Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food, evoking memories of warmth and care from childhood kitchens. This tiny star-shaped pasta slow-simmers in a richly flavored broth, creating a silky, soothing soup that feels like a gentle hug on chilly days.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of active cooking, you’ll have a creamy, nourishing meal perfect for anyone craving nostalgia, feeding little ones, or recovering from a cold.
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients for a wholesome bowl of comfort.
- Perfectly creamy, silky broth thanks to blending softened vegetables back into the soup.
- Gentle and soothing, ideal for little ones, cold days, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory and rich base, lending depth and warmth to the soup.
- Celery stalks: Adds a subtle, fresh aroma and a mild herbal note when simmered.
- Small onion: Delivers sweetness and body to the broth once softened.
- Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Pastina: Tiny star-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds delicate texture.
- Butter: Optional for richness, melting into the soup to enhance creaminess.
- Garlic salt: Infuses a gentle garlic flavor balanced with saltiness.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory garlic notes subtly without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into balance.
- Parmesan rind: Adds umami depth and cheese aroma simmered into the broth.
Instructions
- Simmer the vegetables
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In a large pot, add chopped celery, onion, and carrots to the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are completely soft. This slow simmer extracts maximum flavor, mellowing the vegetables to create a layered broth base.
- Blend the broth for creaminess
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Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a blender along with a ladle of hot broth. Blend until completely smooth, then pour the mixture back into the pot. This step transforms the broth into a silky, thickened soup full of deep vegetable flavor.
- Add the pastina
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Return the pot to a gentle boil and stir in the pastina. Cook according to package instructions, usually 5 to 7 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy. The tiny pastina softens quickly and absorbs the broth’s flavors perfectly.
- Season and enrich
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Season the soup with garlic salt, garlic powder, and regular salt to taste. Stir in butter and the Parmesan rind for an extra creamy, velvety finish rich in umami. The rind slowly releases cheese flavor as the soup simmers.
- Serve warm
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm for a cozy, soul-soothing meal that comforts and nourishes.
- The Parmesan rind is key for deep umami but remember to remove it before serving.
- Pastina cooks quickly, so check frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Butter is optional but highly recommended for the richest texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if it thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this soup as a light lunch or start to a hearty dinner. Pair with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Blend the vegetables with hot broth to prevent cooling and ensure smooth texture.
- Use a good quality chicken broth for a richer flavor foundation.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme towards the end for added brightness.
FAQs
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
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Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan rind or use a vegetarian alternative.
- What is pastina?
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Pastina is a tiny pasta shape, usually small stars, commonly used in Italian soups and for babies.
- Can I use dried or fresh vegetables?
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Fresh vegetables yield the best flavor, but frozen veggies can be used in a pinch; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- How do I prevent the pastina from becoming mushy?
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Cook the pastina just until tender and serve immediately. Leaving it in hot broth too long will make it mushy.
- Is this soup suitable for children?
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Absolutely! Its mild flavors, soft pasta, and creamy texture make it perfect for toddlers and kids.
- Can I freeze Italian Pastina Soup?
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It’s best to freeze the broth and vegetables separately from the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when frozen.
Italian Pastina Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 blender
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 cup pastina or tiny pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- garlic salt to taste
- garlic powder to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Parmesan rind
- grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Add chopped celery, onion, and carrots to the chicken broth in a large pot and bring to a simmer until vegetables are completely soft.
- Remove cooked vegetables with a slotted spoon and blend them with a ladle of hot broth until smooth.
- Return the blended vegetable mixture to the pot to thicken the broth.
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil and add pastina, cooking it according to package instructions until tender.
- Season the soup with garlic salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in butter and Parmesan rind for extra richness if desired.
- Serve the soup warm, topped with grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Blend vegetables thoroughly for a creamy texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
