Description
This Traditional Italian Pastina Soup is a cozy, heartwarming classic passed down through generations. Made with tender pastina pasta, a flavorful broth, and simple vegetables, it’s the ultimate quick comfort meal. Ideal for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick breakfast, or a light, healthy snack. This easy recipe is perfect for busy families, sick days, or when you just need a warm food idea that feels like home.
Ingredients
1/2 cup pastina (tiny pasta like stelline or acini di pepe)
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Finely dice the carrot, celery, and onion to prepare your vegetable base (soffritto).
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced vegetables until they’re soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the pastina and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Add extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality broth for the best flavor since it’s the soup’s foundation.
Avoid overcooking the pastina; it cooks fast and can turn mushy.
For leftovers, add extra broth when reheating, as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 8mg