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Pastina Soup

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This soothing pastina soup showcases tiny pasta pearls in a vegetable enriched broth finished with fresh parmesan. The preparation process transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal within thirty minutes. Vegetables simmer until perfectly tender before being pureed into a silky base that cradles the delicate pasta. Fresh parsley and grated cheese complete this comforting bowl. The recipe includes practical make ahead instructions, suggesting separate storage of broth and pasta to maintain optimal texture for future servings.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:25:27 GMT
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A bowl of soup topped with chopped herbs and crumbled cheese, with a spoon resting against the side. Pin it
A bowl of soup topped with chopped herbs and crumbled cheese, with a spoon resting against the side. | tastygusto.com

This cozy little star pasta soup has become my go to comfort meal. The tiny pastina swimming in rich chicken broth with tender vegetables and melty parmesan creates pure warmth in a bowl. Best of all it comes together in just 30 minutes perfect for those nights when you need a gentle hug from your dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

I love how this soup uses simple ingredients we usually have on hand but creates something so special. The pureed vegetables make it creamy without cream while fresh parsley and parmesan add such wonderful flavor. Its quick enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough for when you need extra care.

Everything You Need

  • Chicken Broth: I use low sodium or homemade for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Onion carrot and celery create our flavor base.
  • Parmesan Rind: My secret for amazing rich broth.
  • Pasta: Tiny pastina stars orzo or acini di pepe all work beautifully.
  • Kosher Salt: Makes all the flavors sing.
  • Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten everything up.
  • Grated Parmesan: That final touch of salty goodness.

Lets Make Soup

Start the Broth
Get those veggies chicken broth parmesan rind and salt simmering. Let them cook until everythings tender about 20-30 minutes.
Make It Creamy
Take out that parmesan rind then blend up our vegetables with a bit of broth until smooth. Add it back for silky texture.
Add Our Stars
Bring it back to a boil toss in the pastina and cook just until tender about 3 minutes.
Time to Enjoy
Fill your bowls top with fresh parsley and plenty of grated parmesan. Serve it up while its nice and hot.

My Kitchen Secrets

Never skip that parmesan rind it adds such amazing flavor. Blending the vegetables makes everything creamy without adding cream. When making ahead cook your pasta separately so it stays perfect. Always taste and adjust the salt at the end.

Plan Ahead

Make your broth ahead it keeps beautifully for 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Cook fresh pasta when youre ready to serve. When reheating just warm it gently adding a splash of broth if needed.

A bowl of hearty soup with chopped greens and grated cheese, accompanied by a piece of bread. Pin it
A bowl of hearty soup with chopped greens and grated cheese, accompanied by a piece of bread. | tastygusto.com

Perfect Partners

While this soup is lovely on its own we enjoy it with a light lemony salad on the side. Some crusty bread or garlic knots make it extra special. Its all about finding that perfect balance of comfort and freshness.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I add shredded chicken or white beans for protein. Different herbs like dill or basil give it new personality. Toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens. Try pecorino instead of parmesan for sharper flavor.

Why This Never Fails

Theres something magical about how simple ingredients create such comfort. Those tiny pasta stars that velvety broth and rich parmesan make it feel like a warm hug. Its perfect whether youre under the weather or just need some coziness.

Fun Pastina Facts

Did you know pastina means little pasta in Italian? They call it Italian penicillin because its so comforting when youre feeling down. Its been making Italian families feel better for generations.

Good For You Too

This soup gives you all those good vitamins from vegetables. Add some chicken or beans if you want extra protein. You can even make it healthier with whole grain pasta and low sodium broth it still tastes amazing.

Perfect Pairings

We love this with sparkling water and lemon for lunch or herbal tea on cozy evenings. Having friends over? A glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with those delicate flavors.

A bowl of orange soup topped with chopped herbs and cheese, with a spoon resting inside and a serving of crackers in the background. Pin it
A bowl of orange soup topped with chopped herbs and cheese, with a spoon resting inside and a serving of crackers in the background. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the broth up to 5 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta separately when ready to serve, as it will get soggy if left in the broth too long.
→ What can I substitute for pastina?
Any tiny pasta variety works well in this soup. Try alphabet pasta, orzo, or acini di pepe. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
→ What if I don't have a parmesan rind?
You can use a chunk of regular parmesan cheese instead. The rind is traditionally used as it's more economical and adds great flavor, but fresh parmesan will work too.
→ Why do you puree the vegetables?
Pureeing the vegetables creates a richer, more flavorful broth and adds more nutrients to the soup. It also gives the soup a lovely creamy texture without adding cream.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
You can freeze the broth portion without the pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the broth and cook fresh pasta in it. Adding cooked pasta to frozen soup will result in mushy pasta.

Conclusion

A simple, comforting soup made with tiny pasta and vegetable broth, perfect for quick and nourishing meals.

Easy Pastina Soup Recipe

Comforting pastina soup with pureed vegetables in chicken broth, topped with parmesan cheese, ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (6 cups soup)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
02 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into large pieces.
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into large pieces.
04 2 celery ribs, sliced into large pieces.
05 1 parmesan rind (about 2-inches long).
06 Kosher salt.
07 1 1/2 cup pastina or tiny pasta.
08 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves.
09 Grated parmesan cheese for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine broth, onion, carrots, celery, parmesan rind, and salt in large pot. Bring to boil, then lower heat, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 02

Remove parmesan rind. Transfer vegetables to food processor with some broth, blend until smooth. Return to pot.

Step 03

Bring broth back to boil. Add pastina and cook about 3 minutes until tender.

Step 04

Check seasoning, add salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley and grated parmesan.

Notes

  1. Save parmesan rinds in freezer for future use.
  2. Broth keeps in fridge for 5 days.
  3. For leftovers, cook pasta separately to avoid sogginess.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot with lid.
  • Food processor.
  • Slotted spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 308
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 16 g