Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables and Parmesan Recipe
Pastina Soup is a comforting Italian classic featuring tiny star-shaped pasta simmered with aromatic vegetables in a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth. This quick and easy soup is perfect for a cozy meal, loved for its nostalgic warmth and versatility. Garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it offers a light yet nourishing dish ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their fragrance.
- Add Broth and Parmesan Rind: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the Parmesan rind if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina and cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until tender. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Season and Remove Rind: Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed for flavor balance.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve the soup warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Using a Parmesan rind during simmering enriches the broth with deep, savory umami flavor.
- Pastina cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking and turning mushy.
- For a heartier version, add shredded cooked chicken or a beaten egg slowly drizzled to create egg ribbons (Stracciatella style).
- This soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days but the pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth or water when reheating.
Keywords: Pastina Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup, Star Pasta Soup, Chicken Broth Soup, Quick Soup, Classic Italian Recipe
