Name: Pastina Soup Recipe: Comforting and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 medium carrot (finely diced); 1 celery stalk (finely diced); 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup pastina (stelline, orzo, or acini di pepe); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); Optional: Extra Parmesan (parsley); Suggested Pairings: White wine (crusty bread)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Pastina Soup is a classic Italian comfort dish, perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or meal prep. This warm, soothing soup, featuring tiny pastina pasta in a flavorful broth with vegetables and Parmesan, delivers a light yet hearty flavor with a delicate, comforting texture. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, this Pastina Soup recipe offers a warm, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple homemade version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing soup that brings nostalgic, Italian-inspired warmth to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Pastina Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup pastina (tiny pasta like stelline, orzo, or acini di pepe)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

Optional: Extra-grated Parmesan, fresh parsley
Suggested Accompaniments: Crusty bread, green salad
Suggested Pairings: White wine, herbal tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Season Broth: Add salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the broth and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper to ensure a balanced flavor.
Cook Pastina: Add pastina to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions (about 5–7 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Add Egg and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring to create thin egg ribbons. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated.
Finish with Parsley: Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
Serve: Ladle the soup into white ceramic bowls. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley. Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, white wine, or herbal tea.

Tips for Better Pastina Soup

Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness and enhance flavor.
Taste the broth before adding pasta to balance savory and aromatic flavors; adjust sparingly.
Choose tiny pasta like stelline or acini di pepe for the classic pastina texture.
Stir gently when adding egg to create delicate ribbons rather than clumps.
Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the golden broth and vibrant garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare the soup (without egg or pasta) up to 2 days in advance; store in the fridge, then reheat, add pasta and egg, and cook as directed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or Parmesan for a warm, inviting pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Pastina Soup: Use gluten-free pastina or small gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
Vegan Pastina Soup: Use vegetable broth, omit egg, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Low-Sodium Pastina Soup: Use no-sodium broth and reduce salt to a pinch.
Spicy Pastina Soup: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
Vegetable Pastina Soup: Add 1/2 cup diced zucchini or spinach with the carrots and celery.
Protein-Packed Pastina Soup: Stir in 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or white beans after cooking the pasta.
Herbed Pastina Soup: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme or dill with the parsley.
Cheesy Pastina Soup: Increase Parmesan to 3/4 cup or add 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore consistency.
Freeze (without pasta or egg) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, and add fresh pasta and egg when serving.
Serve hot for the best comforting, flavorful experience.
Use as a standalone main dish, starter, or soothing meal for cold days.
Pair with white wine or herbal tea to complement the light, savory flavors.
Present in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a warm, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1.5 cups each, using chicken broth):

Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin A: 50% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol). Moderate in calories; pair with light sides for balance.

Conclusion

This Pastina Soup recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, transforming simple ingredients into a heartwarming favorite. Its easy preparation and inviting presentation make it a go-to. The delicate pasta and savory broth delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing Italian charm.