Easy Pastina Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pastina soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick and simple meal, or just want to curl up with something warm and soothing, pastina soup is your go-to dish. With its tiny pasta stars, rich broth, and nourishing ingredients, it has that perfect balance of easy, familiar, and satisfying.

This recipe isn’t just for when you’re sick; it’s a timeless classic that families have passed down through generations, often served to kids or anyone in need of a bit of tender love in a bowl. It’s also great for busy days when you want to make something quick but comforting.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to make the best, easiest pastina soup. From the ingredients you’ll need, to pro tips, and how you can make it your own with small tweaks – we’ve got it all covered.

Let’s break down the recipe, step-by-step, so you can make this delicious, heartwarming dish from scratch. Simple yet satisfying, this soup is something you can whip up in less than 20 minutes!

Ingredients Needed

For this easy pastina soup, here’s what you’ll need:

Pastina (small pasta stars): 1/2 cup (This is the star of the show-literally! The tiny pasta adds a comforting texture without overwhelming the broth.)
Chicken broth: 4 cups (If you want to go all-out, homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine too.)
Water: 1 cup (To dilute the broth slightly and make the soup light and easy to sip.)
Carrot: 1 small, finely diced (Adds a little sweetness and crunch.)
Celery: 1 stalk, finely diced (Gives a fresh, slightly peppery note.)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (For that savory depth.)
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (A touch of healthy fat to help sauté the veggies.)
Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons (Grated, for a rich finish.)
Salt and pepper: To taste (Make sure to season well, but don’t overdo it. The broth may already have some salt.)
Fresh parsley: A handful (Chopped, for garnish. Adds freshness and a pop of color.)

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to bring all these elements together into a steaming bowl of pastina soup.

Prepare your veggies: Start by washing and peeling the carrot, then finely dice it. Do the same for the celery stalk. Mince the garlic.
Sauté the veggies: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, carrot, and celery. Stir often to prevent the garlic from burning. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Cook the pastina: Once the broth is simmering, add the pastina and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally so the tiny pasta doesn’t stick together.
Season and finish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Once the pastina is cooked, remove the soup from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little more about why these ingredients work so well together:

Pastina: This tiny pasta is perfect for soups because it absorbs the broth beautifully while retaining its shape. Its small size allows it to be incredibly delicate and light, making it easy to enjoy without overpowering the flavors of the soup.
Chicken broth: The base of any great soup, chicken broth adds a savory, umami flavor that’s both rich and comforting. It’s also great for making the soup nourishing.
Carrot and celery: These vegetables give the soup a refreshing depth, adding natural sweetness (from the carrot) and a slight peppery crunch (from the celery). Together, they’re the backbone of a flavorful, aromatic base.
Garlic: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost flavor. Garlic adds a savory complexity that makes the soup taste more robust without being overwhelming.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan is added at the end to give the soup a smooth, creamy finish. It helps thicken the broth slightly and adds a bit of salty richness that elevates the entire dish.

Expert Tips

Want to make your pastina soup even more delicious? Here are some pro tips to help you along the way:

Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth can take this soup to the next level. It’s full of flavor and richer than store-bought options, which adds a layer of depth to the overall dish.
Don’t overcook the pastina: Since pastina is so small, it cooks really quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on it-once it’s done, it’s done! Overcooking it will turn the pasta into mush, which isn’t ideal.
Add a squeeze of lemon: If you want a little zing, squeeze in a fresh lemon juice before serving. It adds a delightful freshness and can cut through the richness of the broth.
Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes: If you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Add a handful of spinach: For extra nutrients and color, toss in a handful of spinach when the soup is almost finished cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a mild, earthy flavor.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of pastina soup lies in its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative! Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Vegetarian pastina soup: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup fully plant-based. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or peas for more texture and flavor.
Italian-style pastina soup: Add a little Italian seasoning, or even a dash of pesto at the end for a herby, vibrant twist. You can also toss in some small meatballs for a heartier dish.
Lemon and dill: For a fresh twist, replace the parsley with fresh dill and add a little lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Pastina with egg: Some traditional pastina soups add a lightly beaten egg to the broth. As the egg cooks, it creates delicate ribbons throughout the soup, adding richness and texture.

Final Words

Pastina soup is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, yet full of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a recipe you can rely on, and it’s flexible enough to make your own. The addition of a few fresh ingredients, or changing up the seasoning, can turn this humble dish into something new every time.

Plus, it’s an excellent base for experimenting with different flavors. The soul-soothing qualities of pastina soup will always shine through, no matter how you tweak it.

Easy Pastina Soup Recipe