Pastina is a type of pasta consisting of tiny pieces of pasta, typically of a round shape with a diameter of about 1.6 millimeters. It is the smallest type of pasta produced and is made of wheat flour and may also include egg. In Italy, pastina is a general term referring to many small shapes of pasta, while in North America, the term pastina is usually used to refer to one type of pastina: "stellina". Pastina is used in many different ways in Italian cuisine, including as an ingredient of soup, desserts, infant food, and also, alone, as a distinct and unique pasta dish. Pastina is typically made from durum wheat semolina flour, which is mixed with water and formed into small, grain-shaped pieces. If you are unable to find pastina at your local grocery store, there are several other types of pasta that are similar in size and shape that you can use instead, such as orzo.