If you’re searching for the purest kind of comfort in a bowl, Pastina Soup is the answer every time. This timeless Italian classic comes together in less than 20 minutes but delivers warmth, joy, and that heartfelt home-cooked flavor with every spoonful. The delicate stars or pearls of pastina pasta, silky ribbons of egg, salty Parmesan, and savory chicken broth blend into a soup that’s both nostalgic and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cold day, a quick lunch, or to soothe someone under the weather, Pastina Soup is a hug you can eat—one you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pastina Soup shines with the simplest of ingredients—each one essential for the soup’s signature flavor and charm. Let’s talk about why every element counts in creating this Italian comfort food favorite.
- Chicken broth: This forms the soul of the soup, providing a rich and savory base, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian spin.
- Pastina pasta (¾ cup): Little stars or pearls that soak up the broth and give every bite that tender texture; acini di pepe or stelline work perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness that melts into the broth and supports the creamy mouthfeel.
- Egg (1): When stirred in, the egg creates those luscious, silky strands that set this soup apart from simple noodle broths.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Offers a salty, nutty kick that elevates every spoonful—be generous if you love cheese!
- Salt and black pepper: These lift and balance all the flavors, so don’t skip them (taste as you season for perfection).
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and herby sparkle, especially pretty if you’re serving guests.
How to Make Pastina Soup
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil
Pour your chicken broth into a medium saucepan and set it over medium-high heat. Wait until you get a good, steady boil—this will ensure your pastina cooks evenly and absorbs all those savory flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Add Pastina and Cook
Gently sprinkle in your pastina pasta, giving the soup an occasional stir so the delicate grains don’t stick together. Follow the package instructions, but in general, five or six minutes is just right to achieve that signature tender texture. Don’t forget to keep the heat at a nice, lively simmer!
Step 3: Stir in the Butter
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and drop in the tablespoon of unsalted butter. Stir until it completely melts into the soup, bringing a subtle richness to the broth and a comforting sheen that makes every bowl even more inviting.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Parmesan Mixture
In a small bowl, beat the egg together with the grated Parmesan until smooth. With the soup at a low simmer, slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the pot while stirring gently. Watch as soft, silky ribbons form—that’s when you know you’re creating authentic Pastina Soup magic!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Ladle the finished Pastina Soup into warm bowls and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you want a touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Pastina Soup
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and contrast while a shower of extra grated Parmesan invites everyone at the table to dig in a little deeper. If you love a little heat, a pinch of cracked black pepper or a hint of chili flakes also works wonders.
Side Dishes
A slice of toasted rustic bread or warm focaccia on the side is pure heaven—perfect for soaking up those last spoonfuls. Pair Pastina Soup with a crisp green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon for a complete lunch or dinner that satisfies without weighing you down.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Pastina Soup into mugs for a cozy, handheld treat on movie night or serve in small cups as a charming starter at a dinner party. For kids, float a few extra pastina stars on top—watch their eyes light up at the playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pastina Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The pasta will continue to soak up some broth as it sits, making it even heartier the next day—just store in the fridge and enjoy within three days.
Freezing
While this soup freezes fairly well, the pasta may soften further after thawing. To maintain the ideal texture, consider freezing the broth and cooked egg mixture separately, adding freshly cooked pastina each time you reheat.
Reheating
Warm leftover Pastina Soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. If the soup has thickened, simply add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it back up. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
FAQs
What kind of pastina pasta should I use?
The most traditional choices are acini di pepe, stelline (tiny stars), or pastina itself. These tiny shapes cook fast and soak up all the broth, delivering that signature texture you want in Pastina Soup.
Can I make Pastina Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth and you’ll still enjoy all the warmth and comfort, just with a plant-based twist.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Definitely—Pastina Soup is endlessly adaptable. Add finely chopped cooked carrots, celery, peas, or even shredded chicken for a heartier meal, allowing the broth flavors to shine alongside.
Why do I need to stir while adding the egg?
Constant stirring as you drizzle in the egg mixture ensures those beautiful, delicate egg ribbons form instead of large clumps, giving your soup its classic look and texture.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Kids love Pastina Soup thanks to its tiny pasta shapes and mild flavor. Plus, it’s gentle on little tummies and easy for picky eaters to enjoy—just skip the black pepper if they’re sensitive to spice.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making (and sharing) a batch of Pastina Soup. Its gentle flavors and simplicity make it a staple you’ll return to whenever you need a taste of home or want to brighten someone’s day. Give it a try and discover why generations have cherished this humble, heartwarming dish!
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Pastina Soup recipe that features delicate pasta in a flavorful chicken broth base with hints of Parmesan and a velvety egg ribbon finish. This Italian classic is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup pastina pasta (such as acini di pepe or stelline)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pastina and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender.
- Add Butter: Reduce heat to low and stir in butter until melted.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat the egg with Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Combine: Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to create ribbons.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add shredded chicken or sautéed vegetables.
- Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
