Italian Pastina Soup is a warm and nourishing vegetable-based soup that features the delicate pastina pasta. Known for its comforting qualities, this soup is quick to prepare and delivers hearty, soothing flavors in just 25 minutes. With a blend of tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and the goodness of homemade broth, it's the perfect dish for any day when you need a cozy, heartwarming meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Pastina Soup is a perfect balance of simple ingredients and vibrant flavors. It's light, yet filling, and offers a nourishing comfort that’s especially great for colder days. The pastina pasta absorbs the flavorful broth, while the pureed vegetables give the soup a creamy texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner, offering wholesome ingredients that are both satisfying and good for the soul. Plus, you can customize it with various garnishes to add a bit of extra flair.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta (stelline shape or similar)
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, low-sodium preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf and 1 parmesan rind
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. Precision isn’t necessary for this step.
- In a large pot, pour the vegetable broth and add the chopped vegetables, bay leaf, and parmesan rind (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
- Check the vegetables for doneness with a fork; they should be soft and tender. Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Use a slotted spoon or colander to strain out the vegetables.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, add ½ cup of water, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended vegetables back into the pot with the broth, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bring the soup to a boil and add the pastina pasta. Stir the soup every minute to prevent the pastina from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the pastina is tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans for a more colorful soup.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or white beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Twist: For extra richness, blend in some ricotta cheese along with the pureed vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this soup?
Yes, you can use any small pasta such as orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld together and become even more delicious.
Can I freeze Italian Pastina Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, this soup can be made gluten-free. Ensure that your vegetable broth is also gluten-free.
Can I make this soup with chicken broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Can I add more seasoning to the soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add more salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
What can I use instead of parmesan rind?
If you don't have a parmesan rind, you can simply skip it, or add a small amount of grated parmesan directly to the soup for flavor.
How do I know when the vegetables are done cooking?
The vegetables should be soft and tender to the touch when pierced with a fork. If they are not fully soft, let them cook for a few more minutes.
How do I prevent the pastina from getting mushy?
Stir the soup frequently after adding the pastina to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Additionally, don’t overcook the pasta. It should be tender but not too soft.
Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, beans such as cannellini beans or chickpeas would be a great addition for extra texture and protein. Add them with the pastina during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Italian Pastina Soup is the perfect comfort food, offering a wholesome blend of tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and delicate pasta. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and hearty, this soup is sure to hit the spot. With its quick preparation and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s the ideal recipe for busy nights when you want to enjoy a nourishing and delicious meal.
Italian Pastina Soup
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Pastina Soup is a cozy, vegetable-based soup featuring tiny pastina pasta. A perfect balance of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich broth, this comforting soup is ideal for any day you need a heartwarming, quick meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's packed with nourishing ingredients like carrots, celery, garlic, and a flavorful broth. Garnished with parmesan and parsley, this Italian classic will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pastina pasta (stelline shape or similar)
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, low-sodium preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf and 1 parmesan rind
- For Garnish (optional): Chopped parsley, Grated parmesan cheese, Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Instructions:
- Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves.
- In a large pot, pour the vegetable broth and add the chopped vegetables, bay leaf, and parmesan rind (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
- Check the vegetables for doneness with a fork; they should be soft and tender. Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Use a slotted spoon or colander to strain out the vegetables.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, add ½ cup of water, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended vegetables back into the pot with the broth, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bring the soup to a boil and add the pastina pasta. Stir the soup every minute to prevent the pastina from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the pastina is tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can customize the soup by adding more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or green beans.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or white beans.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
- A dollop of ricotta cheese can be added for a creamier texture.
- You can make this soup ahead of time and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer, Blend
- Cuisine: Italian
