Cozy Homemade Pastina Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Warming memories of childhood comfort swirl through this delicate pastina soup that connects generations with its simple magic.

Grandmothers across Italian kitchens have whispered secrets into each tiny pasta pearl.

Delicate stars float in a silky broth, promising pure nourishment and gentle healing.

Mothers learned this recipe from their own maternal lineages, passing down traditions through steaming bowls.

Soft, tender pasta dissolves like whispers, creating a liquid embrace that soothes and restores.

Tender ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a moment of pure culinary comfort.

FAQs

• What is pastina?

Pastina is a tiny, star-shaped pasta traditionally used in Italian soups and broths, especially for children and when someone is feeling unwell. It’s smaller than most pasta shapes and cooks quickly.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the Parmesan rind or use a vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese alternative to keep the flavor profile.

• Is pastina soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s a nutrient-rich soup packed with vegetables, protein from broth, and provides comfort and warmth. The combination of vegetables and pasta makes it a balanced, nourishing meal that’s especially good during cold seasons or when recovering from illness.

• What can I do if I don't have pastina?

If pastina isn’t available, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like orzo, stelline (small stars), or even broken vermicelli. The key is using a tiny pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the soup’s flavors.

Comfort in a Bowl: Pastina Soup

• Quick Comfort Cuisine: Whip up this heartwarming pastina soup with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Family Favorite: Perfect for kids and adults alike, this simple soup adapts easily to different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Time-Saving Delight: Prepare a nourishing meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner solution.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup delivers essential nutrients while minimizing kitchen cleanup with its single-pot cooking method.

What Makes Up Pastina Soup

• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid foundation and rich flavor for the soup, choose low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
• Parmesan Rind: Adds depth and umami complexity to the broth, optional but recommended for extra flavor.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base vegetables that create a flavor foundation, fresh and crisp produce ensures best results.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and warmth to the soup, fresh garlic cloves deliver the most intense flavor.
• Pastina: Tiny pasta that adds texture and heartiness to the soup, small star-shaped or alphabet pasta works perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbaceous flavor to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish to the soup, freshly grated gives the best taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich finish and enhances overall flavor, use high-quality cold-pressed oil.

Pastina Soup Instructions the Classic Way

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Warm up a spacious pot over medium flame.

Splash in a generous glug of olive oil.

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic

Sizzle and dance these veggies around for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft, golden, and broadcasting mouthwatering aromas throughout your kitchen.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth with enthusiasm.

Drop in a Parmesan rind for extra depth if you’re feeling fancy.

Crank up the heat to bring everything to a robust boil.

Once bubbling, dial down the temperature and let the liquid whisper and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and get acquainted.

Step 3: Welcome Tiny Pasta

Introduce pastina into the warm broth landscape.

Stir gently and cook according to package guidance, typically 6-8 minutes.

Keep an eye on those adorable little pasta pearls, giving occasional stirs to prevent any clingy behavior.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Bid farewell to the Parmesan rind.

Season with salt and black pepper, tailoring to your taste preferences.

Ladle this liquid comfort into waiting bowls.

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Serve piping hot and prepare for pure culinary bliss.

Soothing Prep Tips for Homemade Pastina Soup

• Swap out or add different vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas to customize the soup and boost nutrition.
• No Parmesan rind? Use a Parmesan cheese wedge or skip it, adding extra grated cheese at serving for similar depth of flavor.
• Enhance the soup's heartiness by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or tiny diced ham for extra protein.
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season gradually and prevent over-salting the soup.
• Cook pastina just until al dente to maintain a pleasant chewy texture and prevent mushy pasta in the final dish.

Save Pastina Soup Properly

• Transfer leftover pastina soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot throughout.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

Serving Suggestions for Pastina Soup

• Elevate Soup's Warmth: Pair with crusty sourdough bread to soak up every delicious broth drop, creating a comforting texture combination that hugs your taste buds.
• Match Flavor Depth: Select a crisp pinot grigio or light chardonnay wine that complements the soup's delicate vegetable and cheese notes without overpowering its subtle richness.
• Enhance Nutritional Balance: Add a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast that cuts through the soup's creamy warmth and adds vibrant nutrition.
• Boost Protein Profile: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or pan-seared white fish to transform the light soup into a more substantial, complete meal that satisfies hunger and adds protein variety.

Pastina Soup Comforting Additions

• Gluten-Free Pastina: Replace traditional pastina with gluten-free mini pasta or quinoa, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this comforting soup.
• Vegan Vegetable Broth Version: Swap chicken broth for rich vegetable broth and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a savory flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add diced chicken, white beans, or tofu to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal for athletes or health-conscious individuals.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use homemade salt-free vegetable broth and season minimally with herbs like thyme and rosemary to reduce sodium intake while maintaining delicious taste.

Pastina Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Italian pastina soup brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, embracing childhood memories with its delicate pasta and rich broth. Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a soulful meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes)

vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

seasonings and garnish:

• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and warm it over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a flavorful base.
2. Gently introduce chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour the selected broth into the vegetable mixture, adding the Parmesan rind to infuse depth and richness.
4. Elevate the heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop complex flavors for 15-20 minutes.
5. Carefully introduce pastina into the simmering liquid, stirring periodically to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
6. Monitor the pasta’s tenderness, typically requiring 6-8 minutes of cooking until it reaches a soft, delicate consistency.
7. Extract and discard the Parmesan rind, then calibrate the soup’s flavor profile with strategic salt and pepper seasoning.
8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating an elegant presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a refined drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Customize the soup base by swapping chicken broth with vegetable or bone broth for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Enhance nutrition by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked protein like white beans for extra substance.
• Choose smaller pasta varieties like orzo or stelline if pastina is unavailable, maintaining the soup’s delicate texture and kid-friendly appeal.
• Easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting Parmesan rind, ensuring versatility for various dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg