Italian Pastina Soup Recipe

Nothing brings the warm comfort of home quite like a bowl of Italian Pastina Soup. This beloved classic strings together tender pastina, softly simmered vegetables, and heartwarming broth into a dish that’s as cozy as a favorite blanket. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll be ladling up pure Italian comfort—perfect for busy weeknights, chilly afternoons, or whenever your soul needs a little TLC.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a few wholesome ingredients to build this magical Italian Pastina Soup. Every item on this list plays a vital role, from creating that irresistible silky broth to infusing delicious depth and gentle sweetness. Don’t skip the little extras—they turn this simple veggie soup truly unforgettable!

• Pastina pasta (1 cup): The star of the show! Tiny star-shaped (stelline) or any small pasta cooks up tender and comforting.
• Brown onion: Provides a sweet, mellow backbone for the soup.
• Carrots (2): Add beautiful color and natural sweetness that brightens each spoonful.
• Celery sticks (2): Deliver classic aromatics and a savory, earthy undertone.
• Garlic cloves (4): Essential for warmth and flavor complexity.
• Vegetable or chicken broth (6 cups): Use low-sodium for complete control over seasoning, and choose your favorite base for comfort or nutrition.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
• Bay leaf (optional): For subtle herbal depth—remove before blending.
• Parmesan rind (optional): Simmering a parmesan rind adds irresistibly savory, cheesy undertones.
• Garnish—chopped parsley, grated parmesan, drizzle of olive oil (all optional): These offer color, fresh flavor, and a restaurant-worthy finish.

Variations

The true beauty of Italian Pastina Soup is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, using up what’s on hand, or simply craving new flavors, here are some favorite ways to make it your own.

• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans for a heartier, protein-packed bowl.
• Green Goodness: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or peas just before serving for a pop of color and added nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite tiny gluten-free pasta or even gluten-free orzo for a celiac-friendly twist.
• Zesty Citrus: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of zest for brightness right before serving.

How to Make Italian Pastina Soup

Step 1: Prepare and Simmer the Vegetables

Start by roughly chopping your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic—there’s no need to be neat since you’ll be blending everything later. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into a large pot and add the chopped veggies, bay leaf, and parmesan rind if using. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, cover, and let everything bubble away gently over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes. Your kitchen will already smell incredible!

Step 2: Blend for a Silky Base

Once the vegetables are tender (test with a fork for softness), fish out the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Scoop out the cooked veggies and transfer them into a blender along with ½ cup of water. Blend until silky smooth—this gorgeous puree gives the soup its signature velvety body and makes every spoonful super satisfying.

Step 3: Combine and Season to Taste

Pour the creamy blended veggies back into the pot of broth, stir to combine, and let the flavors mingle. Taste the soup at this point—it should be mellow, sweet, and savory—then add more salt or pepper if you’d like. Bring the pot back to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pastina

Add your pastina pasta to the simmering soup. Stir every minute or so to ensure the tiny pasta doesn’t settle on the bottom and stick. Pastina cooks quickly, usually in about 5–6 minutes, becoming plump and tender without being mushy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming Italian Pastina Soup into cozy bowls and finish with your choice of garnishes: chopped parsley, a snowfall of grated parmesan, maybe a swirl of olive oil, or all three. Get ready to experience pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl of Italian Pastina Soup with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, a generous shower of grated parmesan cheese, or a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Each topping brightens the flavor and gives your soup an unmistakably homemade, inviting look.

Side Dishes

This soothing soup pairs beautifully with a slice of rustic Italian bread—perfect for dunking—or even a simple green salad on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, crispy garlic bread sticks make for an irresistible crunchy companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Italian Pastina Soup in vintage soup mugs for cozy nostalgia, or pour it into small cups for an appetizer at a dinner party. For little ones, add a sprinkle of alphabet pasta for extra fun or offer mini toasts on the side to dip and savor every last drop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Italian Pastina Soup will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors intertwine and deepen, making leftovers especially delicious!

Freezing

To freeze, portion the soup without the pastina into freezer-safe containers—this prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked pastina when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. Stir often to keep the pastina from sticking and taste for seasoning—you may want to add a pinch more salt or a grating of fresh parmesan before serving again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Italian Pastina Soup at home, now’s your chance to fall in love with this heartwarming tradition. It’s ridiculously simple, deeply nourishing, and so full of love that you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Cozy up with a bowl tonight—you won’t believe how much comfort can fit inside one little pot!

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