Pastina Soup Recipe

The Coziest Pastina Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort wraps around you like a warm pastina soup hug on chilly evenings.

Memories of childhood kitchens dance through steamy bowls filled with tiny pasta pearls.

Soft, delicate strands create a nostalgic embrace that connects generations.

Nonna’s simple recipe whispers stories of love and tradition with each spoonful.

Italian grandmothers have perfected this magical dish through generations of careful preparation.

Simple ingredients blend into a miraculous meal that soothes both body and soul.

Easy Instructions for a Perfect Bowl of Pastina Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Drop in minced garlic and let it dance and release its aromatic magic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Bring Liquid to Life

Pour in chicken broth and allow the liquid to burst into a rolling boil, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Cook Tiny Pasta

Add pastina and let it swim and soften in the bubbling broth. Gently stir and cook until the tiny pasta becomes perfectly tender, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Egg Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Swirl in Egg Ribbons

Slowly stream the egg mixture into the hot soup while continuously stirring. This technique helps create delicate, silky egg strands throughout the soup.

Step 6: Season and Perfect

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing with deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Enjoy your comforting creation!

Pro Tips to Achieve Silky, Satisfying Pastina Soup

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine to the olive oil before sautéing garlic for a rich, complex taste.
  • Perfect Egg Technique: Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot broth before pouring into the soup to prevent scrambling.
  • Texture Enhancement: Choose small pastina shapes like stelline or acini di pepe for a consistent, delicate texture.
  • Protein Power-Up: Shred rotisserie chicken or add cooked diced chicken for a more substantial meal.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base in advance and add pastina and egg just before serving to maintain optimal pasta consistency.

Variations That Add Flair to Your Pastina Soup

  • Vegetarian Pastina: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit egg. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pastina or small rice pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast. Replace with dairy-free cheese alternative or extra herbs.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add dried oregano, basil, and a splash of lemon juice. Incorporate chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Pastina Soup

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate pastina soup's creamy texture and enhance its subtle garlic notes.
  • Serve with Crusty Rustic Bread: Choose a warm, freshly baked sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the rich broth and add delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a simple green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the comforting soup.

Storage Advice for Fresh and Flavorful Pastina Soup

  • Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover completely to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Warm soup in microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent pasta from becoming dry.
  • Gently reheat soup in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add extra broth if soup has thickened during storage to maintain original creamy consistency.
  • Freeze soup without egg mixture for best results. Pour into freezer-safe container, leaving small space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs to Help You Nail Pastina Soup Every Time

  • What is pastina?

Pastina is the smallest type of pasta, often used in soups and typically shaped like tiny stars, squares, or rice-like grains, popular in Italian cuisine.

  • Can I use different types of broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable or beef broth depending on your preference and dietary needs.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Pastina soup is soft, mild-flavored, and easy to eat, making it a perfect comfort food for children and adults alike.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add small diced vegetables like carrots or spinach during the cooking process to boost the soup’s nutritional value and enhance its flavor.

Pastina Soup: Tiny Pasta, Big Comfort

  • Soothe with Comfort: This pastina soup offers a warm, gentle embrace for anyone craving a nostalgic and nurturing meal, perfect for chilly days or when feeling under the weather.
  • Simplify Cooking: Requiring minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all experience levels to create a delicious, hearty soup with ease.
  • Quick Nourishment: With just a few simple steps, you can transform basic pantry staples into a satisfying and protein-packed meal that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the soft, tiny pasta and creamy texture, making it an ideal option for picky eaters and those seeking a comforting, simple dish.

Ingredients to Make Pastina Soup Truly Cozy

Base Ingredients:
  • Pastina: Tiny star-shaped pasta perfect for creating a comforting soup base.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that provides the soup's foundational taste and warmth.
Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic.
  • Garlic: Brings a sharp, aromatic essence to enhance the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg: Creates silky, delicate strands throughout the soup for added richness and texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the egg mixture.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh note and attractive green color to the finished soup.
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Pastina Soup Recipe

Pastina Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting pastina soup warms hearts with its simple Italian charm, offering a nostalgic embrace of childhood memories. Delicate pasta pearls dance in a silky broth, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure, homemade comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 ml) pastina
  • 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, releasing the aromatic essence of minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, elevating the liquid to a vigorous boil.
  3. Introduce pastina pasta, allowing it to dance and soften in the bubbling broth for 5-7 minutes until perfectly tender.
  4. Whisk egg and Parmesan cheese together in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
  5. Gently stream the egg combination into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to transform the eggs into delicate, silky strands that weave through the liquid.
  6. Calibrate the flavor profile with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
  7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, optionally adorning with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by using homemade chicken broth for a richer, more authentic taste.
  • Prevent egg scrambling by tempering the egg mixture with a small amount of hot broth before adding to the pot.
  • Customize the soup by adding diced vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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