If you have ever craved something truly comforting yet incredibly simple, this Pastina Soup Recipe is the perfect answer. This heartwarming Italian classic, made with tiny pasta inside a flavorful broth, carries a touch of butter and Parmesan cheese that make each spoonful feel like a gentle hug. Often regarded as a beloved childhood staple in Italian households, pastina soup bridges nostalgia and ease, delivering a cozy meal that’s quick to prepare and wonderfully soothing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a little warmth on a chilly day, this recipe is a steadfast companion in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pastina Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient adds something special to the final dish. From the rich chicken broth that forms the base to the buttery finish and a hint of cheese, these essentials come together to create a delicate balance of flavor and texture.
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid foundation that infuses the pasta with warmth and depth.
- 3/4 cup pastina pasta (stelline or acini di pepe): Tiny, tender pasta shapes that cook quickly and provide a lovely mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle richness that rounds out the soup.
- 1 large egg (optional): Creates delicate egg ribbons for a slight silkiness reminiscent of egg drop soup.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or extra cheese: Brightens and finishes the soup with an appealing visual and fresh flavor.
How to Make Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil
Start by pouring your chicken or vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and heating it over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for perfectly cooked pastina, allowing the pasta to absorb all those wonderful broth flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is boiling, stir in the pastina pasta. Follow the package directions, usually cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the tiny pasta from sticking to the bottom. The goal is tender but not mushy pasta — that perfect bite that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Egg (Optional)
If you’re including the egg, beat it lightly in a small bowl. When the pasta is nearly done, reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while gently stirring. This technique creates those wonderful, delicate egg ribbons that add texture and richness without overpowering the soup.
Step 4: Stir in Butter and Parmesan
Remove the soup from heat, then stir in the tablespoon of unsalted butter until it melts completely. Follow with the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy and smooth. These ingredients enrich the broth and create a luscious finish that makes this Pastina Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Season and Serve Warm
Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and gather your garnishes for the perfect presentation to enjoy every warm, comforting bite.
How to Serve Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness makes all the difference in a simple soup, so chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbal note. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and a touch of elegance. These garnishes truly elevate the humble bowl into something special.
Side Dishes
Pastina soup is light yet satisfying, so pairing it with rustic Italian bread or a garlic butter toast complements the flavors wonderfully. A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can add balance and brighten the meal if you want something a little more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a rustic touch that’s sure to impress. You might also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The charming tiny pasta makes this dish perfect for casual dinners or as a charming starter at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pastina soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the pasta will continue to absorb broth and might thicken the soup, so stirring in a splash of broth or water when reheating helps restore the perfect consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but pasta texture can suffer if frozen long-term. If you plan to freeze, store it without the egg ribbons and cheese; add those fresh when reheating. Frozen soup lasts for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If you reserved egg and cheese, stir them in just before serving to keep the soup silky and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian version and still provides a savory base that complements the pastina nicely.
What if I don’t have pastina pasta? Can I substitute?
You can use other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even tiny elbow macaroni if pastina is not available. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is the egg necessary for the soup?
The egg is optional and adds a lovely silkiness and visual appeal with its delicate ribbons, but the soup is delicious even without it.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, by using vegetable broth, omitting the egg and butter, and opting for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, you can easily turn this soup into a vegan-friendly treat.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The entire process is quick — about 15 minutes from start to finish — making it perfect for a speedy meal that feels like a warm, homemade hug.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this Pastina Soup Recipe the next time you crave something comforting, quick, and utterly satisfying. Its tender pasta, buttery broth, and cozy simplicity make it a timeless favorite that speaks to the heart. Whether as a soothing meal for yourself or a charming starter for guests, this soup feels like an Italian kitchen hug in every spoonful.
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Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pastina soup is a comforting Italian classic made with tiny pasta, simple broth, and a touch of butter or cheese. It’s often one of the first warm meals Italian children grow up with, but its simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia make it a favorite for all ages. Quick to prepare and incredibly soothing, this dish is perfect when you need something cozy and gentle.
Ingredients
Broth and Pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3/4 cup pastina pasta (such as stelline or acini di pepe)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook pastina: Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare egg (optional): If using the egg, beat it in a small bowl to prepare for incorporation into the soup.
- Create egg ribbons: When the pasta is nearly done, reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently, forming delicate egg ribbons reminiscent of egg drop soup.
- Add butter and cheese: Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese until both are melted and fully incorporated, enriching the soup’s flavor and texture.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper according to your preference, adjusting for seasoning.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the soup warm, garnished with optional chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add a splash of milk or more cheese.
- You can skip the egg for a simpler soup or use just the yolk for added richness.
- Pastina can be replaced with other small pasta like orzo or ditalini.
