Pastina Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Pastina Soup to transport you to a place of pure comfort. This timeless Italian classic boasts tiny, star-shaped pasta swimming in a rich, brothy base, with silky ribbons of egg and a dusting of Parmesan to seal the deal. Even on your busiest days, you can whip up this soul-soothing bowl in barely fifteen minutes, making it the perfect remedy for all manner of weeknight hunger — or just a craving for something nostalgic and nourishing. Pastina Soup is a favorite in my home, and after one spoonful, I’m sure you’ll understand why!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pastina Soup lies in its lovely simplicity: each ingredient is humble yet utterly essential, coming together for a flavor that is so much more than the sum of its parts. From the delicate pastina to the savoriness of Parmesan, every element adds its own special touch.

• Chicken broth: The base of the soup, offering deep flavor and a cozy aroma. Opt for a high-quality broth for best results.
• Pastina: These adorable, tiny pasta stars create the signature texture and a bit of whimsy in every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, transforming the broth into pure comfort.
• Egg: When mixed in, creates delicate strands (think Italian egg drop) and boosts the soup’s heartiness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty depth and melts beautifully into the hot broth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together. Add to taste.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top lends bright pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Pastina Soup

Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil

Start by pouring your chicken broth into a medium saucepan. Set it over medium-high heat and wait for that gentle, rolling boil. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone drift into the kitchen and ask what’s cooking—it’s truly inviting!

Step 2: Cook the Pastina

Stir in the pastina and butter, then lower the heat to medium. Let the little pasta stars tumble and swirl as they cook; this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything moving and prevent sticking. You’re looking for the pastina to be tender, but not mushy—it’ll soak up a bit of broth as it cooks.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Egg and Parmesan

While your pastina gently bubbles, take a small bowl and whisk up the egg with the grated Parmesan. This mixture is going to give Pastina Soup its signature silkiness, melding cheesy flavor with the richness of the egg.

Step 4: Swirl in the Egg Mixture

When your pastina is perfectly soft, drop the heat to low. Now for the fun part: slowly drizzle the egg-Parmesan mixture into the soup, stirring gently and consistently as you pour. You’ll see those beautiful, delicate ribbons form almost instantly—Italian egg drop at its finest!

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Give your soup a taste, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Ladle it straight into bowls and, if you love a bit of green, finish with a flourish of fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy every soothing, cheesy spoonful.

How to Serve Pastina Soup

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens up Pastina Soup, adding that little burst of color and freshness right before serving. You might also want an extra flurry of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a more indulgent finish. If you like heat, a crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can liven things up as well.

Side Dishes

This soup is perfectly satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out into a heartier meal, pair it with warm crusty bread for dipping, a crisp Italian salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. The pastina is mild and comforting, so anything with a bit of crunch or tang complements it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Pastina Soup in oversized mugs for a cozy, on-the-go lunch, or pour it into small cups as a petite dinner party starter. If you want to make it more festive, set up a “topping bar” so guests can add their own extra Parmesan, a spoonful of cooked peas, or chopped spinach for a touch of green.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (rare, in my house!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just know that the pastina will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so the texture may become a little thicker over time—but just as delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze Pastina Soup, be aware that the pasta texture changes a bit once thawed (it tends to get even softer). If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pastina only partially before freezing, or better yet, freeze just the broth and add freshly cooked pastina when you reheat for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat Pastina Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just pause to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

What type Soup

If you can’t find traditional pastina, look for other tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or even couscous. Just aim for small shapes that cook quickly and won’t overwhelm the broth.

Is Pastina Soup good for kids?

Absolutely! Pastina Soup is beloved by children for its gentle flavor and fun little pasta bits. It’s often one of the first comfort foods Italian families make for little ones, especially when someone needs a little extra TLC.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply substitute a good-quality vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and you’ll still get a wonderfully savory, satisfying soup. Just double check your Parmesan if you want to keep it fully vegetarian.

How can I add more protein?

Feel free to stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or even a handful of white beans. Both boost the protein and make the soup extra hearty, transforming it into a main meal on chilly nights.

Can I make Pastina Soup ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the broth and egg mixture ahead, then cook the pastina and combine just before serving. If you do make it all at once, don’t worry—leftovers taste incredible warmed up too!

Final Thoughts

Popping a pot of Pastina Soup on the stove fills the kitchen with warmth and the kind of comfort that’s hard to put into words. I can’t think of a better dish to add to your cozy weeknight routine or to share with someone you love. Give it a try, and let this simple soup brighten your table and your day!

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