There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of pastina soup recipe, a beloved Italian classic that's been nurturing generations of families. This simple yet satisfying soup combines tiny star-shaped pasta with rich broth and tender vegetables, creating the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather.
What is Pastina Soup Recipe?
Pastina, meaning "little pasta" in Italian, refers to the tiny star-shaped pasta that forms the heart of this soup. Traditional Italian households consider this soup a cure-all, often serving it to children when they're sick or on chilly winter evenings. The combination of light broth, delicate pastina, and carefully chosen vegetables creates a soup that's both nourishing and gentle on the stomach.
Jump to:
- What is Pastina Soup Recipe?
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Pro Tips for Perfect Pastina Soup Recipe
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment For Pastina Soup Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- Nonna’s Secret: The Pastina Soup Recipe That Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl
- FAQ
- Pastina Soup Recipe: A Timeless Bowl of Comfort You’ll Crave Again and Again
- Related
- Pairing
- Pastina Soup Recipe
Ingredients
the Soup Base:
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- Pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- Carrots, finely diced
- Celery stalks, finely diced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Virgin olive oil
- Bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 Parmesan rind
Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Soffritto
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened but not browned
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
Create the Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth
- Add the bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using)
- Bring to a gentle boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld
Cook the Pastina
- Add the pastina to the simmering broth
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking
- The pastina should be tender but not mushy
Finish and Serve
- Remove bay leaf and Parmesan rind
- Stir in chopped parsley
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Ladle into warm bowls
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil
Pro Tips for Perfect Pastina Soup Recipe
- Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor
- Don't overcook the pastina – it should retain a slight bite
- Add the Parmesan rind while simmering for extra depth of flavor
- Store leftover pastina separately from the broth to prevent it from becoming too soft
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it protein-rich by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or small meatballs
- Create a vegetarian version using vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan
- Try different tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo
- Add beaten egg for a stracciatella-style soup
- Incorporate baby spinach or kale for extra nutrients
Equipment For Pastina Soup Recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for vegetable prep
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer for washing pastina
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate soup and pastina separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add fresh broth or water as needed
- Not recommended for freezing as the pastina can become mushy
Nonna’s Secret: The Pastina Soup Recipe That Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl
When I was a child, my Italian grandmother—Nonna—had a way of making everything feel better with a single pot of her pastina soup recipe. No matter if it was a scraped knee, a cold winter night, or just a bad day at school, I knew that as soon as I smelled the aroma of simmering broth and garlic filling the house, comfort was on its way.
But here’s her secret: she always whispered to the pot as she stirred. She believed that love and warmth weren’t just ingredients—they had to be spoken into the food. "Sempre con amore," she’d say—always with love. And just before ladling it into bowls, she’d add a drizzle of golden olive oil, a final touch that made the soup taste like home. To this day, when I make pastina soup, I still stir with intention, letting the steam carry memories of Nonna’s kitchen. Try it yourself—because a pastina soup recipe isn’t just about the ingredients. It’s about the love you pour into it.
FAQ
Is pastina soup healthy?
Yes! Pastina soup is a light yet nourishing meal, packed with essential nutrients from the broth, vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s easy to digest, making it perfect for when you’re feeling unwell. To boost its health benefits, use homemade broth, add lean protein like chicken, and toss in leafy greens for extra vitamins.
Why did they stop making pastina pasta?
Many brands discontinued pastina pasta due to production costs and supply chain challenges. However, several companies still make similar tiny pasta shapes, like acini di pepe and stelline. If you can’t find pastina, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta varieties without losing the comforting taste and texture of the classic pastina soup recipe.
What does pastina soup taste like?
Pastina soup is pure comfort in a bowl! It has a rich, savory broth infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs. The tiny pasta soaks up the flavors, creating a silky, buttery texture. With Parmesan cheese melted in, every spoonful feels warm, cozy, and nostalgic—just like a hug from Nonna on a chilly day.
What is so special about pastina?
Pastina is more than just tiny pasta—it’s a childhood memory, a healing remedy, and a symbol of Italian comfort food. Its delicate texture makes it ideal for all ages, from babies to grandparents. Whether served in soup or simply with butter and cheese, pastina carries warmth, love, and tradition in every spoonful, making it truly special.
Pastina Soup Recipe: A Timeless Bowl of Comfort You’ll Crave Again and Again
There’s a reason this pastina soup recipe has been passed down through generations—it’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you're feeling under the weather, craving a nostalgic taste of childhood, or simply looking for an easy, nourishing dish, this Italian classic never disappoints. With its delicate pasta, rich broth, and heartwarming flavors, every spoonful is a reminder that the simplest recipes are often the most soul-satisfying.
Ready to keep the comfort food train going? Try our cozy Turkey Soup Recipe for another soothing bowl, or indulge in a creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole for a hearty twist on weeknight dinners. Let’s keep the tradition alive—one comforting bite at a time!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pastina Soup Recipe
Pastina Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for vegetable prep
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer for washing pastina
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina tiny star pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 carrots diced small
- 2 celery stalks diced small
- 1 onion diced small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf Adds aromatic depth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 Parmesan rind Optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add pastina and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf and Parmesan rind.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
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