Description
Pastina with Mushroom Leek Parmesan Broth is a comforting, savory dish perfect for cooler days. The tiny pasta, pastina, is cooked in a flavorful broth made with earthy mushrooms, aromatic leeks, and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s a warm, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor. This dish is perfect as a light dinner or a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pastina (or any small pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- 1 leek, cleaned and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and leeks, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the leeks have softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the pastina and let it cook in the broth for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the flavors from the broth.
- If you prefer a creamier broth, add the heavy cream at this point and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Pastina with Mushroom Leek Parmesan Broth!
Notes
- If you want a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables, like spinach or kale, for added nutrition.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based Parmesan cheese and skip the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg