There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of pastina soup. This classic Italian dish is like a hug in a bowl—simple, nourishing, and oh-so-cozy. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a taste of home, this one’s a must-make. With tiny star-shaped pasta, a flavorful broth, and a touch of love, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: Perfect for chilly days, sick days, or when you need a little extra warmth.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: The tiny pasta makes it a fun and familiar meal for little ones.
- Customizable: Add veggies, proteins, or herbs to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Pastina: The star of the dish! These tiny pasta pieces cook up quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, giving it a rich, comforting taste. Use homemade or store-bought.
- Egg: Creates a silky texture when whisked into the hot broth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of saltiness and depth. Freshly grated is best!
- Butter: A little bit for richness and extra flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To season to perfection.
- Optional Add-ins: Shredded chicken, spinach, carrots, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
Note: The exact ingredient measurements will be in the recipe card below!
How to Make Pastina Soup
Step 1: Cook the Pastina
In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the pastina and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a bit of Parmesan cheese. Once the pastina is cooked, slowly drizzle in the egg mixture while stirring constantly. This creates a rich, velvety texture.
Step 3: Add Butter and Seasoning
Stir in the butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Stir Constantly: When adding the egg, stir well to prevent clumping.
- Use Good Quality Broth: Since this soup is simple, a flavorful broth makes all the difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pastina: It absorbs liquid quickly, so serve right away for the best texture.
- Make It Heartier: Add cooked chicken, veggies, or fresh herbs for extra nutrition.
How to Serve
- Classic Style: With a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
- With Bread: Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
- Paired with a Salad: A simple green salad makes a great side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pastina will absorb broth, so add extra broth when reheating.
Freezing
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the pasta. When ready to eat, reheat the broth and cook fresh pastina in it.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Orzo, acini di pepe, or any small pasta shape works well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
How do I prevent the egg from scrambling?
Whisk the egg well and add it slowly while stirring continuously.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! Shredded chicken, diced tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg make great additions.
This pastina soup is simple, cozy, and packed with love. Give it a try next time you need a little comfort in a bowl!
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pastina Soup, often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” is a classic comfort dish cherished for its simplicity and soothing qualities. This hearty soup features tiny star-shaped pasta, known as pastina, enveloped in a flavorful broth enriched with blended vegetables and a hint of Parmesan. It’s a go-to remedy in Italian households, especially during colder months or when someone needs a warm, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta (such as stelline)
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, and Parmesan rind (if using) with the broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Simmer the Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Blend the Vegetables
Remove the Parmesan rind and, using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a blender along with a cup of the broth. Blend until smooth, then return the mixture to the pot, stirring to combine.
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Cook the Pastina
Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the pastina pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 5-6 minutes.
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Season the Soup
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind during simmering imparts a rich, umami flavor to the broth. If unavailable, a small chunk of Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute.
Pasta Absorption: Pastina tends to absorb liquid quickly. If not serving immediately, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving to maintain the desired soup consistency.
Variations: For added protein, incorporate shredded cooked chicken or a beaten egg. To include more vegetables, consider adding spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Pastina soup, Italian penicillin, comfort food, easy soup recipe, traditional Italian soup