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