Classic Italian Pastina Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for any time of year. This simple yet flavorful soup features tiny pasta shapes called “pastina,” which are cooked in a savory broth with vegetables and sometimes meat. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste, making it a favorite in many Italian households. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this traditional soup from scratch, so you can enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting goodness.
Ingredients for Classic Italian Pastina Soup
- 1/2 cup pastina (small pasta)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Classic Italian Pastina Soup
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables. Dice the carrot, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. These vegetables will add flavor and texture to the soup.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the Pastina
Once the broth is boiling, add the pastina to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pastina is cooked through and tender.
5. Season the Soup
Add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Serve the Soup
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Pastina
Pastina is a type of tiny pasta that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It is often used in soups and stews because of its small size and quick cooking time. Pastina is versatile and can be made from various grains, such as wheat or semolina.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
The broth forms the base of the soup and provides a savory flavor. Chicken broth is traditional in Italian pastina soup, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Using homemade broth will enhance the flavor of the soup, but store-bought broth works well too.
Vegetables
Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic are classic soup vegetables that add flavor, color, and texture to the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, zucchini, or spinach to customize the soup to your liking.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the soup. You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, depending on what you have on hand. Tomatoes also provide vitamins and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Dried Herbs
Dried thyme and oregano add depth of flavor to the soup. You can use fresh herbs if you prefer, but dried herbs are more convenient and have a longer shelf life. Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as basil or parsley.
Tips for Making the Perfect Italian Pastina Soup
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the pastina separately and adding it to individual bowls of soup. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated.
- Add Protein: For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken, turkey, or beef to the soup along with the vegetables. You can also add beans or lentils for a vegetarian protein option.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
