There is something truly magical about Pastina Soup, with its tiny star-shaped pasta swimming in a golden, comforting broth. This classic Italian dish always whisks me back to cozy days in my grandmother’s kitchen, filling the house with savory aromas and instant warmth. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal yet delicious and nostalgic enough to soothe the soul when you need a little extra comfort. One bowlful delivers tenderness, richness, and a delicate blend of Parmesan and egg, making Pastina Soup an uncomplicated yet unforgettable dish you’ll want to return to over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the charm of Pastina Soup lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works together to create its celebrated flavor. Just a handful of humble pantry staples build layers of richness, texture, and warmth that truly shine in every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: The savory foundation of the soup, chicken broth gives this dish its classic heartiness and gentle depth. You can use homemade or a good-quality store-bought version.
- Pastina: These adorable, tiny star-shaped pasta pieces cook quickly and are famous for soaking up all the deliciousness of the broth. If you can’t find pastina, any small pasta like acini di pepe works in a pinch.
- Egg: Whisked with Parmesan, the egg creates those signature silky strands and lends body and protein to the soup.
- Parmesan cheese: This not only enriches the soup but gives it a slightly nutty, salty kick. Freshly grated is best for melting beautifully into the broth.
- Butter: Just a touch swirled in at the end creates a velvety mouthfeel and rounds out the flavors brilliantly.
- Fresh parsley: The finishing touch, parsley brightens the soup and adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and balancing the soup to perfection.
How to Make Pastina Soup
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil
Start by pouring the chicken broth into a medium-sized pot. Set it over medium-high heat and let it come to a gentle boil. As it heats up, the kitchen will start to fill with those beautiful, savory aromas that signal something cozy is on the way. Using rich broth right from the start means the soup will be flavorful to its very core.
Step 2: Cook the Pastina
Add the pastina to your bubbling broth and give it a good stir. Let the pasta cook until tender, usually just 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure none of those tiny stars stick to the bottom. As the pastina cooks, it begins to soften and expand, taking in all the delicious broth as it does.
Step 3: Whisk Egg and Parmesan
While the pasta cooks, combine the egg and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, whisking until the mixture is smooth and completely blended. This simple step is key to creating the luscious, ribbon-like texture that gives Pastina Soup its signature silkiness.
Step 4: Drizzle in the Egg Mixture
Reduce the heat under the pot to low; you want a gentle simmer here. Slowly pour in the egg and Parmesan mixture while stirring the soup constantly. This helps create those delicate wisps of egg, evenly distributed throughout each bowl. You’ll soon see the soup transform into a creamy, almost dreamy consistency.
Step 5: Stir in the Butter and Season
Once the egg has fully incorporated, add the butter and stir until it melts into the soup, lending a gorgeous creamy finish. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting as needed to get the flavors just right. These final flourishes bring everything together in luscious harmony.
Step 6: Add Parsley and Serve
Ladle the Pastina Soup into warm bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The vibrant green not only brightens the dish visually but enhances its freshness in every bite. Serve piping hot for true comfort.
How to Serve Pastina Soup
Garnishes
The classic finish is a shower of fresh parsley, but don’t stop there if you love a little extra flavor. Try a dusting of more grated Parmesan right before serving or a crack of black pepper for added spice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and sophistication, updating the timeless Pastina Soup with your personal twist.
Side Dishes
Pastina Soup pairs wonderfully with thick slices of crusty Italian bread or warm focaccia, ideal for dipping into the savory broth. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar, or some roasted vegetables. You could even make a light antipasto platter to round out an Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to make your Pastina Soup a show-stopping centerpiece, try serving it in individual mugs for a cozy starter at a dinner party. For kids—who already adore the tiny star pasta—top with fun shapes cut from toast or float a Parmesan crisp on each bowl. Even a ring of lemon zest on the rim can make this homey soup feel elegantly updated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Pastina Soup cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta may absorb some broth as it sits, which can make the soup even thicker and heartier the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze Pastina Soup, keep in mind the pasta will become softer than freshly made after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the pastina and egg mixture, then add fresh pasta when reheating. If you do freeze leftovers as-is, store in a well-sealed container and use within one month for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Pastina Soup in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up if it’s become too thick. Stir often and heat just until warmed through, avoiding a hard boil to keep the egg and cheese as silky as possible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While traditional Pastina Soup uses star-shaped pasta, you can substitute with other tiny shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or even small alphabet pasta. The texture will be slightly different, but the comforting flavors remain the same.
Is it possible to make Pastina Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a lovely vegetarian version. You’ll still get plenty of savory richness, especially if you use a high-quality or homemade vegetable stock.
Can I add vegetables or protein to make it more filling?
Definitely. Finely diced carrots, celery, or spinach can be added along with the pasta for extra nutrition and color. For a protein boost, add shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans after the egg step for a heartier Pastina Soup.
How can I make my soup extra creamy?
For an even creamier finish, stir in an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese just before serving, or add a dash of heavy cream along with the butter. This will turn your Pastina Soup into a decadently rich bowl of comfort.
Is this soup good for young children or picky eaters?
Pastina Soup is famous for being loved by kids and anyone with a gentle palate. The tiny pasta shapes are fun and easy to eat, with a mild, soothing flavor that’s easy to customize by adjusting seasoning or add-ins.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, you truly can’t go wrong with Pastina Soup. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and loads of comfort, it’s a recipe you’ll treasure and turn to again and again. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience the uniquely heartening magic of this Italian classic at your own table!
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and simple Italian soup recipe, Pastina Soup is a delicious dish made with tiny star-shaped pasta, flavorful chicken broth, and a rich Parmesan and egg mixture. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the broth to a boil: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil.
- Cook the pastina: Add the pastina to the broth and cook until tender, following package directions.
- Prepare the egg mixture: Whisk together the egg and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Add the egg mixture: Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the soup while stirring continuously to create thin strands.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the butter until melted, season with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Notes:
- You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- For extra richness, stir in an additional tablespoon of Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
