Cozy Italian Pastina Soup

There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, isn’t there? Especially when that soup brings back memories of childhood comfort. For me, that’s Italian pastina soup. I remember my own grandmother making it when I was little – a simple, soothing remedy for everything from a sniffly nose to a broken heart. Now, as a busy mom of two here in Texas, I’ve tweaked her recipe to make it even faster and easier to whip up. I’ve made this version countless times in my own kitchen, and it’s always a hit! This recipe for Italian pastina soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for weeknights and guaranteed to bring a smile to your family’s faces.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s face it, as moms, we’re always looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and that the kids will actually eat! This Italian pastina soup recipe ticks all those boxes. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Here’s why I think it works so well:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Kid-Approved: My kids devour this soup, and I love knowing they’re getting a nutritious meal. Even the picky eater will enjoy it.
• Comforting & Nourishing: This soup is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup pastina pasta (stelline or other small shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

A few notes on the ingredients to ensure your pastina soup is perfect:

• Pastina: Stelline (tiny stars) is the classic choice, but any small pasta shape like acini di pepe or ditalini will work.
• Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level. Homemade is amazing if you have it, but store-bought works just fine!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Don’t let it brown! The goal is to soften the onion and bring out its sweetness.

Step 2: Add Broth and Pastina. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pastina pasta. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the pastina is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Butter. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and well combined. The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Season and Serve. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Italian pastina soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to thin it out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Make-Ahead: You can chop the onion a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you a few minutes of prep time on a busy weeknight.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to customize your pastina soup? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pastina or other small gluten-free pasta shape. I haven’t personally tested this, but it should work well!
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese and butter, or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Add a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the soup just before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Sauté a minced clove of garlic along with the onion for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some ingredients ahead of time! Chopping the onion in advance will save you a few precious minutes when it’s time to cook. Also, I’ve found that the flavors meld together nicely if you make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it.

How do I know when the pastina is done?

The pastina is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it – al dente, as they say in Italy! Start checking it around 6 minutes, and taste a few pieces to make sure it’s cooked to your liking. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit even after you remove it from the heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While stelline (the tiny stars) are traditional, any small pasta shape will work well. Acini di pepe, ditalini, or even orzo are all great options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to thin it out.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! This is one of my go-to recipes when my kids are feeling under the weather or just need a little comfort food. The small pasta shapes are easy for them to eat, and the mild flavor is generally a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

What can I add to make it more flavorful?

There are so many ways to customize this soup! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten it up. For a protein boost, shredded cooked chicken is a great addition.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the pasta can get mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days of making it.

Serving Suggestions

This cozy Italian pastina soup is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the warm, comforting soup.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort meal, pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

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