Italian Pastina Soup
This Italian Pastina Soup has been a favorite for those craving comfort in a bowl!
It’s a warm, soothing bowl of broth filled with tender pastina pasta and vegetables, all ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity – a flavorful vegetable broth, garlic, and a handful of pantry staples.
It’s like getting a big, cozy hug from your kitchen.
The secret to its charm? The savory broth and little pastina pasta that takes the comfort of homemade soup to a whole new level.
For Italian Pastina Soup
- Pastina Pasta – Tiny pasta that soaks up the broth beautifully, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
- Brown Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots – Provides a bit of earthiness and natural sweetness to balance the soup.
- Celery – Adds freshness and a subtle crunch.
- Garlic Cloves – For an aromatic base that enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Vegetable Broth – The foundation of the soup, giving it a savory, comforting taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring the flavors together.
- Bay Leaf and Parmesan Rind (optional) – These ingredients add extra layers of flavor to the broth.
- Chopped Parsley (optional) – A fresh garnish to brighten up the soup.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds richness and a touch of umami.
- Olive Oil (optional) – A drizzle on top to enhance the flavor and give a silky finish.
Italian Pastina Soup (Simple Vegetable Soup in 25 Minutes)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pastina pasta (stelline shape recommended)
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, low-sodium)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1 parmesan rind
- Garnish: Chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep Vegetables:
- Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic (no need for precise chopping).
- Simmer Broth:
- In a large pot, pour the vegetable broth and add the chopped vegetables, bay leaf, and parmesan rind (if using).
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
- Check Vegetable Softness:
- Once the vegetables are soft, remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind.
- Use a slotted spoon or colander to strain the vegetables from the broth.
- Blend Vegetables:
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, adding ½ cup of water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Combine and Season:
- Return the blended vegetable mixture to the pot with the broth and stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook the Pastina:
- Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the pastina pasta.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley, grated parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes:
- A low-sodium vegetable broth has been used for this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5107IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pastina?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pastina, try small pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or even tiny shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust it accordingly.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just cook the pastina fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep the texture perfect.
- How can I make the soup heartier?
For a heartier soup, you can add cooked chicken, beans, or even some sautéed vegetables. A little extra protein never hurts!
- Can I skip blending the vegetables?
If you prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to skip the blending step. Just leave the vegetables in the broth for more texture!
- What if I don’t have low-sodium broth?
No worries! You can use regular vegetable or chicken broth, but just be sure to adjust the salt at the end. Taste as you go and add seasoning until it’s perfect for your taste.
