Cozy Pastina Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Memories of comfort swirl through this delicate pastina soup, transporting me back to childhood kitchens.

Gentle pasta pearls dance in a warm, silky broth that hugs your taste buds.

Nonna’s cherished recipe whispers stories of love and tradition with each spoonful.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming dish that feels like a tender embrace.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated these tiny pasta stars for their magical ability to soothe and nourish.

Fragrant herbs and delicate seasonings elevate this humble soup beyond mere sustenance.

Savor each spoonful and let the magic of this classic comfort food wrap you in culinary nostalgia.

Helpful Insights for Great Pastina Soup

• Prevent Clumping: Stir pastina frequently while cooking to stop the tiny pasta from sticking together and forming a dense mass at the bottom of the pot.
• Customize Broth Depth: Choose homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth to enhance the soup's overall flavor profile and richness.
• Master Egg Technique: When adding eggs, pour slowly and stir continuously to create delicate, silky egg ribbons without scrambling the eggs.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach to increase the soup's vitamin content and make it more filling.
• Adjust Consistency: Control the soup's thickness by adding more broth if it becomes too dense or simmering longer to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors.

How to Store and Heat Pastina Soup

• Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

What to Eat with Pastina Soup

• Slice thick, crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the comforting soup broth, enhancing the delicate pastina texture.
• Select a light Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to balance the soup's delicate flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the soup's richness, offering a fresh palate cleanser.
• Offer extra grated Parmesan on the side, allowing diners to sprinkle additional nutty, salty notes that elevate the soup's overall taste profile.

Make Pastina Soup with a Fun Spin

• Vegetarian Pastina: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs for a plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pastina or substitute with quinoa pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Choose low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without adding salt.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans. Include diced tofu for additional protein and texture while keeping the soup light and comforting.

Most Asked Questions About Pastina Soup

• What is pastina?

Pastina is the smallest type of pasta, often star-shaped or tiny square/round pieces, traditionally used in Italian soups and children’s dishes. It’s typically made from wheat flour and has a delicate texture perfect for light broths.

• Is pastina soup healthy?

Yes, pastina soup is nutritious. It provides carbohydrates from pasta, protein from eggs and cheese, and essential vitamins from vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. It’s a balanced, comforting meal that supports overall nutrition.

• Can I make pastina soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the eggs if desired. You can add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the soup.

• Why do Italians love pastina soup?

Pastina soup is a nostalgic comfort food in Italian households, often served to children and during illness. It’s simple, quick to prepare, easy to digest, and represents home-style cooking that connects generations through a warm, nourishing meal.

Why Pastina Soup Is the Comfort Bowl Everyone Needs

• Prepare this heartwarming soup in just 15-20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is limited.
• Novice cooks can easily master this recipe with simple steps, minimal ingredients, and foolproof techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Soft pastina, gentle flavors, and creamy texture make this soup a crowd-pleaser for children and picky eaters, transforming mealtime into a stress-free experience.
• Packed with nutritious vegetables, protein from eggs, and comforting broth, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that supports immune health and satisfies hunger effectively.

What Goes into Pastina Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Brings a subtle earthy and fresh note to the vegetable base.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's warm and comforting liquid foundation.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds rich, smooth undertones.

• Pastina: Tiny pasta that gives the soup its classic comfort food texture.
• Egg: Optional ingredient that creates delicate, silky egg ribbons in the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the soup slightly.

• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick to enhance overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the soup's taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with a clean herbal note.

Pastina Soup Cooking Directions Made

Step 1: Kickstart the Vegetable Magic

• Olive oil or butter
• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery

Warm your cooking pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil or butter. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Dance them around the pot for 4-5 minutes until they turn soft and release their aromatic whispers.

Step 2: Liquid Golden Broth Bath

Pour chicken broth into the pot and let it bubble up to a rolling boil. Gently sprinkle pastina into the liquid and let it simmer according to package directions. Stir occasionally to prevent tiny pasta from getting clingy.

Step 3: Creamy Egg Transformation

Crack eggs into a small bowl and whisk them with a shower of Parmesan cheese. This step adds luxurious silkiness to your soup.

Step 4: Ribbon and Season

Lower the heat and slowly cascade the egg mixture into the soup, creating delicate egg ribbons. Season with a pinch of black pepper and salt to make flavors sing.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Slide a side of crusty bread or crackers for the perfect companion.

Enjoy your soul-warming soup!

Pastina Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic Italian Pastina Soup, a heartwarming dish cherished across generations. Simple ingredients blend into a soul-soothing meal that connects you with traditional family recipes and culinary memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• ½ cup (80 grams) uncooked pastina
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or butter
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil or butter in a generously sized pot, establishing a medium heat foundation for flavor development.
2. Introduce finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery into the heated fat, allowing vegetables to soften and release aromatic essence for approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Cascade chicken broth into the vegetable-infused pot, elevating temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil.
4. Gently cascade pastina into the bubbling broth, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from clustering and ensure uniform cooking according to package guidance.
5. While pasta simmers, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese in a separate vessel, creating a silky, luxurious mixture.
6. Reduce cooking temperature to low, carefully streaming whisked egg mixture into soup while maintaining gentle circular motion, transforming liquid into delicate egg ribbons.
7. Calibrate soup’s flavor profile by incorporating black pepper and salt, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
8. Transfer steaming soup into individual serving bowls, adorning with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
9. Present alongside rustic crusty bread or crisp crackers, creating a comforting, nourishing dining experience.

Notes

• Customize vegetable selection by using seasonal or leftover produce for added nutrition and reduced food waste.
• Opt for gluten-free pastina or small rice/quinoa pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the soup’s comforting texture.
• Transform the recipe into a protein-packed meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans during the sautéing stage for extra heartiness.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omitting cheese entirely, ensuring the soup remains flavorful and creamy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg