Food Story

There’s something about a bowl of pastina with prosciutto that feels like home to me. Maybe it’s the way the steam curls up from the pot on a quiet evening, or how the salty bits of prosciutto melt into the soft pasta. It’s Italian comfort food at its simplest the kind of dish I reach for when I want something cozy but still a little classy.

I first made this recipe after a trip to Italy, where every meal felt like a celebration of small bites and Italian appetizers. I loved how even the simplest pasta dish could feel like a special occasion. This one is my take on that spirit creamy, flavorful, and perfect for serving as part of a tapas spread or a warm weeknight dinner.

When I’m craving something that tastes like it came from a tiny trattoria, I crisp up a little prosciutto the same way I do in my favorite crispy prosciutto recipe and stir it right into the pastina. The result is smooth, salty, and completely irresistible a bowl of pure Italian comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pastina with prosciutto is cozy, creamy, and just a little fancy. It’s pure Italian comfort food that comes together in minutes perfect for busy nights or a relaxed weekend meal.

You can serve it warm in tiny bowls as a classy appetizer or alongside other Italian appetizers for a small tapas spread. It’s light yet satisfying, simple yet special the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile.

Ingredients (Main Ingredients + Optional Add-Ins)

For this pastina with prosciutto, I like to keep the ingredients simple it’s all about comfort and creaminess.

Main Ingredients:

• Pastina: tiny pasta stars or pearls that cook quickly and soak up flavor.
• Prosciutto: diced small so it turns crispy and rich I use the same method as in my favorite crispy prosciutto recipe.
• Boursin cheese: melts beautifully for that creamy, garlicky finish.
• Butter & broth: the base that makes every spoonful silky.
• Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty depth and ties everything together.

Optional Add-Ins:
For a twist, stir in baby spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms to make a light vegetarian recipe. You can even sprinkle a bit of truffle oil if you’re craving something extra special.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Crisp the prosciutto.
In a warm skillet, melt a touch of butter and add the diced prosciutto. Let it sizzle until the edges turn golden and crisp. (If you love that texture, try the same technique I use in my prosciutto parmesan jalapeño poppers recipe).

Step 2: Cook the pastina.
Bring broth to a simmer and add the pastina. Stir often it cooks fast and absorbs all that savory flavor.

Step 3: Make it creamy.
Lower the heat, then stir in Boursin cheese and butter until smooth. The sauce thickens gently as the pasta cools.

Step 4: Finish and serve.
Fold in the crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of Parmesan. I sometimes add a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of black pepper for balance.

For a fun twist, I’ve also served it like I do with my prosciutto Hawaiian pizza in tiny bowls for easy tapas ideas.

Variations & Customization Ideas

This pastina with prosciutto can be dressed up or simplified depending on your mood. For a comforting twist, bake it with extra Parmesan until the top turns bubbly like a macaroni and cheese casserole.

If you’re hosting, serve small portions in cups or crostini shells for elegant crostini appetizers or Italian tapas ideas. You can even replace prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms or roasted tomatoes for a vegetarian recipe that’s just as creamy and rich.

When I want to lean into full Italian food vibes, I drizzle a bit of truffle oil before serving it turns a simple bowl of comfort food into something that feels restaurant-worthy.

Recipe Card

Pastina with Prosciutto Recipe

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• Author: danyrecipes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This creamy pastina with prosciutto is cozy Italian comfort in a bowl. Tiny pasta stars simmer in a rich broth and melt into buttery Boursin cheese for a silky, savory dish. Perfect as a classy appetizer, a comforting dinner, or a simple Italian-inspired treat.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (tiny star pasta or any small shape)
• 2 oz prosciutto, finely diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: handful of baby spinach, green peas, or drizzle of truffle oil

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Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add prosciutto and cook until golden and crisp.
2. In a saucepan, bring broth to a simmer. Stir in the pastina and cook until tender, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Lower the heat, then stir in Boursin cheese and butter until the mixture turns creamy.
4. Add Parmesan and fold in crispy prosciutto. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm as a cozy bowl or in small cups for elegant appetizers.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Reheat with a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture.
• Delicious paired with a green salad, crostini appetizers, or other Italian tapas ideas.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Every bowl of pastina with prosciutto feels like a hug from the kitchen creamy, comforting, and full of simple Italian charm. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me why I love cooking: quick, heartfelt, and made to share.

If you try this dish, I’d love to see your version come join me on my Pinterest for more cozy Italian food inspiration and easy comfort food favorites. Pin it, save it, and let’s keep cooking together