Pastina Soup

Pastina Soup is a comforting and simple dish, often enjoyed during cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. The tiny pasta, known as pastina, cooks quickly and absorbs the flavorful broth, making it a perfect cozy meal for any time of the year. This soup is often enjoyed by children and adults alike for its light yet satisfying qualities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Comforting and soothing: The light broth and small pasta make it perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Versatile: You can add in extra veggies or proteins to customize it to your liking.
• Minimal ingredients: A simple, flavorful dish made with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• Pastina: Tiny pasta shapes that are the star of this soup. Commonly used in Italian soups.
• Chicken broth: The base of the soup, which adds flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor to the broth.
• Carrots: Chopped into small pieces for added texture and sweetness.
• Celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to the soup.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the broth.

Optional Add-ins

• Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for a cheesy, savory finish.
• Egg: Some recipes add a whisked egg to create a richer texture. It is stirred into the soup as it cooks to create egg ribbons.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley or thyme can be added for extra flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the broth simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Add the pastina to the broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Optional Add-ins

If you’d like to add a whisked egg, beat the egg in a bowl and slowly drizzle it into the simmering soup, stirring gently to create egg ribbons. You can also add some parmesan cheese to the soup, stirring it in as the pasta cooks.

Step 5: Serve

Once the pastina is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

• Broth: Use homemade broth for the best flavor, but store-bought works well too.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add in other vegetables like peas or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen, but the pasta may become mushy when reheated. It’s best to freeze the broth and pasta separately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Servings: 4
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 6g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: While pastina is traditional, you can substitute it with any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even tiny shell pasta.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Yes, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Q3: How can I add more protein to the soup?
A3: You can add shredded chicken, tofu, or even a boiled egg for extra protein.

Q4: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A4: Yes, you can use frozen carrots or celery if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand. Just add them directly to the pot.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add a little more broth when reheating.

Q6: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just be aware that the pasta may become softer when stored, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Q7: Can I add herbs or spices to the soup?
A7: Yes, you can add thyme, oregano, or parsley to enhance the flavor. A bay leaf can also be added during the simmering stage for more depth.

Q8: How can I make this soup creamy?
A8: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk toward the end of cooking for a creamier texture.

Q9: Can I freeze this soup?
A9: It’s best to freeze just the broth without the pasta, as pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. Reheat the broth and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q10: Can I use any other vegetables?
A10: Yes, you can add peas, spinach, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.

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