How to Make the Perfect Italian Pastina Soup
Italian · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This classic Italian comfort soup features tiny star-shaped pasta cooked in a rich chicken broth with vegetables and fresh herbs. It is a simple yet deeply nourishing dish that has been passed down through Italian families for generations.
Why this recipe works
This Italian Pastina Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pastina or stelline pasta
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion carrots and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the broth to develop flavor for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Add the pastina pasta directly to the simmering broth. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If the soup is too thick add an additional half cup of warm chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Keep the heat on low while adjusting.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot pastina soup into bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy this warm and comforting bowl of goodness.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pastina pasta → orzo or acini di pepe pasta
- chicken broth → vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano cheese
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the pastina which causes it to become mushy and absorb too much broth
- Not stirring the pasta frequently enough causing it to clump together at the bottom
- Adding too much pasta at once which makes the soup thick and stew-like rather than brothy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 12g protein, 28g carbs, 6g fat, 2g fiber.
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