Pastina Soup is one of those simple, comforting meals that always feels like a little hug in a bowl. Made with tiny pasta, tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, it has a delicious, cozy taste that makes every spoonful satisfying.
What I love most about this soup is how easy it is to prepare with everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, quick lunches, or whenever you’re craving something warm and nourishing. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this family-friendly recipe, and it’s easy to make your own with a few simple additions.
Table of Contents
Pastina Soup Ingredients
- Pastina pasta (1 cup): Tiny pasta shapes that make the soup tender, soft, and comforting.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Creates a flavorful base and gives the soup a rich, savory taste.
- Carrot (1 medium, diced): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and extra flavor.
- Celery (1 stalk, diced): Brings a mild, fresh flavor that complements the broth.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives the broth a warm, savory flavor.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the vegetables and adds a little richness.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor and makes the soup extra delicious.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhance the flavors and help season the soup.
- Fresh parsley (1–2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, colorful finish when serving.
How to Make Pastina Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting the amounts to your taste.
3. Cook the Pastina
Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook according to the package instructions, usually 5–8 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
4. Add the Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the warm broth. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Adjust the Consistency
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra warm broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. The tiny pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks and rests
6. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot Pastina Soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Pastina Soup is simple to prepare and perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal.
- Comforting and Cozy: The warm broth and tender pasta make every bowl feel soothing and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: You can make this soup with everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: Chicken broth, garlic, vegetables, and Parmesan cheese create a delicious combination.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Cook Pastina Just Before Serving: Pastina absorbs liquid quickly, so adding it near serving time helps prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Stir the Pasta Often: Stirring occasionally prevents the tiny pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the Consistency: Keep extra chicken broth nearby so you can thin the soup if it becomes too thick.
- Add Parmesan at the End: Stirring in freshly grated Parmesan just before serving adds a rich, savory flavor.
What to Serve with Pastina Soup
Pastina soup is lovely with a slice of toasted sourdough or warm Italian bread for dipping. For a simple lunch, serve it with a few crackers and freshly grated Parmesan on top. A side of sliced apples or grapes adds a fresh touch, making this cozy soup a comforting meal for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pastina Soup with vegetable broth ?
Yes! Vegetable broth works well if you want a vegetarian version. Choose a flavorful broth and use vegetarian Parmesan or another hard cheese suitable for vegetarians.
Can I add chicken to Pastina Soup ?
Absolutely! Add cooked, shredded chicken to make the soup heartier. Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works well and saves preparation time.
Can I make Pastina Soup without Parmesan cheese ?
Yes! You can leave out the Parmesan or replace it with another grated cheese you enjoy. The soup will still taste delicious because the broth and vegetables provide plenty of flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Pastina Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Add a little broth or water when reheating, as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
Freezer Storage: For the best texture, freeze the broth and vegetables without the pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked pastina.
Pastina Soup
Course: Soups, Lunch, DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes220
kcal25
minutesPastina Soup is a cozy, comforting meal made with tiny pasta, tender vegetables, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or a light family dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup pastina pasta
6 cups chicken broth
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the pasta: Add the pastina and cook according to the package instructions, usually 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Adjust the consistency: Add a little extra warm broth or water if the soup is too thick.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pasta options: Stelline, acini di pepe, or another small pasta can replace pastina. Cooking times may vary.
- Extra protein: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a heartier soup.
- Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer more control over the salt.
- Consistency: Pastina absorbs broth as it sits, so keep extra broth available.
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