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If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, then you absolutely need to try this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe. It’s a beautifully simple soup that brings together tiny star-shaped pastina pasta in a savory chicken broth, enriched with fresh vegetables, garlic, and a zing of lemon. Each spoonful melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of creamy, brothy goodness, making it an irresistible choice any day of the week. This classic Italian favorite is not just nourishing but quick to prepare, perfect for those moments when you want something homemade yet fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Pastina Soup Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup extraordinary yet so easy to whip up.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
- Onion (finely diced): Provides a subtle sweetness that forms the flavorful base.
- Carrots (finely diced): Bring a gentle earthiness and beautiful natural color to the broth.
- Celery Stalks (finely diced): Offer a crisp freshness and aromatic undertone.
- Garlic Cloves (finely minced): Give the soup an inviting warmth and depth.
- Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup, infusing it with savory, comforting essence; use more for a brothier finish.
- Pastina Pasta (stelline or stars): Tiny, delicate pasta that cooks quickly and creates that classic silky texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Adds a creamy, cheesy layer that makes the soup irresistibly rich.
- Fresh Lemon Juice or Zest: A little acidity to brighten and lift the whole dish wonderfully.
- Fresh Italian Parsley or Basil: Fresh herbs for a burst of green vibrancy and aroma.
- Shredded Chicken (optional): For a protein-packed upgrade that turns this soup into a full meal.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build the Base
Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook these until they soften, about 8 to 9 minutes. This step not only tenderizes the vegetables but also releases their natural sweetness, which creates a deep, savory base for your soup. Toss in the minced garlic last and cook just for another minute to avoid burning — garlic’s delicate flavor will truly shine through when treated gently.
Step 2: Bring It All Together with Chicken Broth
Next, pour in your chicken broth. Depending on whether you want a brothier soup, use 8 cups, or for a creamier texture, stick with 6 cups. Turn the heat to medium-high so the flavors begin mingling and the liquid starts to warm through. This broth carries all the rich, homemade vibe that makes the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe so heartwarming and comforting.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina Pasta
Add the small, star-shaped pastina pasta to the simmering broth and cook for about 10 minutes. Remember to stir frequently! Pastina loves sticking to the bottom, so your attention keeps it perfectly cooked and evenly tender. This little pasta adds such delicate texture; it almost melts in the mouth, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Season and Enrich
Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Now comes the magic moment — slowly stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little bit at a time, so it melts smoothly into the soup without clumping. This cheese gives the broth a creamy richness that transports the soup to a cozy, indulgent level.
Step 5: Brighten It Up
Here’s a little chef’s tip to finish your soup with flair: add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest. The citrus notes brighten the soup beautifully, cutting through the richness to keep every spoonful light and fresh. Optionally, toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness or sprinkle chopped fresh Italian parsley or basil on top for that irresistible garden-fresh aroma.
How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese never goes wrong. For even more flair and texture, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh Italian parsley or basil. A squeeze of lemon just before serving keeps the flavors lively and presents the soup with a lovely shine. These garnishes turn a humble bowl into a charming presentation that invites you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
Italian Pastina Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, warm bread like a crusty baguette or garlic breadsticks. They’re perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that delicious, cheesy broth. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness and add some crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the soup in rustic, charming bowls with a little parmesan crisp or a sprig of basil on top. Another idea is to ladle the soup into small cups or shot glasses as a delightful appetizer for dinner parties. Adding a swirl of cream or a drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving creates a gourmet look that matches the soup’s comforting soul.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastina will continue to soak up broth, so the soup might thicken — just add a little extra broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.
Freezing
Because of the delicate pasta, freezing Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is possible but not ideal for maintaining perfect pasta texture. If you choose to freeze, do so without the cooked pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating. Freeze the broth and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 2 months for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking and the cheese from clumping. Add a splash of fresh broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can change the texture of the pasta and soup.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth, and omit any chicken. You can also add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more substance without losing any of the comforting flavors.
What is the best pasta to use in this soup?
Pastina, particularly the stelline or star-shaped kind, is traditional and perfect for this soup because of its tiny size and quick cooking time. If you can’t find it, small shapes like orzo or acini di pepe are great alternatives.
Can I prepare Italian Pastina Soup Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the broth and sauté the vegetables ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This keeps the pasta texture perfect and the soup tasting fresh.
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Pastina absorbs a lot of liquid as it sits, so add extra broth or water when reheating leftovers to loosen it. Cooking with the higher amount of broth from the start also helps keep it pleasantly brothy.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Definitely! Adding shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or even white beans can give your Italian Pastina Soup Recipe a filling boost while staying deliciously moist and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is a true gem in any kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar yet special, simple yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this soup promises comfort with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to when you want something cozy, quick, and utterly delicious.
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Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Pastina Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring petite star-shaped pasta cooked in a flavorful chicken broth with aromatic vegetables and finished with fresh Parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick, nourishing meal, this soup can be customized with shredded chicken and fresh herbs for added depth.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 to 1 Onion, finely diced
- 2 Carrots, finely diced
- 2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (use 8 cups for brothy soup)
Pasta and Seasoning
- 3/4 cup Pastina Pasta (stelline or stars pasta)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice or zest from 1 lemon
- Fresh Italian Parsley or Basil (for garnish or stirring in)
- Shredded Chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-9 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth or stock. For a brothy soup, use 8 cups; for a creamier texture, use 6 cups. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina (stelline) pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the small pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- Season and Add Cheese: Lower the heat to low and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, ensuring it melts smoothly and avoids clumping.
- Brighten and Garnish: Add fresh lemon juice or lemon zest to brighten the flavors of the soup. Optionally, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein and top with fresh Italian parsley or basil. Serve hot with additional grated Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the broth quantity to control the soup’s thickness—use more for a brothier consistency and less for a creamier texture.
- Stir the pastina frequently during cooking as it is small and prone to sticking to the pot bottom.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred to ensure smooth melting and rich flavor.
- Adding fresh lemon juice or zest at the end wakes up the flavors and adds a bright, fresh note.
- Optional shredded chicken makes this soup a more filling main dish.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken and Parmesan if strict vegetarianism is followed.
