La Moderna Stars, 7 oz

I bought these for my friend for her birthday and she was so happy!

This star shaped pasta has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, especially for simple soups and quick lunches. The small estrella shape cooks evenly and holds its texture really well in broth without getting mushy, which makes a big difference when serving it to kids. It adds a playful touch that makes meals more inviting, and my kids actually get excited when they see it. I really appreciate how fast it cooks. In just a few minutes, I can have a warm and satisfying meal ready, which is perfect for busy days. It is also nice knowing it is made with enriched durum wheat semolina and includes iron and B vitamins, so I feel better about serving it regularly. The flavor is mild and comforting, making it versatile enough to pair with different broths or even simple butter and cheese. It is also great for lunchboxes since it stays soft but not sticky. Overall, this pasta delivers on convenience, nutrition, and fun presentation. It is a staple I will keep buying for easy family meals.

I’ve tried several brands of fideo and small soup pastas, but La Moderna’s Estrella (Star) pasta remains a staple in our pantry for three specific reasons: texture, cook time, and family appeal. Texture & Cooking Performance These tiny stars are surprisingly resilient. In my experience, smaller pastas often turn into a mushy "paste" if left in the broth too long. However, these hold their shape quite well, even as leftovers the next day. • Cook Time: They reach a perfect al dente in about 8–10 minutes. • Starch Level: I recommend lightly toasting them in a teaspoon of oil before adding your liquid; it brings out a nutty flavor and helps the stars stay separate. Family & Kid-Friendly Appeal If you have picky eaters or toddlers, this is a "win." The stars are small enough for a child to manage easily on a spoon, and the shape makes "soup night" a bit more engaging. We use these specifically for Sopa de Estrellas, and the 7 oz bag is the perfect ratio for about 4–6 cups of tomato-based broth. Value Comparison Compared to larger brand-name small shells or stars, La Moderna is significantly more budget-friendly without a dip in quality. The wheat holds up well to high heat, and I haven't noticed the "dusty" or broken pieces often found in cheaper bagged pastas. Pros: • Uniform shape that cooks evenly. • Very affordable pantry staple. • The 7 oz size is ideal for a single family-sized pot of soup (no half-used bags cluttering the pantry). Cons: • None, provided you don't over-boil them! This is a reliable, high-quality semolina pasta. Whether you’re making a traditional Mexican star soup or just want to add some texture to a chicken noodle soup, these are excellent. Highly recommended for families.

This pasta brand popped up in my search for a different pasta. Super inexpensive so I figured I’d try it. For the price it was worth a try. I ordered almost one of everything they offer. It came fast and well packaged. It’s easy to use just like any pasta. They have a pretty big variety. Ingredients aren’t bad. The quality was surprisingly very good. The taste was even better! I’ve ordered this since my original order and it never disappoints. I would recommend giving them a try.

I add these to my chicken noodle soup. My kids love them. They taste great.