Pastina Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Pastina Soup Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Warm memories of childhood comfort emerge with this delightful pastina soup that transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen.

Soft, tiny pasta stars float delicately in a rich, golden broth filled with tender vegetables.

Homemade goodness fills every spoonful with nurturing warmth and nostalgic flavors.

Simplicity defines this classic Italian recipe, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a gentle embrace from a bowl of soup.

Nourishing ingredients come together quickly, promising a meal that feels like a loving hug.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and care, inviting you to savor a moment of pure culinary comfort.

Dive into this soul-warming recipe and let its magic reconnect you with cherished memories.

Pastina Soup Ingredient List

For the Pasta Base:
  • Pastina: Tiny, star-shaped pasta that creates a delightful, comforting texture in the soup.
  • Pasta Shapes: Small pasta varieties that add interesting dimensions to the soup's consistency.
For the Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: A flavorful liquid combination that provides a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
For the Creamy Enrichment:
  • Eggs: Provide a silky, luxurious texture and help thicken the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and contributes to the creamy consistency.
  • Butter: Introduces a rich, smooth element that enhances the overall flavor and mouthfeel.
For the Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's flavor profile.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

How To Prepare Pastina Soup Easily

Step 1: Prepare Liquid Base

In a large pot, combine chicken broth and water. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil over high heat, creating a bubbling foundation for the pasta soup.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Add pastina and small pasta shapes to the boiling broth. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.

Step 3: Achieve Perfect Pasta Texture

Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the pasta. Maintain a gentle simmer for 6-8 minutes until the pasta reaches a tender consistency. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Prepare Egg and Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they become smooth and develop a light, frothy texture. This step creates the base for a creamy, luxurious soup.

Step 5: Blend Cheese into Egg Mixture

Gradually incorporate grated parmesan cheese into the whisked eggs. Stir thoroughly to create a rich, cohesive mixture that will add depth and creaminess to the soup.

Step 6: Integrate Egg Mixture

Lower the heat to the lowest setting once pasta is al dente. Slowly stream the egg and cheese mixture into the pot, continuously stirring to create a silky, smooth texture throughout the soup.

Step 7: Add Butter and Seasoning

Introduce butter to the soup, stirring until completely melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.

Step 8: Rest and Develop Flavors

Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for 2-3 minutes. This brief pause helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup, adding a bright, herbaceous touch. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, ensuring each serving captures the full richness of the dish.

Tips To Make Your Pastina Soup Extra Cozy

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir occasionally during cooking and use a large pot to give pasta room to move freely.
  • Perfect Egg Technique: Whisk eggs smoothly and add cheese gradually to prevent scrambling and ensure a creamy texture.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Let soup rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow ingredients to blend and develop richer taste.
  • Enhance Presentation: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add color, freshness, and a vibrant herbaceous touch.

Pastina Soup Variations To Try

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace traditional pastina with quinoa or rice pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly and maintain a similar texture.
  • Vegetarian Broth Boost: Swap chicken broth with rich vegetable stock, using roasted vegetable base for deeper flavor profile while keeping the creamy egg technique.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower, maintaining the soup's creamy consistency and reducing overall carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and coconut butter in place of regular butter, creating a lactose-free version that preserves the recipe's comforting essence.

What Goes Well With Pastina Soup

  • Pairing Perfect Comfort: Warm Crusty Bread
  • Slice a rustic sourdough or Italian bread to soak up the creamy soup, enhancing its rich texture and adding a delightful crunch that complements the soft pastina.
  • Wine Harmony: Crisp White Elegance
  • Select a light, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast with its bright, zesty notes.
  • Herbaceous Side Salad: Fresh Counterpoint
  • Create a simple green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to offer a crisp, tangy accompaniment that balances the soup's creamy warmth.

Best Way To Store Pastina Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping soup fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency, adding splash of broth if needed.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pastina Soup Common Questions

  • Is pastina soup good for children?

Yes, pastina soup is a gentle, soft, and nutritious meal perfect for kids. Its small pasta shapes and mild flavor make it easy to eat and digest.

  • Can I make this soup if I'm feeling sick?

Absolutely! Pastina soup is a classic comfort food often recommended when someone is under the weather. It’s light, warm, and provides essential nutrients to help recovery.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this soup?

No, you only need a large pot and basic kitchen tools like a whisk and a ladle. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques.

  • How can I tell if the pasta is cooked correctly?

The pastina is ready when it’s tender but still has a slight bite. It should not be mushy or hard. Taste a small piece to check its texture during cooking.

Why Pastina Soup Brings Pure Comfort In A Bowl

  • Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: Perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to create a creamy, restaurant-quality soup using basic ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.
  • Versatile Family Pleaser: A crowd-favorite recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows personal touches like extra cheese, different herbs, or additional protein to suit individual tastes.
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Pastina Soup Recipe

Pastina Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Pastina soup whisks Italian culinary tradition into a warm, nostalgic embrace of childhood memories. Delicate pasta pearls swim in a silky broth, offering simple yet profound nourishment that connects generations with each spoonful you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 cup pastina pasta
  • 1/2 cup small pasta shapes

Proteins:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Pour chicken broth and water into a large pot, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Add pastina and small pasta shapes to the bubbling broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and cook pasta until tender, approximately 6-8 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer.
  4. While pasta cooks, whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Gradually blend grated parmesan cheese into the whisked eggs, creating a creamy mixture.
  6. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, lower the heat to the lowest setting.
  7. Slowly stream the egg and cheese mixture into the pot, continuously stirring to create a silky, integrated texture.
  8. Incorporate butter, stirring until completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the soup.
  9. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  10. Remove pot from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the comforting soup.
  12. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Choose small pasta shapes like orzo or stelline for the most authentic pastina experience.
  • Whisk eggs thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture in the soup.
  • Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot broth before adding to the pot, preventing scrambling.
  • Gluten-free variation works perfectly by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free small pasta shapes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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