Barilla Pastina Pasta, 12 Ounce, 16 Per Case

The little pasta stars are made from quality durum wheat, which is high in essential nutrients. This pastina pasta has a nutty flavor and pairs well soups and simple broths.

Uses

Broth-based soups: Add directly to chicken broth, vegetable broth, or minestrone for a classic Italian soup with tender tiny pasta stars.
Children’s meals: Cook in light broth or with a drizzle of butter and Parmesan for a gentle, easy-to-eat dish that small children can manage.
Simple side dishes: Toss with olive oil, herbs, or mild seasonings for a quick accompaniment to chicken, fish, or vegetable mains.
Baked pasta casseroles: Stir into baked dishes with cheese and vegetables where a small pasta shape distributes evenly throughout.
Salad additions: Cool after cooking and fold into cold pasta salads for texture and substance without overpowering other ingredients.

Who Would Benefit

• Families with young children who want a quick, gentle pasta for everyday meals
• Restaurants and diners serving soup as a regular menu item
• Day-care centers and school cafeterias needing kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare food
• Convenience stores stocking shelf-stable meal starters
• Caterers and food service operators running bulk soup programs
• Home cooks who keep a reliable pantry staple for fast weeknight dinners

Product Highlights

• Made from quality durum wheat with a nutty flavor and firm texture
• Star-shaped pastina, a traditional Italian small pasta format
• Non-GMO Project verified
• Kosher certified
• Good source of iron and B vitamins
• Ready-to-use and cooks in minutes
• 12 oz (340 g) per pack, 16 packs per case

Preparation & Use

Bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add salt to taste, and stir in the pastina. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until tender but still firm, then drain and serve immediately. For soup preparations, add the pastina directly to simmering broth and cook until tender, typically 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb flavor from the liquid. Adjust cooking time slightly for softer texture when preparing for young children.

Common Applications

Barilla Pastina is most often used as a soup pasta, stirred into chicken noodle soup, Italian wedding soup, or clear beef broth. It also works well as a standalone dish with butter and cheese, or mixed into light tomato sauces where the small shape catches and holds sauce in every spoonful. Food service operators frequently portion it as a side or soup base in institutional settings because it portions evenly and reheats without breaking down.