Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and heartwarming. This nourishing dish features tiny star-shaped pasta, tender vegetables, and a rich broth, making it the perfect choice for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Perfect for all ages—kids especially love the tiny star-shaped pastina.
- Versatile—add protein or extra vegetables to customize.
- Light yet satisfying, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
- A comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for garnish)
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the broth and add the Parmesan rind, if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. Cook the Pastina
- Stir in the pastina and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6–8 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Season the Soup
- Remove and discard the Parmesan rind.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal
Variations
- Add Protein: Include shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Extra Vegetables: Add zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the pastina with gluten-free pasta.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta for a rich twist.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when thawed. Add freshly cooked pastina when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. What is pastina?
Pastina is a type of tiny pasta, often star-shaped, commonly used in soups and dishes for children.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or alphabet pasta work well in this recipe.
3. What is the purpose of the Parmesan rind?
The rind adds depth and richness to the broth. If you don’t have one, you can skip it, but the soup will still be delicious.
4. How can I prevent the pastina from absorbing too much liquid?
Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings just before eating.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to maintain its texture.
6. How can I thicken the soup?
Simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid slightly, or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water.
7. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The small pasta and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, a pinch of dried parsley or Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute.
9. What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese for a complete meal.
10. Can I add a spicy twist?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Conclusion
Pastina Soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any time of year. With its tender pasta, flavorful broth, and wholesome vegetables, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a soothing dish to warm up with, Pastina Soup is the answer. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of comfort!
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Pastina Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy up with this comforting Pastina Soup! Made with tender tiny pasta, flavorful broth, and fresh veggies, it’s a simple, heartwarming dish perfect for chilly days and quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth:
- Pour in the broth and add the Parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pastina:
- Stir in the pastina and cook according to package instructions, about 6–8 minutes, until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove the Parmesan rind, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade broth.
- Add shredded cooked chicken or cannellini beans for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that the pasta may absorb liquid over time—add more broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 200 kcal
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