Are you a pasta lover but struggle to find time to cook during busy weeknights? Look no further! In this article, we have curated 5 delicious pastina recipes that are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple obligations, or simply someone who prefers simple and fuss-free meals, these recipes will become your go-to options.
Within minutes, you can whip up a bowl of pastina that is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, don’t let your hectic schedule compromise your love for good food. Try these quick and easy pastina recipes tonight and experience the joy of a delicious meal without the hassle. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these lip-smacking dishes.
Benefits of cooking with pastina
Pastina, also known as “little pasta,” is a type of small pasta that is typically used in soups, stews, and side dishes. It is often made from durum wheat semolina and is shaped like tiny stars, tubes, or grains. Pastina is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways and pairs well with a wide range of flavors.
The small size of pastina makes it perfect for quick and easy meals, as it cooks much faster than larger pasta shapes. It absorbs flavors easily, making it ideal for dishes that require minimal cooking time. Pastina is a popular choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pastina recipe ideas for busy weeknights
Now that you know the benefits of cooking with pastina, let’s dive into some delicious recipe ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes are quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Quick and easy pastina with butter and Parmesan
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pastina
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked pastina to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the butter.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the pastina is heated through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
This simple pastina recipe is a classic comfort food that can be prepared in just minutes. The combination of butter and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and indulgent dish that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect option for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal.
Creamy tomato and spinach pastina
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pastina
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Add the cooked pastina to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato and spinach mixture.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the pastina is heated through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
This creamy tomato and spinach pastina recipe is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, and rich cream creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is both comforting and nutritious. It’s a great option for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Cheesy broccoli and chicken pastina bake
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pastina
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken breast and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pastina, broccoli, chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This cheesy broccoli and chicken pastina bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a great option for those nights when you want a satisfying and comforting meal that requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet!
Lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus pastina
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pastina
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in the asparagus pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
6. Add the cooked pastina to the skillet and toss to combine with the shrimp and asparagus.
7. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the pastina is heated through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
This lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus pastina recipe is a light and refreshing option for those nights when you want something quick and healthy. The combination of succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and zesty lemon creates a flavorful and vibrant dish that is perfect for spring and summer evenings. It’s a great way to incorporate more seafood and vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
One-pot sausage and mushroom pastina
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pastina
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables have softened.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
7. Add the cooked pastina to the pot and stir to combine with the sausage and mushroom mixture.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pastina is heated through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
This one-pot sausage and mushroom pastina recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a hearty and comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup. The combination of savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means less time spent on washing dishes!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking pastina is a simple process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Use a large pot: To prevent the pastina from sticking together, use a large pot with plenty of water. This will allow the pasta to move freely while cooking.
2. Salt the water: Add a generous amount of salt to the cooking water before adding the pastina. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
3. Follow the package instructions: Different brands and shapes of pastina may require slightly different cooking times. Always refer to the package instructions for the most accurate cooking time.
4. Test for doneness: To check if the pastina is cooked to your liking, take a small bite. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
5. Rinse with cold water (optional): If you’re using pastina in a cold salad or intend to reheat it later, rinse it with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
6. Use a flavorful sauce or seasoning: Pastina is relatively mild in flavor, so it’s important to pair it with a flavorful sauce or seasoning to enhance the taste. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to find your favorite combination.
Enjoy!
Pastina is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can help you create delicious meals even on the busiest of weeknights. With these 5 quick and easy pastina recipes, you can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy and cheesy options to light and refreshing variations, there’s a pastina recipe to suit every palate. So, don’t let your hectic schedule compromise your love for good food. Try these recipes tonight and experience the joy of a delicious meal without the hassle. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these lip-smacking dishes. Happy cooking!
