If you’re seeking a warm bowl of heartfelt comfort, look no further than this Pastina Soup Recipe. Loved by generations for its soothing flavor, delicate texture, and gentle nourishment, this Italian staple transforms humble ingredients into an utterly satisfying meal. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving some old-school coziness, a bowl of pastina soup can work magic, wrapping you in edible nostalgia and making you feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pastina Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding depth to the broth to enhancing creaminess and flavor. Don’t skip or substitute unless you have to—these basics deliver maximum comfort in every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: The foundational flavor for the soup, imparting savory depth and a golden color—homemade is best, but good-quality store-bought works well too.
- Pastina (tiny star pasta): These adorable little stars are the soul of the soup, bringing a tender, silken bite that’s unmistakable.
- Unsalted butter: A touch of butter at the end adds smooth richness and a hint of mellow sweetness.
- Egg: Beaten and gently cooked into the broth, the egg forms silky ribbons that enrich the soup with protein and delicate texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan offers umami, creaminess, and that signature Italian flair—freshly grated is the way to go.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for perfecting the seasoning—think gentle warmth from the pepper and a bright lift from the salt.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of grassy brightness at the end.
How to Make Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Broth
Start by pouring your chicken broth into a medium-sized pot and bringing it to a gentle boil over medium heat. The aroma will let you know this is the right first step—this forms the soul-warming base for your Pastina Soup Recipe. If you’re using homemade broth, you’ll notice just how much it elevates the final dish!
Step 2: Cook the Pastina
Once your broth is simmering, stir in the pastina. Cook it according to your package instructions, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure those little stars don’t stick together, and keep an eye out for that beautiful, swirly movement in the pot.
Step 3: Prep the Egg and Cheese Mixture
While the pastina cooks, crack your egg into a small bowl, then whisk it together with the grated Parmesan cheese. This step is key for creating those dreamy, soft egg ribbons that make the Pastina Soup Recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons
When the pastina is fully cooked and tender, reduce the heat to low. Now comes the most fun part—slowly drizzle your egg and cheese mixture into the hot soup while stirring constantly. You’ll see delicate ribbons forming instantly, infusing the soup with richness and a gorgeous silky texture.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Stir in the tablespoon of butter, letting it melt into the broth for an extra layer of comfort. Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed—remember that Parmesan is salty, so season carefully. If you love color and a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over each bowl before serving.
How to Serve Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Take your bowl of pastina soup to the next level with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper right on top. If you adore color and a spark of herbal brightness, that optional sprinkle of chopped parsley finishes things beautifully. For extra luxury, a swirl of olive oil is a delight.
Side Dishes
Bread is a classic companion—think crusty Italian ciabatta or a simple slice of toasted sourdough, perfect for sopping up broth. A simple green salad with lemony dressing makes a sprightly counterpoint if you’re putting the Pastina Soup Recipe together for lunch or a light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style coziness, ladle your soup into a big, wide serving bowl in the center of the table with little bowls on the side so everyone can help themselves. You can serve it in pretty mugs as a cheerful starter at a gathering, or even personalize each bowl with toppings, letting everyone choose their own adventure—extra cheese, cracked pepper, or even a poached egg for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will keep happily for up to three days. The pastina tends to soak up broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or extra broth before reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, the Pastina Soup Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that the pasta will become softer over time. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming through.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a bit more broth (or water) if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally to distribute the heat, and taste for seasoning before serving. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this Pastina Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for high-quality vegetable broth. All other ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get rich, comforting flavor.
What other pasta shapes can I use if I can’t find pastina?
If you can’t find traditional pastina, try acini di pepe or orzo. These small shapes absorb flavor well and offer a similar texture in the finished soup.
How do I make this Pastina Soup Recipe even more filling?
If you want a heartier meal, simply stir in some cooked shredded chicken, a handful of baby spinach, or even tiny meatballs. These small additions turn the soup into a more substantial dish.
What’s the best way to beat the egg for the soup?
Use a fork or small whisk to beat the egg until it’s completely smooth, then whisk in the Parmesan before slowly drizzling into the hot soup. Stirring as you pour creates those lovely ribbons and avoids clumping.
Can kids eat this Pastina Soup Recipe?
This recipe is perfect for kids! The gentle flavor, soft pasta, and familiar textures make it a family favorite—just be sure to cool the soup to a safe temperature before serving to little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Pastina Soup Recipe invites you to embrace everything that is simple and soul-warming in Italian home cooking. If you’re craving comfort, or looking for a new family favorite, give this recipe a try—you’ll find that its gentle flavors and creamy, cozy bowlfuls are truly irresistible.
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy Pastina Soup recipe that combines tiny star pasta with a flavorful chicken broth base, enriched with egg ribbons and Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired soup is quick to make and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pastina (tiny star pasta)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the pastina and cook according to package directions, usually 5–7 minutes, until tender.
- While the pastina is cooking, beat the egg in a small bowl and mix in the Parmesan cheese. Once the pastina is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the soup while stirring constantly to create soft egg ribbons. Stir in the butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- You can also add a handful of baby spinach or cooked shredded chicken for more nutrition.
- Adjust the cheese and butter to your taste.
- 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: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
