This recipe, along with buttered pasta, is what I think of when I think “toddler pasta” because it’s cozy, easy, and easy for the kids to eat. And the simple ingredients (and cheese) are often a hit with little kids. This is classic comfort food that I grew up eating and I often share it with my kids now as an easy dinner. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand (it’s basically just pasta, broth, and Parmesan) and it’s SO fast to make. I actually love it just as much for myself as the kids do. (You may also like my Tomato Pastina Soup, Extra-Veggie Baby Pasta and Pastina Soup as other easy options.)
Where to Find Pastina
With Ronzoni discontinuing this type of little star pasta, it’s become much harder to find. Barilla makes it and it is usually available in stores, so look for that in your stores. Or look for: Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Colavita little stars Target’s Good and Gather Stelline La Moderna Stars Pasta Estrellas Barilla Pastina
Or, swap in orzo or acini di pepe, which have a similar small shape. You may have more luck finding small shaped pasta in Mexican grocery stores or aisle of larger stores as La Moderna is a common brand that makes it.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this simple pasta recipe. It’s fairly versatile and fast, so you can adjust for allergies as needed, too.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): This adds all of the flavor to this pasta, but you can use whichever you prefer. You can also just use water as a lower sodium option too, or as an option if you don’t have broth on hand. Pastina pasta: Little star pasta is available in the pasta section of the supermarket, in Target, or online. If you can’t find it, you can also tiny pasta such as use acini di pepe, stelline, or orzo pasta. Parmesan cheese: I prefer grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and since it melts right into the recipe. (Or use Pecorino Romano which is a similar flavor.) Egg: Egg adds richness and some protein and it cooks quickly as it’s stirred into the hot pasta. You can omit it as needed to make this egg-free. Frozen peas (optional): Feel free to stir in frozen peas at the end of cooking to add a veggie. Black pepper (optional to taste): If you share this with the kids, you may enjoy your serving with some black pepper. You can also add butter at the end for richness and more creamy texture, salt as needed depending on the saltiness of your broth, Vegetable Broth made with onion, celery, garlic, and carrots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a look at the steps involved in making this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information and timing.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Sprinkle with water or broth when reheating to help it return to the desired consistency. It thickens as it cools so a little water can help loosen it up a bit.
Best Tips for Success
Add peas at the end of cooking or serve it plain as you like. Skip the egg if you prefer or if needed to make this egg-free. I prefer to use reduced-sodium broth as it can otherwise wind up very salty since the pasta absorbs all of the broth. You can also use vegetable broth or start with water. Add cracked black pepper for yourself or even a little fresh lemon zest.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Quick Pastina Soup
Favorite Toddler Pasta Recipes
Extra-Veggie Baby Pasta
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
This post was first published January 2023.
