed with me through my college years and beyond, because, to this day, it still cures any bad day. Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a box of pastina for a few bucks to keep around for lazy dinners.

Cacio e Pepe Pastina
@chefdaniellesepsy

@chefdaniellesepsy’s take on pastina combines her favorite childhood meal with the cheesy dish Cacio e Pepe pasta, with lots of butter, parmesan, and fresh black pepper.

Egg Drop Pastina
@cook_with_melly

@cook_with_melly made her Nonna’s egg drop pastina recipe for extra added protein and creaminess. She tops the porridge with a dollop of ricotta cheese, fresh basil, and a golden drizzle of olive oil.

Chicken Pastina
@mynonnafina

Italian grandma @mynonnafina on TikTok shared her favorite way to make chicken pastina, which is super similar to classic chicken noodle soup. She starts by cooking chicken with veggies, adds chicken stock, and cooks the pastina with egg and parmesan.

Pastina With Broccoli
@cafehailee

@cafehailee elevates her pastina with chopped broccoli and lemony breadcrumbs for a creamy, satisfying bite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Tomato Broth Pastina
@rossella_rago

@rossella_rago and her Nonna on TikTok boiled the little stars in a pot of canned cherry tomatoes for a super simple and savory tomato broth.

Pastina Soup
@yummytoddlerfood

TikTok mom @yummytoddlerfood shared her go-to pastina soup she loves to make for her kids to pack in veggies and colorful nutrients. Who say’s you can’t eat kid food as an adult?