Chef John’s chicken pastina is like a big, warm hug from an Italian grandma, a comfort food that will, quite literally, change your mood. You can make this simple soup with a fortified broth if you have the time, or simply use off-the-shelf chicken broth for the 15-minute version.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 4 cups prepared chicken broth
- salt to taste
- 1 cup star-shaped pastina, or acini di pepe
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Steps
- Bring broth to a simmer over medium-high heat. Taste; season with salt if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium, and stir in pastina. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 seconds less than the package directions, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Turn off heat, and stir in black pepper, butter, and some of the grated cheese. Stir constantly until butter disappears.
- Ladle pastina into hot bowls. Top with more freshly ground black pepper and remaining Parmigiano Reggiano; drizzle with olive oil and serve.
