Description
This comforting and elegant Pastina with Mushroom Leek Parmesan Broth is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender pastina pasta simmered in a rich broth of sautéed mushrooms, leeks, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic, thyme, and a touch of cream, this dish offers a creamy, flavorful experience perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastina and Broth
- 1 cup pastina (or any small pasta)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and leeks, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the leeks have softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the aroma fills your kitchen without burning the garlic.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: 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, allowing flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pastina and cook in the simmering broth for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the broth’s flavor.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a richer, creamier broth, stir in the heavy cream now and blend it thoroughly with the pasta and broth.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts, thickening the broth into a luscious sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the pastina into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately to enjoy warm and comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan and heavy cream or use plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust salt based on the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have pastina, use any small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe.
- The heavy cream is optional but adds extra creaminess to the dish.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be replaced with other herbs like chives or thyme.
