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Pastina
Pastina
Pastina
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Pastina
TypePasta
Place of originItaly
Main ingredientsWheat flour
  •   Media: Pastina

Pastina (lit. 'little pasta') is a variety of pasta consisting of tiny pieces, typically of a round (irregular) shape with a diameter of about two millimetres (1⁄16 inch).[1] It is the smallest type of pasta produced. It is made of wheat flour and may also include egg. Pastina is a general term referring to many small shapes of pasta. It 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.[2]

It is also referred to as "Italian penicillin".[3] Stanley Tucci's follow-up memoir "What I Ate in One Year (and Related Thoughts)" mentions in his book cooking pastina, "that Italian cure-all", for his son.[4]

See also

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References

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Pastina

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Pastina is a category of very small pasta shapes originating from , translating to "little pasta" and typically measuring about 2 millimeters in diameter, often cooked directly in broths or soups for a quick, digestible . The tradition of pastina dates back centuries in , with specific shapes like traced to and to , where it has been handmade in some regions and served as an early solid food for infants or a soothing during illness. Common varieties include stelline (tiny stars), (peppercorn-like beads), (short tubes), (rice-shaped grains), and anolini (small rings), among over 30 recognized forms, all made primarily from wheat flour and water for a simple, versatile texture. In cooking, pastina is prized for its rapid cooking time of 5 to 8 minutes and ability to absorb flavors, making it ideal for , Italian wedding soup, or simple butter-and-cheese preparations, while also appearing in salads, risotto-style dishes, and even desserts in Italian-American households. Culturally, pastina holds deep nostalgic value as "Italian penicillin," a remedy-like dish evoking childhood memories and family traditions, particularly among communities where it symbolizes nourishment and simplicity. In 2023, a production shortage by major brands like Ronzoni led to widespread and demand, with the pasta reintroduced by late 2024 and predicted to grow in popularity into 2025.

Etymology and Definition

Meaning of the Term

Pastina is an Italian term derived from "," meaning or paste, combined with the suffix "-ina," which conveys smallness, thus translating literally to "little " or "small ." This linguistic construction emphasizes the miniature scale of the rather than a specific form or . The word pastina entered the in 1903, initially referring to very small bits of suitable for soups or broths. Unlike designations for individual pasta shapes such as or , pastina functions as a broad, size-based category encompassing various tiny pasta varieties, highlighting its role as a descriptor in culinary contexts.

Classification as Pasta

Pastina is classified as a category of very small pasta shapes within the broader taxonomy of Italian pasta types, characterized by dimensions typically 1 to 2 mm in diameter, primarily, which distinguishes it from medium-sized short pastas or elongated forms like spaghetti or fusilli. This diminutive scale places pastina primarily in the "soup pasta" or pastina subcategory, where its size facilitates integration into light broths without overpowering the dish. The textural properties of pastina stem from its construction, often using durum , which imparts a chewy, quality upon cooking while maintaining structural integrity in liquid-based preparations. Due to its small size and high , pastina cooks rapidly, usually in 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to absorb flavors efficiently without becoming overly soft. In Italian culinary standards, pastina serves as a generic term for these minuscule shapes, emphasizing versatility over specific morphology, including more defined small pastas like (approximately 7-9 mm in length, rice-like) or (tubes around 5 mm in diameter). The term's underscores this focus on tininess as the defining trait.

History

Origins in Italy

The origins of pastina trace back to the 12th-century development of pasta-making in , particularly in , where influences introduced the production of dried pasta known as itriyya or triya. Crafted from durum wheat semolina and , these early doughs were shaped into simple forms and frequently boiled in broths to form the base of nourishing soups, establishing a tradition of small, broth-compatible pasta that would evolve into pastina. This method, documented in historical accounts of Sicilian mills and trade, emphasized durability and ease of preparation, making pasta an accessible staple across medieval . In medieval and , pastina emerged as a particularly child-friendly , derived from simple pastes that were soft and easy to consume, often used for infants and young children. Recipes from the , such as tria di —thin, small noodles cooked in —illustrate the prevalence of miniature shapes suitable for delicate diets, reflecting a cultural emphasis on gentle, digestible during early development. This role persisted through the , with pastina's diminutive size (from the Italian suffix -ina, denoting "little") aligning it with caregiving traditions. Regional Italian cuisines further influenced pastina's integration, especially in , where from the it became a key element in minestre—thick vegetable soups simmered with broth. Lombard-born chef , in his comprehensive 1570 cookbook , detailed preparations like minestra di tagliatelle using small pasta strips in meat or milk broths, and lasagne cut into tiny squares for hare or poultry soups, showcasing the northern practice of combining with seasonal vegetables for sustaining, everyday meals. These recipes underscore Lombardy’s contributions to pastina's versatility in broth-based dishes, blending local produce with the era's advancing pasta techniques.

Spread to Other Cultures

Pastina was introduced to the by Italian immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who brought traditional small pasta shapes as part of their culinary heritage to comfort families in new surroundings. These immigrants, primarily from , incorporated pastina into everyday meals, often cooking it in simple broths to create nourishing dishes reminiscent of home. By the early , pastina appeared in American-Italian cookbooks that adapted Italian recipes for U.S. audiences, such as those featuring economical soups for working-class households. Through the , was adopted in countries like and , where large waves of immigrants from regions like and settled between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. In these communities, pastina retained its role in comforting soups but saw adaptations influenced by local ingredients. This spread reflected broader patterns of Italian migration, where traditions evolved to incorporate regional flavors while preserving core elements like the tiny pasta's quick-cooking versatility. In the United States, pastina's commercialization accelerated from the mid-20th century, particularly through brands like Ronzoni, founded in by Italian immigrant Emanuele Ronzoni. Ronzoni popularized the star-shaped variety (stelline), marketing it as an affordable, shelf-stable product ideal for soups, which transformed pastina into a ubiquitous staple in both Italian-American and mainstream American kitchens. By the , its widespread availability in solidified its status as a go-to for quick, family-friendly meals. Ronzoni continued production until discontinuing pastina in 2023 due to supply issues, though it remains available from other brands.

Varieties

Common Shapes

Pastina encompasses a variety of minuscule forms designed primarily for use in broths and light soups, where their small size allows for quick cooking and even distribution in liquid. These shapes are typically standardized to measure between 1.5 and 2 millimeters in diameter, ensuring they remain delicate and tender without overpowering the dish. Among the most common shapes are stelle (stars), which feature five-pointed designs that provide a playful, visually appealing element, particularly suited to children's meals due to their fun aesthetic and ease of consumption. Anellini (little rings) resemble tiny hoops, offering a functional advantage by capturing and trapping broth flavors within their circular structure, enhancing the infusion of taste during cooking. Acini di pepe (peppercorns) mimic small, rounded beads or irregular spheres, providing a subtle chewiness that adds texture without dominating the soup's clarity. Ditalini (small thimbles) are short, tubular pieces with slightly flared ends, ideal for holding minimal broth while maintaining a compact form. Finally, quadretti (tiny squares) consist of flat, diced segments, offering a simple geometric profile that integrates seamlessly into clear broths for a uniform mouthfeel. Italian producers such as Barilla and exemplify this standardization, with Barilla's stelle pastina measuring approximately 2 mm across and De Cecco offering comparable small formats like in their pasta line, both emphasizing high-quality durum for consistent size and quality.

Production Methods

Pastina is primarily produced from durum wheat , a coarsely ground flour derived from durum , which provides the necessary structure for the pasta's texture. In industrial manufacturing, the is mixed with warm (typically 35–40°C) in a continuous mixer to form a stiff , which is then fed into an extruder where it is forced through small or Teflon dies to create the characteristic tiny shapes, such as stars, shells, or letters. This process ensures uniform size and shape, essential for the pasta's quick cooking time, and is followed by a controlled phase in chambers at temperatures ranging from 40–80°C to achieve shelf stability without compromising quality. Industrial production emphasizes and , with automated lines capable of hundreds of kilograms per hour, including cooling and stages to prevent moisture reabsorption. In contrast, homemade methods involve preparing a fresh from or all-purpose mixed with eggs and a pinch of salt, which is kneaded, rolled out thinly by hand or with a pasta machine, and cut into minuscule pieces using a or specialized cutter for immediate use, bypassing to retain a softer texture. This approach, though labor-intensive due to the small scale, allows for customization but lacks the longevity of factory-dried product. Gluten-free pastina variants, which emerged prominently in the early 21st century to address dietary restrictions, substitute durum with blends of and corn flour, often incorporating hydrocolloids like to mimic gluten's binding properties during and drying. These alternatives undergo a similar manufacturing process—mixing, through fine dies, and —but require precise to achieve comparable cooking performance and nutritional profile, with providing a neutral flavor and corn contributing structural integrity.

Culinary Uses

In Soups and Broths

Pastina in brodo represents a cornerstone of Italian home cooking, where tiny pasta shapes such as stelline or are simmered directly in homemade or broth until tender, then enriched with a pat of and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese for added creaminess and . This simple preparation highlights the pasta's ability to absorb the broth's flavors, creating a light yet nourishing dish often served as a starter or light meal. Variations extend the classic recipe into heartier fare, such as Italian wedding soup, which incorporates pastina into a savory chicken alongside mini meatballs, finely chopped escarole or , and sometimes carrots and for subtle sweetness and texture. Another adaptation is minestra, a rustic blending pastina with cooked lentils, tomatoes, onions, and herbs in a or , yielding a protein-rich, comforting bowl that balances the pasta's delicacy with the ' earthiness. To achieve the ideal consistency, cooks typically employ a ratio of 1 part pastina to 6 parts , ensuring remains brothy rather than starchy. The is added to and cooked for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping and achieve an texture that avoids mushiness upon standing.

Beyond Soups

Pastina extends beyond its traditional role in soups through creative applications in salads, where its small size allows it to absorb dressings and mingle with fresh ingredients without overpowering the dish. Cold pastina salads often feature Mediterranean elements, such as a Caprese-inspired version combining cooked pastina with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh , bocconcini , and a drizzle of for a light, summery side. Variants using , a pearl-like pastina shape, incorporate , halved tomatoes, and sliced olives, tossed together after chilling to enhance flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to heavier meals. In desserts, pastina contributes texture to baked or no-bake sweets, particularly in Southern Italian traditions. A notable example is pastina pie, where the tiny is blended with cheese, eggs, sugar, , and lemon zest, then baked into a creamy, custard-like confection dusted with , often enjoyed during holidays like . Sweetened variations mix cooked pastina directly with and for a simple, indulgent treat, echoing ancient Arab influences in where was combined with and served in bowl-shaped presentations known as quas'at, a precursor to modern ricotta-based desserts. Modern culinary fusions have elevated pastina in vegan adaptations and grain bowls, aligning with post-2020 trends toward versatile, plant-based comfort foods amid rising pasta popularity. Vegan versions replace dairy with or —sometimes incorporating a rind during cooking for depth—resulting in creamy, buttery dishes served warm or at . In grain bowls, pastina substitutes for or , layered with roasted chickpeas, , pine nuts, and vegetables for a protein-packed, customizable meal that highlights its quick-cooking nature.

Cultural Significance

As Comfort Food

Pastina holds a cherished place in Italian and Italian-American cultures as a quintessential , often dubbed "Italian penicillin" for its reputed ability to soothe colds, flu, and other childhood illnesses. This nickname reflects generations of families turning to the simple cooked in as a gentle remedy that provides nourishment without overwhelming a weakened system. In family traditions, particularly within Italian-American households, pastina is frequently introduced as one of the first solid foods for babies due to its tiny size and easy digestibility, often prepared plain or simply mixed with butter to aid or upset stomachs. This practice underscores its role in early nurturing, evoking the tender care of parents and grandparents who prepare it swiftly to comfort little ones during minor ailments. The psychological appeal of pastina lies in its unassuming small shapes, which symbolize and evoke deep for childhood security, frequently linked to maternal or grandmotherly affection in Italian traditions. This emotional transforms the dish into more than mere sustenance, representing a of healing through familial love and uncomplicated rituals passed down over time.

Modern Popularity

In recent years, pastina has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, particularly through social media platforms like and , where it has become a staple in viral comfort food content. Starting in early 2023, pastina recipes surged in visibility, with creators sharing simple, nostalgic preparations that amassed millions of views collectively under hashtags like #pastina. For instance, a hidden veggie pastina video by user @themodernnonna garnered over 15 million views in September 2023, highlighting its appeal as an easy, soothing dish during colder months. This digital buzz transformed pastina from a niche Italian import into a global trend, with noting its status as a "viral cooking sensation" by January 2023, driven by its quick preparation and emotional resonance as a childhood remedy. Celebrities and chefs further amplified pastina's modern appeal, often invoking Nonna-inspired traditions in their winter 2023-2024 posts. Actor , known for his culinary explorations on Searching for , partnered with in November 2023 to launch limited-edition stelline (star-shaped pastina) kits featuring his three-ingredient "Pastina Classica" —boiled pastina tossed with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano—which quickly sold out and reignited interest amid Ronzoni's discontinuation earlier that year. Influential Nonna-themed accounts, such as @mynonnafina on and , posted authentic family during the 2023-2024 season, with videos like a chicken pastina soup tutorial accumulating hundreds of thousands of likes and shares, positioning pastina as a bridge between generational cooking and contemporary wellness trends. These endorsements not only boosted engagement but also emphasized pastina's role in evoking familial comfort amid post-pandemic . The viral momentum translated into tangible market growth in the U.S., where pastina sales rebounded post-pandemic despite initial setbacks. Ronzoni's January 2023 discontinuation of its pastina line—attributed to supplier issues and reportedly low prior sales—sparked widespread outcry and , ultimately driving that prompted the brand's return to supermarket shelves in late 2024 after securing a new manufacturer. This resurgence aligned with broader market expansion, projected to reach USD 6.2 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 8.3% through 2033, fueled by comfort foods like pastina amid economic uncertainties. By 2025, new varieties emerged to capitalize on the trend, including Pastene's introduction of pastina alongside pepe bucato shapes in 2024 and Barilla's expanded small pasta offerings, with industry forecasts predicting heightened in star-shaped formats for soups and innovative applications. As of 2025, industry analysts like Datassential have identified pastina as the leading foodservice trend, particularly for small, comforting Italian shapes in soups.

References

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  2. https://www.delallo.com/blog/what-is-pastina/
  3. https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-pastina-3376804
  4. https://www.thekitchn.com/ronzoni-pastina-back-2024-23697466
  5. https://www.barillaforprofessionals.com/en-us/news-media/editorial/trend-watch-2025-pasta-for-the-win/
  6. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastina
  7. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/pastina_n
  8. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/pasta-shapes-and-types-of-pasta/
  9. https://www.barilla.com/en-us/products/pasta/classic-blue-box/pastina
  10. https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes/
  11. https://www.delallo.com/blog/what-is-orzo/
  12. https://www.mamaflorence.com/italian-food-blog/history-pasta-guide
  13. https://foodnotesfrombologna.substack.com/p/history-of-italian-pasta-part-1
  14. https://historicalitaliancooking.home.blog/english/recipes/medieval-pasta-tria-di-vermicelli/
  15. https://coquinaria.nl/en/scappi-pasta/
  16. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ronzoni-pastina-discontinuing
  17. https://fourpoundsflour.com/living-history-eating-like-an-italian-immigrant-family-in-1919/
  18. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-pastina/
  19. https://www.clovegarden.com/ingred/pa_italt.html
  20. https://www.delallo.com/blog/what-is-acini-di-pepe-pasta
  21. https://www.delallo.com/blog/pasta-shapes
  22. https://memoriediangelina.com/2009/09/26/quadrucci-in-brodo/
  23. https://www.dececco.com/us_us/products/semolina-pasta/
  24. https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/article/15045/pasta-extrusion/
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  26. https://agriculture.institute/baking-and-flour-confectionary/step-by-step-pasta-processing-guide/
  27. https://www.localaromas.com/pastina-soup-our-family-homemade-recipe/
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  29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6835652/
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  31. https://pinabresciani.com/chicken-pastina-soup/
  32. https://www.cookingwithnonna.com/italian-cuisine/italian-wedding-soup-with-pastina.html
  33. https://www.sugarlovespices.com/easy-red-lentil-turmeric-pastina-soup/
  34. https://cookingwithayeh.com/italian-pastina-soup/
  35. https://twokooksinthekitchen.com/easy-pastina-soup-with-veggies/
  36. https://twokooksinthekitchen.com/pastina-salad-caprese-inspired-6-ingredients/
  37. https://whatsgabycooking.com/pesto-pastina/
  38. https://thewoodenskillet.com/acini-di-pepe-salad/
  39. https://tjrecipes.com/2019/04/pastina-pie/
  40. https://www.havocinthekitchen.com/neapolitan-ricotta-and-pasta-pie/
  41. https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/the-long-history-of-cassata-a-symbol-of-sicilian-pastry-art/
  42. https://veggiekinsblog.com/2023/05/04/vegan-pastina/
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  47. https://www.italianbellavita.com/2024/10/pastina-chicken-soup-italian-childhood/
  48. https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernnonna/video/7281801799777160453
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  50. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spellegrino-and-stanley-tucci-revive-beloved-pastina-with-limited-edition-spellegrino-stelline-star-shaped-pasta-and-recipe-kit-301974152.html
  51. https://www.allrecipes.com/stanley-tucci-pastina-recipes-8384459
  52. https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/why-is-ronzoni-pastina-discontinued
  53. https://www.imarcgroup.com/united-states-pasta-market
  54. https://www.nosh.com/food-wire/2024/pastene-introduces-two-new-small-pasta-cuts-pastina-and-pepe-bucato/
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