Name: Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup pastina pasta (stelline shape recommended); 1 brown onion, roughly chopped; 2 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped; 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegans); 1 bay leaf (optional); 1 parmesan rind (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley; Grated parmesan cheese or plant-based alternative; Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

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Introduction

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Italian Pastina Soup when you need comfort and quick nourishment. This cozy soup features tiny pastina pasta in a flavorful vegetable broth, blended with hidden veggies for a wholesome and soothing meal. Perfect for a winter dinner or when you’re feeling under the weather, it comes together in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.

A bowl of bright orange tomato soup with small star-shaped pasta scattered throughout the liquid. The soup has a smooth and slightly glossy texture with a drizzle of golden olive oil swirled on top. Fresh, finely chopped green parsley and thin white shredded cheese are sprinkled over the surface, adding color and texture contrast. The bowl is white with a rustic brown speckled rim, sitting on a white marbled surface with a small green leafy garnish nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pastina pasta (stelline or any tiny pasta shape)
1 brown onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 bay leaf and 1 parmesan rind
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. No need to be precise.
Step 2: In a large pot, pour in the vegetable broth. Add the chopped vegetables, bay leaf, and parmesan rind if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Check the vegetables with a fork to ensure they are tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Strain the vegetables using a slotted spoon or colander.
Step 4: Blend the cooked vegetables with ½ cup of water until smooth.
Step 5: Return the blended vegetable mixture to the pot and stir it through the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the pastina pasta. Stir every minute to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for about 5-6 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of pastina soup!

Tips & Variations

Stir the soup frequently while cooking pastina to prevent the tiny pasta from sticking to the pot bottom.
Avoid overcooking pastina pasta to keep a pleasant texture; usually 5-7 minutes is sufficient.
For a chunkier soup, skip blending the vegetables and serve them in small pieces.
Cook only the amount of pastina you plan to eat immediately, as reheating can make it mushy.
Add a parmesan rind to simmer with the broth for deeper flavor, then remove before blending.
Use gluten-free tiny pasta shapes if needed to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through. You can freeze the soup (without the pasta) for 2-3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and cook the pastina fresh when ready to serve.

How to Serve

A bowl of bright orange soup with tiny star-shaped pasta floating throughout, topped with a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and grated white cheese that adds texture, served in a white bowl with a speckled brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth and green leaves blurred in the background for contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of pasta is pastina?

Pastina refers to tiny pasta shapes, often star-shaped (stelline), or others like acini di pepe, alphabet pasta, and orzo. They cook quickly and are perfect for soups and children’s meals.

Is pastina soup healthy?

Yes, pastina soup is nutritious and comforting. It combines vegetables, broth, and pasta for a balanced meal that’s light but satisfying. It’s also versatile and can be made vegan or with chicken broth.

Can I make pastina soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup base ahead and store it refrigerated or frozen. It’s best to cook the pastina pasta fresh when reheating to prevent it from becoming overly soft.