Nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm, soothing bowl of pastina soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick meal, or simply crave a taste of nostalgia, this simple yet satisfying dish is the perfect remedy.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious, homemade soup that’s ready in minutes. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite broth and toppings. Let’s dive into the ultimate pastina soup recipe and explore tips to make it even more flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Pastina Soup Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes
✔ Comforting & Nourishing – The perfect soul-warming dish
✔ Customizable – Adjust ingredients to fit your taste
✔ Kid-Friendly – A favorite for all ages
Ingredients for the Perfect Pastina Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pastina soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth | 6 cups | Choose your preferred base |
| Pastina pasta | 1.5 cups | Any small pasta shapes work |
| Cherry tomatoes | 6 | Halved for extra flavor |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Adjust based on broth’s saltiness |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tbsp | Freshly grated for best taste |
| Chopped parsley (optional) | For garnish | Adds color and freshness |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pastina Soup
1. Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. The broth is the heart of this soup, so choose high-quality chicken, vegetable, or beef broth for the best flavor.
2. Cook the Pastina
Add 1.5 cups of pastina pasta to the boiling broth. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Let it cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and tender.
3. Add the Tomatoes
While the pasta is cooking, slice 6 cherry tomatoes in half. Add them to the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. The heat will soften the tomatoes, releasing their natural sweetness into the soup.
4. Season the Soup
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If your broth is already salted, go easy on the salt.
5. Serve with Parmesan
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over each serving. The cheese will melt into the broth, creating a creamy, savory flavor.
6. Garnish and Enjoy
For an extra pop of freshness, top with chopped parsley before serving. Grab a spoon and enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of pastina soup!
Tips for the Best Pastina Soup
✅ Use Homemade Broth: If possible, make your own broth for richer flavor.
✅ Try Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
✅ Add a Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or an egg for added nutrition.
✅ Make It Creamier: Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter for extra richness.
✅ Customize with Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the flavors even more.
Variations of Pastina Soup
1. Classic Italian Egg Drop Pastina Soup
- Whisk an egg and slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring.
- The egg cooks instantly, creating delicate strands, similar to an Italian-style egg drop soup.
2. Pastina Soup with Chicken
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and a hearty meal.
- Simmer the chicken in the broth for 5 minutes before adding pastina.
3. Creamy Buttered Pastina
- Instead of broth, cook the pastina in water.
- Drain and mix in butter and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, comforting dish.
4. Tomato-Based Pastina Soup
- Swap the broth for crushed tomatoes and a bit of water.
- Season with garlic, basil, and oregano for a rich, tomato-flavored soup.
5. Kid-Friendly Cheesy Pastina
- Stir in an extra handful of grated cheese to make it extra creamy.
- Great for picky eaters who love mac and cheese flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Why Pastina Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Pastina soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of nostalgia and warmth. It’s often a childhood favorite, given to kids when they’re sick or simply in need of a cozy, easy-to-eat dish. The soft pasta, warm broth, and cheesy goodness make it a go-to comfort food for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have pastina, you can use orzo, acini di pepe, or ditalini as substitutes.
2. How can I store and reheat pastina soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little extra broth to loosen up the pasta.
3. Is pastina soup gluten-free?
Not traditionally, but you can use gluten-free tiny pasta or even cooked quinoa for a similar texture.
4. Can I make pastina soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
5. Can I freeze pastina soup?
It’s best to freeze just the broth and add fresh pastina when reheating. Cooked pastina can become mushy after freezing.
6. What can I serve with pastina soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Comfort in a Bowl
This pastina soup recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, soothe a sore throat, or enjoy a simple, satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Try it out today, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it!
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Comfort in a Bowl: The Perfect Pastina Soup Recipe with Ingredients
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This pastina soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, soothing meal. Made with a simple broth, tiny pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of nostalgic flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a delicious way to bring warmth to your table.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken, vegetable, or beef broth
- 1.5 cups pastina pasta (small pasta shapes)
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Pastina: Add the pastina pasta and stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Let it cook for 6-8 minutes, or until soft and tender.
- Add the Tomatoes: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. This will soften them and enhance the soup’s natural sweetness.
- Season the Soup: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve with Parmesan: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add chopped parsley for a fresh touch, then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade broth.
- Add a whisked egg while stirring for a creamy egg drop-style pastina soup.
- For extra protein, mix in shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a little extra broth to loosen the pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired