Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: The delicate pasta and rich broth make this a warm and cozy dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal effort.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, protein, or cheese to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Tiny pastina pasta is perfect for little ones.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the Parmesan rind (if using), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with crusty bread!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or small meatballs for extra heartiness.
- Extra Vegetables: Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Creamy Style: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze without the pasta, then cook and add fresh pastina when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but stick to small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe for the best texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes! Shredded chicken or crumbled Italian sausage makes a great addition.
What’s the best broth to use?
Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well too.
How do I prevent the pastina from absorbing too much broth?
Cook the pastina separately and add it just before serving.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! The tiny pasta is perfect for little ones.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables will give the soup the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes! Stir in some heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end.
Conclusion
Pastina Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving a simple, nostalgic meal or need a quick and satisfying soup, this recipe is perfect. With just a few ingredients, you can create a cozy and flavorful bowl of soup that everyone will love!
Pastina Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pastina Soup is a classic Italian comfort dish, often called “Italian penicillin,” made with tiny star-shaped pasta simmered in a savory chicken broth with vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, this quick and easy soup is full of nourishing goodness and versatility. Whether you’re looking to boost it with protein, extra veggies, or fresh herbs, Pastina Soup is a cozy, customizable dish your whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the Pastina: Add the pastina to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook according to package instructions, typically 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Variation: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or Italian sausage for a protein-packed version.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a Parmesan rind can enhance the flavor while simmering.
- Leafy Greens: Stir in spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with extra broth or water if necessary.
