Name: Pastina for One
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Olive or avocado oil (a glug); 1 Tbsp minced shallot; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or bone broth); ½ cup pastina pasta (such as acini de pepe or pearled couscous); 1 Tbsp butter; ¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Short Description

A comforting single‑serve pot of creamy pastina simmered in broth with shallot, garlic, butter, cheese, and a touch of lemon—perfectly simple and soul-warming.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Singly portioned comfort: perfect for when you want a cozy bowl just for yourself
Rich yet light: naturally thickened by pasta starch with butter and cheese for extra indulgence
Bright and balanced: lemon juice cuts through richness, offering freshness
Minimal effort: uses few ingredients and only one pot for easy cleanup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive or avocado oil (a glug)
1 Tbsp minced shallot
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1¼ cups low‑sodium chicken broth (or bone broth)
½ cup pastina pasta (such as acini de pepe or pearled couscous)
1 Tbsp butter
¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano cheese
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

In a small 1–2 quart pot, heat a glug of oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add shallot and garlic and stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and bring to an active simmer.
Add the pastina and maintain a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and help release starch for natural thickening.
Cook according to package directions (about 11 minutes for many brands); for softer pasta, cook one minute beyond al dente.
Off the heat, stir in butter until melted and incorporated. Add the cheese and mix until creamy and smooth.
Finally, stir in the lemon juice and adjust pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness if desired.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 1 generous bowl
Prep Time: ~2 minutes
Cook Time: ~11–12 minutes
Total Time: ~13–14 minutes

Variations

More broth: Use 1½ cups for a brothier version—great if you prefer soup-like texture.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth or water; finish with butter and cheese for richness.
Herb addition: Stir in finely chopped parsley, basil, or chives at the end.
Protein boost: Stir in a spoonful of cooked shredded chicken or flaked tuna before serving.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drop of hot sauce for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Best eaten fresh. If needed, store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water, stirring until creamy.
Texture tip: Stir well—consistency thickens as it cools.

FAQs

Can I Use Regular Couscous Instead Of Pastina?

Yes—try small pearl couscous for a similar result, though cook time and texture may vary.

Should I Use Bone Broth Or Chicken Broth?

Both work well. Bone broth adds richness and depth; use chicken broth for lighter flavor.

Is Lemon Juice Necessary?

Lemon juice brightens and balances richness, but you can reduce or omit if desired.

Can I Make This Without Cheese?

Yes—skip the cheese for a vegan-friendly bowl; add nutritional yeast or extra butter for flavor.

How Creamy Will It Be?

Naturally creamy from the starch in the pasta, butter, and cheese. Stir well to maximize smoothness.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Yes—fold in spinach, peas, or diced soft vegetables in the final minute to heat through.

What If My Pasta Is Too Sticky?

Stir frequently while cooking and adjust heat down slightly. Add a bit more broth if mixture is too dense.

Can I Make It Spicier?

Yes—add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cracked black pepper to taste.

Can I Use Dried Herbs For Extra Flavor?

Absolutely—sprinkle a pinch of thyme, oregano, or rosemary as it cooks.

What Do I Serve With It?

It’s great solo, or serve alongside garlic toast or a quick side salad for a fuller meal.

Conclusion

This single‑serving pastina is a soul-satisfying, velvety bowl of comfort made in one pot in under 15 minutes. With its creamy texture, bright lemon finish, and cheesy indulgence, it’s ideal for a cozy lunch or light dinner—especially when you crave something warm and nourishing.

Maggie

Pastina for One