Italian cuisine is one of the most popular and versatile cuisines there is. From it we get pasta, gnocchi, risotto, tiramisu, and so much more. One of the less popular Italian dishes is pastina, a name that literally translates to "small" or "tiny" pasta. Pastina is used in so many Italian soup pastas, and it is considered one of Italy's most comforting dishes.

Historically, some pastinas are named after ex-Italian colonies that have been critical to the history of Italy — for example, there are pastinas named Asabessi, Bengasine, Tripolini, and more. Also, according to Chef Riccardo Orfino from One More Hospitality, pastina became a way to not waste pasta. "Back in the day, we would do everything by hand and have left over pasta," said Orfino.