Nonna's Classic Pastina Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why was pastina discontinued? ›

"This wasn't a decision that we wanted to make," the representative shares. "Unfortunately, our long-term supplier informed us that they would no longer be making Ronzoni pastina as of January 2023." Ronzoni explains it was issues locating a new supplier that ultimately led to the demise of its pastina.

Are You Supposed to Drain Pastina? No. Traditionally pastina is cooked with just enough liquid as to absorb most of it but have some remaining in the pot. It makes sense, since the liquid is so often a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth - see the en brodo pastina recipe listed below as an example.

Warmth: Consuming warm foods like pastina can soothe the throat and warm the body, providing a comforting sensation that can help you relax and feel better.

Pastina ( lit. 'little pasta') is a variety of pasta consisting of tiny pieces, typically of a round (irregular) shape with a diameter of about 1.6 millimetres (1/16").

But does Ronzoni's move really mean the end of pastina at the grocery store? No. We found several other brands still selling the pasta, including Barilla, Ferrara, and San Giorgio. By the way, pastina is also sometimes called stelline, so any company selling that will fit the bill as well.

Pastina is here to stay!

Thank you Barilla for keeping it going since Ronzoni decided to discontinue pastina!

The pasta is cooked in a stock, absorbed by said stock, thus retaining the benefits of this glorious liquid. Second, pastina is a comfort food and full of nourishing ingredients. This is a great dish to make when you're feeling the need for something soothing, whether that's physically or emotionally.

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. Children grow up eating pastina because of its simplicity and cute shapes making it fun to eat.

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.

Since the term "pastina" encompasses all small shapes of pasta, it comes in many shapes and goes by many names. You may see round pastina called "acini di pepe" (pepper seeds in Italian), or star-shaped pastina called "stelline" (meaning little stars in Italian).

Is orzo like pastina? ›

The main difference between orzo and pastina is their shape and size. Orzo is rice-shaped and larger, while pastina is star-shaped and very small. Additionally, orzo is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, while pastina is often used in Italian cuisine.

This plainer buttered pastina is perfect when for the “BRAT” diet. Although the acronym stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—some pastina with butter fits in also. The brat diet is ideal for smaller children or those experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Some say orzo pasta resembles flattened grains of rice. It is a type of pastina (small pasta), like acini di pepe, but the shape and size are different. Both acini di pepe and orzo are used in much of the same ways. Thanks to their similar small size, orzo makes a good substitute for acini di pepe and vice versa.

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.

If you've been on TikTok recently, you may have seen a recipe for something called pastina. But what is pastina, exactly? While the term does refer to an Italian dish made with small pasta cooked in broth, as well as cheese, butter, and an egg, pastina is also the name given to any very small pasta variety.

“We haven't given up, but as of today, we can no longer offer Ronzoni Pastina,” the brand's parent company wrote. Pastina, which literally translates to “l*ttle pasta,” is generally applied to any such variety of pasta. Pasta brands including Barilla and San Giorgio, among others, still currently produce the product.

“Our long-term manufacturer informed us they would cease producing Ronzoni pastina effective January 2023. Despite exhaustive efforts, we have been unable to identify a viable, new manufacturer who could make pastina in the same shape, size, and standards that Ronzoni customers have come to expect.”

Pastina literally means “l*ttle pasta” and can refer to any number of miniature pastas, but Ronzoni, founded in 1915 by an Italian immigrant, helped to mainstream the star shape found in pasta bowls across the US.