Pastina Soup Recipe
Pastina Soup Recipe
Table of Contents
Pastina Soup Recipe
Pastina Soup recipe is the ultimate Italian comfort food, perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. Made with tiny pasta, broth, and simple seasonings, this dish is easy to make and incredibly soothing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this Pastina Soup recipe is the ideal choice. It’s a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Description:
Pastina soup is a classic Italian dish, beloved by many for its simplicity, warmth, and heartiness. The star ingredient of this soup is pastina, tiny pasta shapes that soak up broth perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Originating from Italy, pastina soup has become a favorite dish around the world, often served as a light meal for children, the elderly, or anyone looking for something easy on the stomach.
In this easy pastina soup recipe, we will guide you through creating a flavorful and nourishing dish with just a few ingredients. The soup features a base of flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, and is enhanced with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. The tiny pastina pasta is simmered in the broth until it is tender and delicious. This recipe can also be customized with additional vegetables, protein, or even a sprinkle of cheese, making it as simple or elaborate as you like.
This easy recipe is not only a fantastic way to use pantry staples, but it’s also versatile enough to accommodate dietary restrictions. You can use gluten free pastina, low sodium broth, or vegan friendly ingredients to suit your needs. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day or preparing a meal for a sick friend or family member, this pastina soup recipe is a go to favorite that everyone will love.
Pastina soup is a perfect dish for meal prep as well, as it can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a last minute addition to your meal plan.
Key Features of This Pastina Soup Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make
- Soothing and comforting
- Customizable to suit various dietary preferences
- Perfect for kids and adults alike
- Can be made in under 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta (tiny pasta, also known as stelline or acini di pepe)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Add the broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You can adjust the heat as needed to avoid boiling too aggressively. - Add the pasta:
Once the broth is simmering, add the pastina pasta. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - Season the soup:
While the pasta is cooking, add the dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Feel free to taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. - Finish the soup:
Once the pastina is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, though this step is optional. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor (if desired). Serve immediately while hot.
Notes:
- Customizations: You can add a handful of fresh spinach, carrots, or peas to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. If you want a richer soup, add a little cream or milk toward the end of cooking.
- Dietary Adaptations: To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also substitute gluten free pastina for a gluten free version.
- Storage: Store any leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed as the soup may thicken upon standing.
Pastina Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta tiny pasta, also known as stelline or acini di pepe
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice optional, for added brightness
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You can adjust the heat as needed to avoid boiling too aggressively.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the pastina pasta. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Feel free to taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Once the pastina is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, though this step is optional.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor (if desired). Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Customizations: You can add a handful of fresh spinach, carrots, or peas to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. If you want a richer soup, add a little cream or milk toward the end of cooking.
- Dietary Adaptations: To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also substitute gluten free pastina for a gluten free version.
- Storage: Store any leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed as the soup may thicken upon standing.
