Description

This comforting pastina recipe features a beautiful golden saffron broth and vibrant chive oil, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s an easy-to-make dish that provides a soothing, warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (180g) tiny pasta (pastina)
4 cups (950ml) high-quality chicken or vegetable broth
10–15 saffron threads (a tiny pinch)
0.25 cup (10g) fresh chives, finely chopped
3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Infuse Saffron: Gently warm 4 cups (950ml) broth in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Add saffron threads and steep for about 5 minutes until the broth is golden and fragrant.
Cook Pastina: Increase heat to bring the saffron-infused broth to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 cup (180g) pastina. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pastina is al dente and plump. (If broth evaporates quickly, add 1-2 tablespoons warm water or extra broth.)
Prepare Chive Oil: While pastina cooks, finely chop 0.25 cup (10g) fresh chives. In a small bowl, combine chopped chives with 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir until the oil is a vibrant green.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot pastina and saffron broth into bowls. Drizzle generously with the vibrant chive oil. Sprinkle with 0.25 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For quicker prep, have broth and saffron ready and chives pre-chopped. For a dairy-free dish, omit Parmesan cheese. To make it vegetarian or vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth and omit the cheese.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 300 g)
Calories: 160 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 23 mg

Keywords: pastina, saffron broth, chive oil, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal, family dinner, healthy, vegetarian option, vegan option