Make A Meal Monday w/ Mama Red - Pastina with Egg
Make A Meal Monday w/ Mama Red - Pastina with Egg is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by Roscoe Red TV on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $1.46 total, $0.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pastina (small star‑shaped pasta; can be substituted with orzo or acini di pepe)
- 4 cups Water (use fresh cold water)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste; a pinch is enough)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature; can use egg whites only for lower cholesterol)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened; can substitute with margarine or a drizzle of olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (optional garnish, finely chopped)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Measure 4 cups of water, 1 cup of pastina, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp butter, and a pinch of salt. Have a small saucepan, measuring cup, and wooden spoon ready.
Time: PT5M
Bring Water to a Boil
Pour the water into the saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and place over high heat until rapidly boiling.
Time: PT5M
Cook Pastina
Add the pastina to the boiling water, reduce to a gentle boil, and cook 10‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture is thick and creamy.
Time: PT12M
Scramble Eggs In‑Soup
Crack the two eggs directly into the saucepan and quickly stir with the wooden spoon, scrambling them into the hot pastina until the eggs are just set.
Time: PT2M
Add Butter and Finish
Turn off the heat, add the butter, and stir until fully melted and incorporated, giving the soup a silky finish.
Time: PT1M
Season, Garnish, and Serve
Taste the soup and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle optional chopped parsley and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 270
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pastina: Orzo, Acini di pepe, Rice
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Eggs: Egg whites, Silken tofu (crumbled)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Chives, Basil
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Whisk (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Bring water to a rolling boil before adding pasta
- Cook pastina until most liquid is absorbed for a creamy texture
- Scramble the eggs quickly to avoid over‑cooking
- Add butter off the heat to keep the soup silky
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra richness, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- A dash of white pepper adds a subtle warmth without altering the soothing flavor.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too watery
Continue cooking uncovered to evaporate excess liquid, or add a little more pastina next time.
Eggs are curdled or rubbery
Stir the eggs continuously and remove the pan from heat as soon as they are just set.
Pasta sticks together
Stir frequently while cooking and add a splash of water if it looks dry.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended – the texture of the eggs and butter changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the pastina ahead of time and store it separate from the broth; add eggs and butter when ready to serve.
- You can pre‑measure the butter into a small dish for quick addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pastina with Egg Soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Pastina with Egg Soup is a classic Italian‑American comfort dish that families often serve to children or the sick because it’s warm, easy to digest, and nutritionally soothing. It reflects the tradition of using simple pantry staples to create nourishing meals during hard times or illness.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pastina with Egg Soup in Italy?
In Italy, similar soups are known as "Pasta in Brodo" and may include chicken broth, grated cheese, or herbs like parsley. Some regions add tiny meatballs or use different tiny pastas such as orzo or stelline.
How is Pastina with Egg Soup traditionally served in Italian-American households?
It is usually served hot in a shallow bowl, sometimes topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh parsley leaves. It’s often eaten as a first‑course or a light meal, especially when someone is feeling under the weather.
On what occasions is Pastina with Egg Soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American culture?
The soup is commonly prepared for sick days, after school for kids, or as a quick comfort meal during busy weekdays. It’s also a nostalgic dish served during family gatherings that emphasize home‑cooked comfort food.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Pastina with Egg Soup and what are acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include small pastina pasta, eggs, butter, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are orzo or rice for the pasta, olive oil or margarine for butter, and egg whites or crumbled silken tofu for the eggs if a lower‑cholesterol version is desired.
What other Italian-American dishes pair well with Pastina with Egg Soup?
It pairs nicely with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a fuller meal, serve alongside meatballs or a light chicken cutlet.
What makes Pastina with Egg Soup special in Italian-American comfort cuisine?
Its simplicity, quick preparation, and soothing warm broth make it a go‑to comfort food. The combination of soft pasta and gently scrambled eggs provides protein and carbs in a gentle, easy‑to‑digest form.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pastina with Egg Soup?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the eggs, resulting in a rubbery texture, using too much water which makes the soup watery, and adding butter while the pan is still on high heat, which can cause it to separate.
Why does this Pastina with Egg Soup recipe add butter after turning off the heat?
Adding butter off the heat prevents it from breaking or separating, ensuring a smooth, velvety finish that coats the pasta and eggs without becoming greasy.
Can I make Pastina with Egg Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can pre‑cook the pastina and store it in the refrigerator, but add the eggs and butter just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Roscoe Red TV specialize in?
The YouTube channel Roscoe Red TV focuses on easy, home‑cooked comfort meals, often featuring quick, budget‑friendly recipes that are perfect for beginners and families looking for simple weeknight dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Roscoe Red TV's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Roscoe Red TV emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, minimal equipment, and a relaxed, personable style that feels like cooking with a friend, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
