There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Pastina Soup — it’s pure comfort in every spoonful. This Italian classic brings together tiny pasta, golden broth, fresh vegetables, and a shower of Parmesan for a soul-warming experience that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving nostalgia, or seeking out an easy family dinner, Pastina Soup is always the answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No fussy or complicated ingredients here — Pastina Soup celebrates everyday flavors, letting each component shine. It’s amazing how just a handful of staples come together to create something unforgettable, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in taste, texture, or even the sunny color of the soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and silkiness to every bite — a must for great sautéed vegetables.
- Onion (finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and builds the flavor base for the broth.
- Carrots (diced): Offer gentle sweetness and a pop of bright color in each bowl.
- Celery (diced): Brings earthy notes that balance out the sweetness of carrots and onion.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the entire soup with gorgeous flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The soup’s backbone — it ties everything together and keeps things light and savory.
- Pastina (tiny pasta like acini di pepe or stelline): The adorable star of this soup, giving every mouthful delightful texture and heartiness.
- Salt: Enhances and lifts all the flavors so nothing is bland.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle, gentle heat that lingers just enough.
- Dried thyme: Introduces a comforting woodsy aroma, making the soup unmistakably homey.
- Dried parsley: Rounds out the seasoning and adds a hint of freshness even before the garnish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth for a beautiful, savory finish — pure coziness in every spoonful.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the final dish and makes it irresistibly inviting.
How to Make Pastina Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating that golden olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery, letting them sizzle gently. After about 5 to 6 minutes, the veggies turn glossy and just soft enough, giving off that first whiff of cozy kitchen aroma. This is your soup’s flavor foundation, so let them mingle and sweeten up together.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and watch as it instantly fills the kitchen with irresistible fragrance. You only need a minute here — garlic burns quickly, so just long enough for it to become aromatic and delicious.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in your chicken broth (or vegetable, if going meatless), then sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring everything to a lively boil, awakening the dried herbs and coaxing out every nuance of flavor from the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the Pastina
Once the soup is bubbling, add your pastina. Stir well to make sure nothing sticks. These tiny pasta shapes cook in just 5 to 6 minutes, absorbing the savory broth as they go and thickening the soup to hearty perfection. Stir occasionally and resist overcooking for the ideal texture!
Step 5: The Creamy Finish
Take the pot off the heat and immediately sprinkle in that freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until it melts into the broth, transforming everything into a cozy, cheesy haven. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and you’re ready to serve up comfort by the ladleful.
How to Serve Pastina Soup
Garnishes
A flurry of fresh parsley is my go-to garnish — it adds a hit of color and a light, grassy freshness that wakes up every bowl of Pastina Soup. For even more indulgence, toss on a little extra Parmesan and perhaps a twist of black pepper or drizzle of olive oil for richness.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is practically required for dipping, whether it’s thick slices of ciabatta or a pillowy dinner roll. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings brightness, while roasted veggies or even a handful of olives round out the meal. This soup plays well with any classic Italian comfort food sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this nostalgic favorite into a stunning starter by serving your Pastina Soup in petite cups or mugs at dinner parties. For kids, try floating little star-shaped pastina and letting them stir in their own cheese at the table. Or go family-style with a big tureen and an array of toppings for everyone to personalize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fill, let any remaining Pastina Soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. Remember, the pastina will continue to absorb broth, so your soup will thicken as it sits.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Pastina Soup, prepare the broth and vegetables as usual, but hold off on adding the pastina and cheese. Freeze the broth and veggie base, then cook the pasta fresh each time you reheat for the best texture. It’s a handy meal prep trick that keeps everything tasting top-notch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add extra broth or water to loosen the consistency, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring partway through ensures even heating.
FAQs
What type of pastina should I use for Pastina Soup?
Pastina simply means “little pasta” and you’ll find several shapes — acini di pepe, stelline (stars), or tiny alphabet pasta all work beautifully. Choose your favorite or use what you have on hand; the smaller the shape, the cozier and more classic the soup will feel.
Can I make Pastina Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good-quality low-sodium vegetable broth. You’ll still get loads of savory flavor, and the cheesy finish brings the same comfort and satisfaction.
How do I prevent the pastina from getting mushy?
The key is to cook the pastina just until tender and serve immediately. If you expect leftovers, you can also cook the pastina separately and combine with the broth just before serving to preserve that perfect, toothsome texture.
Can I add protein or extra veggies to the soup?
Definitely! Stir in shredded cooked chicken or even whisk a beaten egg into the hot broth in the last minute of cooking for extra richness. Peas, spinach, or zucchini are wonderful extras that won’t overwhelm the soothing flavor of classic Pastina Soup.
Why does my soup thicken after chilling?
Tiny pasta is like a little sponge, happily soaking up the broth as it sits. When reheating, simply add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up, and your Pastina Soup returns to its original silky, cozy state.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this recipe is beloved across generations and continents — homemade Pastina Soup is a hug in a bowl. If you’ve never tried making it at home, I hope you give it a go soon. With minimal effort and maximum comfort, you and your family are bound to fall in love with every spoonful.
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Pastina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting and flavorful Pastina Soup is a classic Italian dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vegetables, tiny pasta, and savory broth, it’s a satisfying and easy-to-make soup that’s sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup pastina (such as acini di pepe or stelline)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Additional:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Soup: Pour in chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil. Add pastina and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish Soup: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a silkier texture, whisk in 1 beaten egg during the final minute of cooking.
- You can add shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Best served immediately as pastina absorbs broth; add more broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
