Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Italian Pastina Soup is the very definition of cozy, feel-good food—just the thing you crave on chilly evenings or whenever you need a little culinary hug. This beloved classic combines delicate star-shaped pasta, a rich and savory broth, and a swirl of egg and Parmesan for a silky, nourishing bowl that’s both simple and soul-satisfying. Whether you grew up with this dish or are discovering it for the first time, you’ll find that Italian Pastina Soup delivers comfort and flavor with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Italian Pastina Soup is how it transforms the most basic pantry staples into something truly special. Each ingredient plays its own crucial role, adding depth, color, and that signature Italian warmth to your bowl.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of the soup, providing savory flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Pastina pasta (or acini di pepe): Tiny pasta shapes soak up the broth and make every bite fun and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the veggies while infusing the soup with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Onion: Brings gentle sweetness and a savory backbone to the broth.
- Carrot: Adds color, subtle sweetness, and a bit of texture.
- Celery: Delivers a hint of earthiness and depth that rounds out the flavor.
- Garlic: Just one clove brightens the entire soup with aromatic complexity.
- Egg: When drizzled in, it forms delicate ribbons that give the soup body and silkiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth and adds a savory, nutty finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to soften and become fragrant—this step is the key to building the comforting base flavor that makes Italian Pastina Soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. You want it to release its aroma without browning. This quick sizzle gives the soup a gentle garlicky kick that balances out the sweetness of the veggies.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Next, add the chicken broth to the pot and turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. This is where all the flavors start mingling and the promise of a delicious bowl of Italian Pastina Soup begins to take shape.
Step 4: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is boiling, add the pastina (or your pasta of choice), then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the pastina is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Swirl in the Egg
While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten egg. This creates delicate, silky ribbons throughout the soup, adding a luxurious texture that makes Italian Pastina Soup extra special.
Step 6: Finish and Season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the broth, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat, and if you like, sprinkle in some freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish.
How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a handful of fresh parsley is all you need to make your bowl of Italian Pastina Soup look as inviting as it tastes. For a little zing, you can also add a twist of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Italian Pastina Soup with a slice of crusty Italian bread, a simple green salad, or a platter of roasted vegetables. These sides add texture and variety, rounding out the meal while letting the soup remain the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Italian Pastina Soup in colorful ceramic bowls for a rustic, homey feel, or ladle it into mugs for an ultra-cozy touch. For gatherings, set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Italian Pastina Soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors deepen with time.
Freezing
You can freeze Italian Pastina Soup, but keep in mind that the pasta may soften further after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pastina, then cook and add fresh pasta when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and enjoy within two months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm it gently over low heat. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to bring back that luscious, soupy texture. Stir occasionally and heat until just hot—avoid boiling to keep the egg ribbons tender.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Pastina Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the egg if you prefer. You’ll still get all that comforting flavor, and you can add extra veggies or spinach for more heartiness.
What if I can’t find pastina pasta?
No worries! Tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or even small stars work beautifully in Italian Pastina Soup. The key is to use a small shape that cooks quickly and soaks up the broth.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey are wonderful additions if you want a more filling soup. Stir them in at the end to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Why does the soup get thicker after sitting?
Pastina and other small pastas continue to absorb the broth as they sit, which makes the soup thicken over time. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back to your preferred consistency.
Is Italian Pastina Soup good for kids?
Yes! The tiny pasta shapes and gentle flavors make this a kid-friendly favorite. Plus, it’s easy to eat and can be customized with extra veggies or cheese to suit little tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s as comforting as it is easy, Italian Pastina Soup is truly a must-try. The simple ingredients and soothing flavors make it a timeless classic that brings joy to every table. Give it a go—you might just find it becomes a staple in your home, too!
Print
Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Italian Pastina Soup featuring tiny pasta simmered in savory chicken broth with vegetables, finished with a gentle egg ribbon and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light meal or starter.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Pasta and Garnish
- 3/4 cup pastina pasta (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate the Egg: While stirring the soup gently in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten egg to create delicate ribbons throughout the soup.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- To make the soup heartier, add shredded cooked chicken or spinach.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the egg.
- Leftovers tend to thicken; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
