Cozy Italian Pastina Soup Recipe: Warm Comfort in Every Spoonful

Cozy memories of my grandmother’s kitchen always spark when I think about pastina soup, a simple Italian comfort classic.

Childhood weekends filled with warm bowls of delicate pasta swimming in rich broth come flooding back.

Soft, tiny star-shaped pasta pearls melt into a creamy, nourishing liquid that hugs your soul.

Generations of Italian families have relied on this humble dish to soothe and heal.

Minimal ingredients combine magically to create something far greater than their individual parts.

My version promises pure, straightforward comfort with each gentle spoonful.

You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of this timeless, soul-warming recipe.

FAQs

• What is pastina, and why is it special in this soup?

Pastina is a tiny star-shaped pasta commonly used in Italian comfort food. It’s perfect for soups because it cooks quickly and creates a deliciously creamy texture when simmered in broth.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, the soup is packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, providing essential vitamins and minerals. The broth and pastina also offer a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will remain flavorful and nutritious while being completely vegetarian-friendly.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This pastina soup is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking steps, even novice cooks can prepare a delicious, comforting meal in under 20 minutes.

Comforting Italian Pastina Soup Essentials

• Using basic pantry staples like carrots, celery, onions, and broth, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a hearty, warming dish.
• Easily adapt the soup by adding extra vegetables, switching up the herbs, or topping with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
• The tiny pastina pasta and mild flavors make this soup a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Italian Pastina Soup

• Carrot: A sweet and crunchy vegetable that adds flavor and nutrition to the soup.
• Celery: A crisp vegetable that provides a mild, fresh taste and aromatic base.
• Onion: A foundational ingredient that builds depth and savory notes in the soup.

• Broth: A flavorful liquid that serves as the primary base for the comforting soup.

• Pastina: A tiny, star-shaped pasta that creates a delightful texture in the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used to sauté the vegetables and create a rich foundation.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, green herb that adds a fresh finish to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: An optional garnish that brings a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.

How to Prepare Italian Pastina Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot and set it over medium warmth, allowing the oil to shimmer and spread across the bottom.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Trio

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions

Stir and cook these colorful vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aromas, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Goodness

Stream broth into the pot, creating a bubbling foundation for your soup.

Increase heat and let the liquid reach a rolling boil.

Step 4: Welcome the Tiny Pasta

Sprinkle pastina into the boiling broth, stirring gently.

Let the adorable little pasta stars dance and soften for approximately 5 minutes until they’re perfectly tender.

Step 5: Season with Love

Sprinkle salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve with Comfort

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

If you’re feeling fancy, crown your creation with fresh parsley and a snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Satisfying Italian Pastina Soup

• Sauté vegetables until they caramelize slightly, bringing out richer, sweeter undertones that elevate the soup's overall taste profile.
• Choose gluten-free pastina or small orzo for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the soup remains creamy and comforting.
• Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick, maintaining a silky, smooth consistency that's not too dense or runny.
• Toss in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutrient content and create more vibrant color and texture.

Storing and Reheating Italian Pastina Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding cheese before freezing to maintain texture.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pairing Suggestions for Italian Pastina Soup

• Elevate Comfort with Cheese Companions: Pair this pastina soup with a creamy burrata or fresh mozzarella on the side to enhance the Italian comfort food experience.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a light Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the delicate soup's flavors and cut through its gentle richness.
• Create Texture with Crunchy Sidekick: Serve alongside toasted garlic crostini or herbed focaccia bread to add a delightful crispy contrast to the soft, tender soup.
• Boost Freshness with Herb Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery counterpoint to the soup's warmth.

Variations on Italian Pastina Soup

• Gluten-Free Pastina Soup: Replace traditional pastina with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Comfort Soup: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Parmesan cheese. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and protein boost.
• Protein-Packed Version: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans during the final cooking minutes to increase protein content and make the soup more filling.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and skip added salt. Season with herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor without sodium.

Comforting Italian Pastina Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pastina soup whispers Italian comfort through its simple, nourishing ingredients. Delicate pasta pearls swimming in rich broth create a warm embrace that connects you to generations of home-cooked love and tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pastina (small pasta)
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame until shimmering.
2. Gently introduce diced vegetables, allowing carrots, celery, and onions to soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Cascade broth into the pot, elevating heat to create a rolling boil.
4. Sprinkle pastina into the bubbling liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for 5 minutes until pasta reaches a tender consistency.
5. Calibrate flavor profile with judicious pinches of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
6. Transfer steaming soup to serving bowls, embellishing with delicate fresh parsley and optional gossamer shavings of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose small star-shaped pasta or substitute with orzo if pastina is unavailable, ensuring consistent cooking time.
• Add beaten egg at the end for extra protein and a creamy texture, stirring quickly to create silky ribbons throughout the soup.
• Create a gluten-free version by using rice-based or quinoa pasta instead of traditional wheat pastina.
• Enhance flavor depth by sautéing vegetables with a pinch of dried thyme or adding a splash of white wine before introducing broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg