Pastina Soup

Who doesn’t love a bowl of warm and comforting soup? Especially when it feels like a hug for your soul! Pastina soup is one of those magical dishes that can turn a dull day into a brighter one with just one spoonful. This delightful Italian-inspired soup features tiny pasta shapes swimming in a savory broth, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you need a little TLC.

Interestingly enough, pastina means “little pasta” in Italian, and it’s often considered the ultimate comfort food for both kids and adults alike. It’s often a go-to dish when someone is feeling under the weather, showcasing its nurturing qualities. If you’re a fan of other creamy soups like our classic Tomato Basil, you’ll find pastina soup equally enchanting. So grab a bowl, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of pastina soup. You won’t regret it!

What is Pastina Soup?

So, what exactly is pastina soup? Picture this: a wonderfully aromatic broth filled with tiny star or alphabet-shaped pasta, lovingly cooked until tender. Do you imagine childhood memories of slurping down those little stars while your grandmother told you tales of far-off places? Well, you might just have a bowl of pastina soup floating on your memories! Isn’t it funny how just a bowl of soup can elicit such nostalgia? The saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” truly rings true here, as pastina soup is a lovely way to share warmth and love with family and friends. So let’s get past the chatter and into the kitchen — you’ll find this recipe not only delicious but incredibly easy to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Pastina Soup

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, let’s talk about why you’ll fall in love with this pastina soup. First off, the highlight of this dish is its incredible simplicity. You can put this flavorful soup together in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. Secondly, making your soup at home saves you money compared to those pricey store-bought options. Plus, the satisfaction of slurping down something you made yourself? Priceless!

We can’t forget the magic of toppings! A simple sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of fresh herbs transforms your bowl of pastina soup into a culinary masterpiece. If you’ve tried your hand at comforting recipes like Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll find that pastina soup holds its own in the comfort food arena. So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the warmth of a homemade bowl of pastina soup today!

How to Make Pastina Soup

Quick Overview

Making pastina soup is an effortless and satisfying process that anyone can master! It requires just a handful of ingredients and some boiling water to create a delightful dish that will warm your heart and soul. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling pot of deliciousness ready to serve. Keep reading for the easy-peasy steps and tasty ingredients!

Key Ingredients for Pastina Soup

To create your own comforting bowl of pastina soup, here’s what you will need:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta shapes, such as stars or alphabets)
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing and dicing your carrots, onion, and celery. Don’t forget to mince the garlic too!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the Broth: Carefully add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Pastina: Once boiling, stir in the pastina. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Ladle and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
8. Enjoy: Curl up with a warm blanket, grab a spoon, and dive into your cozy bowl of pastina soup!

What to Serve Pastina Soup With

Pastina soup is perfectly comforting on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it alongside a few delicious sides. Garlic bread pairs wonderfully, providing the perfect vehicle for scooping up that tasty broth! A simple mixed green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can also balance out the meal beautifully. For those who like a little crunch, some crispy breadsticks would make an excellent addition.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pastina Soup

To make sure your pastina soup turns out absolutely perfect, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Watch the Cook Time: Since pastina is small, it cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of milk or cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Using Leftover Veggies: This is a fantastic recipe to utilize any leftover veggies you have in your fridge, making it a green option too!
• Herbs are Key: Fresh herbs can add a therapeutic aroma and bright flavor, so don’t skip those when garnishing your soup.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Have some leftovers? Don’t worry! Pastina soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to store it for an extended period, consider freezing it. Just ensure you leave out the pastina pasta, as it can become mushy when frozen. Instead, simply add freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to enjoy!

To reheat, simply warm it on low heat in a pot until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. Now you can enjoy the warm coziness of pastina soup anytime you’d like!

And there you have it — the wonderful world of pastina soup! We hope you find just as much joy in making and sharing this recipe with friends and family as we have. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!

Pastina Soup

A warm and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring tiny pasta shapes in a savory broth, perfect for chilly evenings or soothing moments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta shapes, such as stars or alphabets)
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by washing and dicing your carrots, onion, and celery. Don’t forget to mince the garlic too!
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Carefully add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Once boiling, stir in the pastina. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
8. Curl up with a warm blanket, grab a spoon, and dive into your cozy bowl of pastina soup!

Notes

Watch the cook time to prevent the pastina from getting mushy. For a creamier version, add a splash of milk or cream during the last few minutes of cooking. Use leftover veggies to make this a green option. Fresh herbs add a therapeutic aroma and bright flavor.