The Pasta Queen's Guide to Pastina

As a mom of four, Pastina is a very special pasta to me. It’s one of the first solids I fed each of my babies, so preparing it always feels cozy and nostalgic. That said, it’s easy to understand why Pastina is getting a lot of buzz right now. A certain brand is discontinuing its version of the beloved pasta, but did you know that Pastina is a category of pasta, not one specific shape? In Italian, ‘Pastina’ translates, quite literally, to ‘little pasta,’ so while some stelline (or little stars) may be difficult to find, let me introduce you to some of my favorite Pastina shapes and what you can make with them!

You already know I love Pasta Di Martino, and their new online pasta shop makes it easier to source high-quality Italian pasta in various shapes. It’s the perfect place to stock up on a few boxes of Pastina.

Alfabeto

These adorable little letters are perfect for picky eaters. They’ll love to hunt for the letters in their name and will clear their plates in the process. These are perfect in my classic minestrone.

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Lumachine

Also known as ‘little snails,’ these adorable shells pair beautifully with a creamy and cheesy sauce. Try my recipe, which features an amazing creamy cauliflower cheese sauce and crispy pancetta.

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Orzo

This shape is very similar to rice, so I love cooking it risotto-style in my recipe for The Italian Rose.

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Tubettini

These are amazing in soups and stews, but I love using them to make my protein-packed Power Greens Pasta.

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Stelline

Last but certainly not least, this is the shape that has the internet abuzz. I can promise you that the version from Pasta Di Martino is far superior to anything you’ve tried before. It’s made from a bronze die with 100% Italian wheat and contains a minimum of 14% protein. This is the shape I make when a loved one is not feeling well, preferably with some nutrient-rich homemade broth like this.

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