Name: Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1 Parmesan rind (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese; Extra virgin olive oil

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Introduction

Pastina Soup is a comforting Italian classic featuring tiny star-shaped pasta simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and Parmesan. This quick and nourishing dish is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a simple, heartwarming meal.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with yellow-orange soup containing small round pasta pieces, with some small green herb bits and tiny orange vegetable pieces scattered throughout. The soup has a smooth liquid texture with small pasta floating on top, garnished with a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves in the center, and sprinkled with cracked black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese
Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the pastina and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes), until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Remove the Parmesan rind, discard it, and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer texture, try stirring in a beaten egg slowly into the hot soup to create delicate egg ribbons, inspired by Stracciatella soup.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian, or add shredded cooked chicken to make it heartier.
Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to avoid overcooking, which can cause the soup to become mushy.

Storage

Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the pasta absorbs liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore its texture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with yellow-orange soup that has small pasta pearls floating in it. The soup texture is smooth and slightly thick, dotted with tiny green herb pieces and small touches of orange bits, likely vegetables. On the surface, there is a fresh green basil leaf placed in the center, and the whole dish is sprinkled with coarse black pepper adding texture and contrast. The bowl has a rustic speckled rim and rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of pastina?

Yes, you can substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.

Is Parmesan rind necessary?

No, the Parmesan rind adds depth of flavor but is optional. If you don’t have one, you can still make a delicious soup without it or simply sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving.