This comforting, savory Chicken Pastina dish can either bask in the glory of a rich, slowly-simmered homemade broth or be quickly elevated with a ready-made chicken broth for a swift 15-minute culinary masterpiece. Choose your own culinary adventure.

Ingredients

• • • 4 cups robust chicken broth, prepped

    • Salt, to personal taste

    • 1 cup of delicate stelline (star-shaped) pastina, or substitute with any other pastina like acini di pepe

    • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

    • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

    • 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated (roughly 1 1/2 oz by weight)

    • Extra-virgin olive oil for finishing

Directions

1. In a medium-high heat pan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if required.

2. Once seasoned, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the pastina. Cook it, stirring occasionally, for just shy of the time indicated on the packaging, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from heat and swiftly incorporate black pepper, unsalted butter, and the finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Stir continuously until the butter completely melds into the dish.

4. Ladle the warm, comforting pastina into bowls, finishing each serving with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, an extra dusting of Parmigiano, and a luxurious drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Nutritional Breakdown 

• • • Calories            : 343

    • Fat                     : 21g

    • Carbohydrates : 25g

    • Protein               : 13g

Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this dish, where every ingredient shines with heartwarming richness.

Whole Foods Market, Organic Orzo