Pastina Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is loved for its heartwarming simplicity. The small, tender pastina absorbs all the flavors of the broth and vegetables, making it an incredibly cozy soup. It’s easy to prepare, and the addition of Parmesan rind enhances the broth, giving it depth. Perfect for a quick meal on a cold day or as a nourishing snack, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

• 1 cup pastina (or any small-shaped pasta like tiny stars)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, along with the Parmesan rind (if using). Bring it to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3. Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 5-7 minutes). The pasta should be tender and well incorporated with the broth.

4. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier soup, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage.
• Vegetarian Option: Keep the soup vegetarian by sticking to vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan rind.
• Herbs: Experiment with adding different herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or rosemary for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

1. Can I use any other type of pasta for this soup?

Yes, any small pasta like orzo or ditalini works well in this soup.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan rind for a vegetarian version.

3. How do I store leftovers of Pastina Soup?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

4. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, adding shredded chicken or sausage will make the soup more filling.

5. How long does it take to make Pastina Soup?

It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

6. Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, using store-bought low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth will work perfectly.

7. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if it becomes too thick.

8. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge and can be made up to 3 days ahead.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen carrots, onions, and celery can be used in place of fresh vegetables.

10. How do I make the soup more flavorful?

Adding Parmesan rind or extra herbs like thyme or rosemary will boost the flavor of the soup.

Conclusion

Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food: simple, nourishing, and full of flavor. Whether you’re in need of a quick meal or just want something to warm you up, this soup is the perfect go-to dish. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to please, it’s a meal you’ll return to again and again.

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