Italian Pastina Soup

Save this recipe on:

I grew up eating bowls of this warm, comforting Italian Pastina Soup whenever I felt under the weather—or simply needed something cozy after a long day. It was the kind of meal that wrapped around you like a soft blanket, humble in its ingredients but powerful in how it made you feel. That sense of simplicity and love in a bowl is what I set out to recreate with this recipe.

Pastina Soup is something of a cultural heirloom in many Italian households. It takes just a few pantry staples to come together, and yet it delivers layers of flavor, a silky texture, and the nostalgic touch of home-cooked care. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a healing meal for someone you love, this soup fits the moment perfectly.

---

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pastina Soup

This soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in its purest form. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re simply not in the mood for a long cooking session. The broth is rich yet gentle, and the pastina (those tiny star or round pasta shapes) adds a playful texture that even kids adore.

It’s incredibly flexible—you can dress it up with vegetables, add protein like chicken or an egg, or enjoy it in its simplest, classic form. It’s budget-friendly, perfect for beginners, and has that rare ability to soothe and satisfy with every spoonful.

---

What Kind of Pastina Should I Use?

Traditionally, pastina refers to tiny pasta shapes like stars (stelline), dots (acini di pepe), or small tubes (ditalini). I prefer using acini di pepe for their lovely texture and how well they absorb the flavor of the broth. However, any small pasta shape will work—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Don’t overcook; these little pastas go from al dente to mushy fast!

---

Options for Substitutions

• Broth: While homemade chicken broth is ideal, store-bought low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works wonderfully.
• Pasta: If you can’t find pastina, use orzo, Israeli couscous, or even broken angel hair pasta.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Either can be used to sauté your aromatics. Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps it lighter.
• Add-ins: Stir in spinach, shredded chicken, or a whisked egg for extra protein and nutrients.
• Vegan Version: Swap in vegetable broth and olive oil, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

---

Ingredients for this Italian Pastina Soup

• Pastina (Acini di Pepe or Stelline): The star of the dish—tiny pasta shapes that cook quickly and add a delightful texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Forms the rich and savory base of the soup; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Carrots: Diced finely, they add natural sweetness and color.
• Celery: Brings balance and depth with its earthy flavor.
• Onion: A must-have aromatic to develop the flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and complexity to the broth.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the vegetables; butter adds richness while olive oil keeps it lighter.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): For a creamy finish and umami boost.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note to the final dish.

---

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavor base of your soup.

---

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom to deglaze any flavorful bits.

---

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Once the broth is boiling, stir in the pastina. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is just tender. Stir often to prevent sticking.

---

Step 4: Season and Finish

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. A handful of chopped parsley adds a fresh finish.

---

Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with more cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

---

How Long to Prepare the Italian Pastina Soup

This soup is as quick to prepare as it is comforting. You can go from chopping vegetables to sipping a hot bowl in about 30 minutes.

Preparation Time: It takes about 10 minutes to chop the vegetables and gather your ingredients. Since we’re working with small pasta and quick-cooking aromatics, you don’t need to prep too far ahead.

Cooking Time: The actual cooking takes about 15-20 minutes. The aromatics soften in the first few minutes, and once the broth is added and heated, pastina only needs a few more to become tender.

---

Tips for Perfect Italian Pastina Soup

• Use a good quality broth for a flavorful base—it makes all the difference.
• Don’t overcook the pastina; it continues to absorb liquid as it sits.
• Add cheese at the end for extra creaminess, but avoid boiling after adding it.
• Stir frequently once the pasta is in to keep it from sticking.
• If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or hot water to loosen it.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Pastina cooks very quickly. Leaving it in too long will result in a mushy texture.
• Boiling too vigorously: Keep it at a simmer once the pastina is added to avoid breaking down the ingredients too much.
• Under-seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Not stirring: This pasta loves to sink—stir often to prevent clumping or sticking.
• Using too much pasta: It can soak up most of your broth. Stick to the suggested amount or scale the liquid accordingly.

---

What to Serve With Italian Pastina Soup?

1. Crusty Bread

A warm slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping.

2. Simple Green Salad

A light arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pairing this with a melty grilled cheese makes for a classic cozy meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add more substance and nutrients.

5. Marinated Olives or Antipasto

Serve a small dish of marinated olives or Italian-style antipasto to keep the meal rustic and authentic.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pastina will continue to absorb broth, so the soup may thicken. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing as the pastina can become overly soft and mushy. If you want to freeze, consider storing the broth separately and cooking the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating: Warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in extra broth or water if needed to restore the desired consistency. Microwave reheating also works well for single portions.

---

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 210 per serving
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg

These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pastina to use?

Acini di pepe or stelline are perfect, but any small pasta will do. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and olive oil, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.

How do I keep the soup from thickening too much?

Since pastina soaks up liquid, store it with extra broth or add more when reheating.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken, a poached egg, or even white beans make excellent additions.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Very much so. The tiny pasta and mild flavor make it appealing to children.

---

Conclusion

Italian Pastina Soup is a bowl of simplicity and comfort that warms you from the inside out. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and delivers a nostalgic, home-cooked flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a soothing remedy, or a starter for something more elaborate, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget that extra sprinkle of cheese on top!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: