Name: Comforting Italian Pastina Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped; 2 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 Parmesan rind; 1 cup pastina pasta (or acini di pepe/stelline); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

When you’re craving a warm, soothing meal, Italian Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” this creamy, nourishing soup is a go-to for chilly days, moments when you feel under the weather, or whenever you need a little extra comfort and warmth. Picture tiny pasta swimming in a velvety broth, complemented by blended vegetables that infuse every spoonful with nutritious goodness. Not only is it quick and easy to make with a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, but it also brings back memories of home-cooked meals, making it a dish that everyone in the family is bound to love.

The beauty of Italian Pastina Soup lies in its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. The combination of onions, carrots, and celery creates a fragrant base that cooks down into a rich, savory broth. Plus, who can resist the creamy finish from freshly grated Parmesan cheese? This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you want a light lunch or a cozy dinner. With its easy preparation and nourishing properties, Italian Pastina Soup truly embodies the essence of comfort food.

Ready to tackle this delightful soup? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to prepare it!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pastina Soup

Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time and just 30 minutes until it’s ready to serve, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
Nourishing & Cozy: Packed full of vegetables, it’s not only tasty but also healthy, ensuring you’re getting your daily nutrients.
Versatile: Feel free to add shredded chicken, extra spices, or any leftover vegetables you have on hand to make this soup uniquely yours.
Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and subtle flavors, kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting bowl of soup.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before we get cooking, let’s prepare our kitchen! Start by gathering your ingredients and tools to make cooking a breeze. You will need a large pot or Dutch oven to sauté the vegetables and simmer the soup. A blender is essential for pureeing the cooked veggies to achieve a creamy texture, but if you have an immersion blender, this will make your life easier as you can blend right in the pot.

Begin by washing and roughly chopping your onions, carrots, and celery. Having your vegetables freshly chopped will enhance the flavor of the soup and make the cooking process faster. Make sure to measure out your chicken or vegetable broth and have your Parmesan cheese ready.

With everything in place, you’re all set to start creating your warm, delightful Italian Pastina Soup!

Ingredients

1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 Parmesan rind
1 cup pastina pasta (or acini di pepe/stelline)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

To begin, in a large pot, combine the chopped onion, carrots, and celery with the broth, and drop in the Parmesan rind. Turn the heat up and bring this mixture to a generous boil. The sautéing of the vegetables will release their natural sugars and flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.

Step 2: Simmer and Soften

Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This step helps to meld the flavors together while breaking down the veggies. Don’t skip managing the heat; you want a nice gentle boil rather than a vigorous one.

Step 3: Blend the Veggies

After your veggies have softened beautifully, it’s time to blend! Carefully remove the vegetables from the pot – you can use a slotted spoon for ease. Transfer the veggies to a blender, and add ½ to 1 cup of the broth from the pot. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy vegetable puree. If you have an immersion blender, you can blend directly in the pot for less cleanup!

Step 4: Combine and Cook the Pasta

Return the smooth veggie mixture back to the pot and stir it well. Now, add the pastina pasta to the broth. Let this simmer for about 7 to 9 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to perfection. Keep the pot covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add an irresistible creamy richness to the soup. Season with salt and pepper based on your taste. If you’re using parsley, add that last, ensuring it stays fresh for the serve. And there you have it, a beautiful bowl of comfort! Serve this warm and relish in the deliciousness.

Variations

Protein: Add shredded chicken or diced tofu for extra protein.
Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or kale for an additional nutrient boost.
Spices: Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Cooking Notes

For a creamier texture, consider using a splash of cream when you stir in the Parmesan.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the pastina may absorb more broth, so consider adding extra broth when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread on the side for a perfect dipping companion.
A light salad pairs beautifully with this comforting soup for a complete meal.

Tips

Using homemade broth can significantly elevate the flavor of your soup.
Always taste the broth before serving to adjust seasoning to your liking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280 per serving
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 750mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any small pasta like mini shells or orzo if you can’t find pastina.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, you would need to use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is also gluten-free.

Can I freeze this soup?

Like most soups, Italian Pastina Soup freezes well. However, pasta may soften, so it’s best to freeze without the pasta and add it fresh when you reheat.

How can I add more flavor to the broth?

Consider adding herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or garlic during the simmering process to enhance the flavor of your broth.

Conclusion

With its soothing qualities and quick preparation, Italian Pastina Soup is the ideal recipe to have in your arsenal. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or a nurturing meal for someone feeling under the weather, this soup brings warmth and comfort in every bowl. We hope you enjoy making it as much as we do! Try out different variations to cater to your taste, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your experience or any personal twists you added. Stay cozy, and keep enjoying the beautiful simplicity of homemade soups!