I crave this when I have a cold or the flu and feel hungry, but don’t quite trust my stomach yet with solid food . It’s bland and filling, just what one needs to fill the stomach, yet not upset it.

Combine 3 cups of water and 3 cups of chicken (or vegetable) broth in a deep pot; bring to a rolling boil. Add just a pinch of salt, if desired. Add contents of an 8 oz. package of stelline, pastini, or orzo pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently, and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low and boil uncovered, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes.

The pastini will soak up most of the liquid, and it’s ready when it’s still sort of soupy.