If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully simple and cozy soup that combines tiny, delicate pastina with savory chicken broth, sautéed vegetables, and just the right touch of Parmesan and fresh herbs. This soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or anytime you want to feel a bit nurtured and satisfied without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role, from the tender veggies adding sweetness and color to the robust chicken broth that forms the comforting base.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This is the heart of your soup, providing a rich, savory flavor that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- 3/4 cup pastina: Tiny pasta shapes like star-shaped, acini di pepe, or orzo work best to soak up the broth and give that signature comforting texture.
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely orange hue, making the soup visually inviting.
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: Brings a gentle crunch and fresh aroma that balances out the richness of the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with warm, aromatic depth that awakens the senses.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the veggies, it lends a subtle fruitiness and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle inside the soup adds a creamy, salty layer of richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and cheerful green color to finish the dish perfectly.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper, to taste: Gives a little gentle heat and complexity with every bite.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Let these cook gently for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the veggies and starts building the flavor foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. While it heats, use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits left in the pot, since these add tasty depth. The broth acts as a warm, savory stage for the pastina and veggies to come together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is bubbling, stir in the pastina and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for five to seven minutes until the tiny pasta becomes tender but still holds a bit of bite. This delicate texture is what makes the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe so appealing and comforting.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional two minutes so all the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve with Cheese and Parsley
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese along with chopped fresh parsley on top. This finishing touch adds richness, color, and a fresh herbal note that lifts the entire soup to new heights.
How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Italian Pastina Soup Recipe, don’t skip the garnishes! A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the hot broth, creating a creamy, salty layer that enhances every spoonful. Bright, chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a lovely fresh contrast to the warm, savory soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides such as crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil offers a refreshing counterpoint that balances the soup’s comforting warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe in charming rustic bowls with individual Parmesan cheese shavings on the side for guests to add as they please. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a few drops of chili oil on top for an elegant twist. Presentation really sets the mood for enjoying this humble but heartfelt dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Pastina Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the pasta will continue to absorb broth, so the soup may thicken a bit overnight.
Freezing
Because the pastina softens quickly, freezing is not ideal if you want to keep the soup’s perfect texture. However, if you do freeze, do so without the pasta and add it freshly cooked when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
What is pastina?
Pastina is a type of tiny pasta, often shaped like stars, little dots, or small grains, used primarily in soups. Its small size makes it perfect for light brothy dishes like this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as comforting.
How long does the soup take to cook?
The cooking time is wonderfully short; it takes about 10 minutes total, including sautéing the vegetables and simmering the pasta until tender.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While tiny pastas like pastina work best, you can try orzo, acini di pepe, or even small stars. Avoid larger pasta shapes, as they won’t cook evenly or provide the same texture.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Definitely. The mild flavors, small pasta, and soft vegetables make it a kid-friendly meal that’s easy to eat and soothing to the palate.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little love can transform into something truly special. Whether you’re looking to nourish yourself on a chilly day or impress loved ones with heartfelt simplicity, this soup never fails. Gather your ingredients, follow along, and enjoy the warming, delicious reward. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Italian Pastina Soup is a quick and easy dish featuring tiny star-shaped pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with sautéed vegetables. Enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a light meal or a cozy starter.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup pastina or tiny pasta (such as star-shaped, acini di pepe, or orzo)
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
Finishing Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add finely diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the pastina or tiny pasta. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Season and Simmer: Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Pastina can be substituted with other tiny pasta shapes such as orzo or acini di pepe.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Parmesan or use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
