Italian Pastina Soup Recipe

This comforting Italian Pastina Soup is the perfect meal for any time you need something simple, soothing, and absolutely delicious. Packed with delicate pastina, tender vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a bowl of warm goodness that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re under the weather or just in need of a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend lunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this Italian Pastina Soup on the table in about 30 minutes—ideal for those nights when you want something hearty without all the fuss.
• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of a savory broth, tender vegetables, and the soft, tiny pastina makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth and flavor.
• Versatile: This soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to play around with different veggies or even proteins like chicken or beans, depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for an irresistibly cozy meal:

• Pastina: These tiny pasta stars are the heart of the soup. You can use any small pasta if you can’t find pastina, but the small size makes it perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the broth.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil to start the base of the soup. It helps sauté the garlic and vegetables, giving the soup its aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a fragrant depth to the broth that sets the tone for the entire soup.
• Carrots and Celery: These classic vegetables are the building blocks of a great soup. They provide texture and sweetness to balance the savory broth.
• Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): A rich, flavorful broth is what brings this soup to life. Use homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s something you love since it’s the base of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds an irresistible, savory finish. Don’t skip this step—it takes the soup from great to absolutely perfect.
• Herbs (Bay Leaves, Fresh Thyme): Fresh thyme and a bay leaf bring out the comforting essence of this soup. The herbs simmer with the broth, infusing everything with wonderful fragrance.
• Salt and Pepper: A little salt and pepper to taste, of course. Make sure to season generously, so the soup is full of flavor.

Variations

Feel like mixing it up? Here are some ideas to make this soup your own:

• Add Protein: If you want to turn this into a more filling meal, throw in some cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or even beans for a protein boost.
• Vegetable Boost: Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas to change the texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat that will elevate the soup without overpowering it.
• Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free broth instead. The soup will still be rich and flavorful without it.

How to Make Italian Pastina Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Start by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add your bay leaves and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Add the pastina to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually just about 5 minutes. The pastina will soak up some of the broth, adding even more flavor.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and stir in salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and serve hot. If you like, sprinkle a bit more fresh thyme on top for garnish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pastina: The pastina cooks quickly and can become mushy if left too long in the soup. Keep an eye on it and make sure to stir occasionally.
• Use Good Quality Broth: Since the broth is the base of this soup, it’s worth using the best you can find—whether homemade or store-bought, a good broth makes all the difference.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra flavor and color.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated parmesan can sometimes lack flavor, so grating your own will bring a much fresher, more intense cheese flavor.

How to Serve

This Italian Pastina Soup is perfect on its own for a light meal, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides:

Side Dish:

Serve it with a warm slice of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance out the soup’s richness.

Garnishes:

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra parmesan for a finishing touch. A drizzle of good olive oil wouldn’t hurt either!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup’s flavors will actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When reheating, be mindful that pastina can absorb a lot of liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more broth or water to get it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! If you can’t find pastina, you can substitute with any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even ditalini. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller pasta will cook faster.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you can skip the parmesan cheese if you want to keep it entirely plant-based.

3. How can I make this soup heartier? For a heartier version, add some cooked chicken, beans, or even some extra vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread to dip into the broth.

4. How do I prevent the pastina from getting mushy? To avoid overcooking, cook the pastina separately and add it to the soup right before serving, or cook it for a slightly shorter time than the package suggests. This keeps it from absorbing too much liquid and turning soft.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pastina Soup is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving something simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or pairing it with some tasty sides, you’re sure to fall in love with how comforting and delicious this recipe is. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to soup!

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