Pastina Soup 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pastina Soup is both nourishing and easy to make. With its light, savory broth and soft pastina, it’s a perfect soup for a light meal or appetizer. The simplicity of the dish allows the ingredients to shine, and the small pasta adds a fun texture that’s perfect for slurping. Plus, it’s highly customizable—whether you want to add vegetables, a protein, or even a touch of cheese, it’s easy to make it your own. It’s also quick to prepare, so you can have a delicious bowl ready in no time!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

• 1 cup pastina pasta (tiny pasta stars or any small pasta)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the broth base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.

3. Cook the pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Be sure to check the pasta’s cooking time on the package, as it may vary slightly.

4. Season the soup: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on the broth’s saltiness.

5. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, try adding carrots, celery, or spinach. Simply sauté them with the onion at the beginning for extra flavor.

• Add protein: For added protein, you can stir in some cooked chicken, turkey, or beans.

• Make it creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a little cream or milk at the end of cooking.

• Add cheese: Mix in a bit of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or Parmesan, for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that pastina may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until warm. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, if you can’t find pastina, you can substitute any small pasta, like orzo or tiny shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you’re using.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. You can also add some tofu for protein if desired.

How do I keep the pastina from becoming too soft?

Pastina cooks quickly, so be sure to add it to the simmering broth and keep an eye on the cooking time. If you plan to have leftovers, you might want to cook the pastina separately and then add it to the soup right before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Can I freeze Pastina Soup?

Pastina soup is not ideal for freezing as the pasta can become mushy once frozen and reheated. However, you can freeze the broth and add fresh pasta when reheating if you prefer.

Can I add other herbs to the soup?

Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs are best added at the end for maximum flavor.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Store-bought broth works perfectly in this recipe! Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option to control the salt level in the soup.

How can I make the soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the soup along with the garlic for extra heat.

Can I make this soup creamy?

Yes! For a creamy version, stir in a little heavy cream or milk after the soup has finished cooking, and heat through. You can also use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

Can I serve this soup with bread?

Yes, this soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Conclusion

Pastina Soup is a simple, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend meals. Whether you keep it basic with just pasta and broth or add extra vegetables and protein, this soup is guaranteed to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table.

Pastina Soup 

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 25min
• Yield: 4servings

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Description

Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tiny pasta in a savory, clear broth. This classic Italian soup is quick to prepare, making it the perfect light meal or appetizer for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its soothing flavors and easy-to-digest ingredients, this heartwarming dish is perfect for all ages and customizable to your taste.

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

1 cup pastina pasta (tiny pasta stars or any small pasta)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Broth Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

• Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

• Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to check the pasta’s cooking time on the package, as it may vary slightly.

• Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

• Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• For added flavor, sauté carrots, celery, or spinach with the onion at the beginning.

• To make the soup creamy, stir in a little milk or cream at the end of cooking.

• If you want to add protein, cooked chicken or beans can be added to the soup.

• Use orzo or small shells if you can’t find pastina. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian