This simple Pastina Soup recipe is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Known affectionately as “Italian Penicillin,” it’s a dish steeped in nostalgia and renowned for its comforting, healing qualities. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a taste of childhood, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s the perfect quick meal for a chilly day or a soothing remedy when you need it most.
We’re keeping it classic and incredibly easy. With just broth, pasta, butter, and cheese, you can create a dish that is surprisingly flavorful and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
What Exactly Is Pastina Soup?
Pastina, which means “little pasta” in Italian, refers to a variety of tiny pasta shapes. The soup itself is a very simple preparation, traditionally made by cooking this tiny pasta in a rich broth. It’s a foundational dish in Italian cuisine, often the first solid food given to babies and a go-to meal for anyone needing a little extra comfort. Its magic lies in its simplicity, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delicious and restorative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From pantry to table in about 15 minutes flat.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need 5 basic ingredients you probably already have.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, savory, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
- Easily Customizable: A perfect base for adding your own favorite flavors and ingredients.
The 5 Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this Pastina Soup recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few core items to create this bowl of comfort.
- Chicken Broth: A quality chicken broth provides the savory, flavorful base. Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Pastina Pasta: Stelline (little stars) is the classic choice, but any small pasta shape like ditalini or acini di pepe will work perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel that is absolutely essential.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, adding salty, nutty notes and thickening the soup.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
For a comforting meal, serve this soup with a side of warm, crusty bread. This Amish White Bread recipe is perfect for dipping.
How to Make The Perfect Pastina Soup Recipe
Making this soup is as easy as boiling pasta. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.
- Boil the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth. Cook according to package directions, typically 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Add Flavor: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Creamiest, Most Delicious Soup
While this is a simple recipe, a few small tips can make a big difference.
- Use Quality Broth: Since the broth is the primary flavor, using a high-quality chicken or bone broth will elevate the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pastina cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of Parmesan fresh is the key to a creamy texture.
- Serve Immediately: The soup will continue to thicken as it sits. It’s best enjoyed right after it’s made. If it becomes too thick, you can stir in a splash of warm broth to loosen it.
This recipe is a fantastic base. If you enjoy this, you might also love a hearty Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup for another comforting option.
Fun Variations to Try
This classic Pastina Soup Recipe is wonderful as is, but it’s also a great canvas for other flavors.
- Creamy Egg Drop (Pastina con l’uovo): For an extra rich and creamy soup, whisk one egg and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the hot soup while stirring constantly. The egg will cook gently, creating silky ribbons.
- Vegetable Pastina: Sauté a tablespoon of finely minced carrots, celery, and onion in the pot with a little olive oil before adding the broth for a more aromatic base.
- Lemon & Herb: Brighten the soup up by stirring in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped fresh parsley or dill at the end.
If you’re looking for another easy, cheesy side, these Garlic Cheese Bombs are a perfect pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this pastina soup recipe, simply substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. The result will be just as comforting and delicious.
To make a traditional creamy egg version (pastina con l’uovo), whisk one egg in a small bowl. Once the soup is cooked, remove it from the heat and slowly drizzle the egg into the pot while stirring constantly. The residual heat will cook the egg into silky ribbons.
Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb much of the liquid. To reheat, add it to a pot with a generous splash of broth and stir over low heat until warm and loosened.
Pastina soup is a source of carbohydrates for energy and can be very hydrating and easy to digest, which is why it’s great for when you’re feeling unwell. While it’s a simple comfort food, you can boost its nutritional value by using bone broth and adding finely minced vegetables.
The best pasta is any tiny shape, known as ‘pastina.’ The most classic choice is stelline (little stars), but other great options include acini di pepe, ditalini, or even alphabet pasta.
More Comforting Recipes to Enjoy
If you loved this simple and soothing Pastina Soup Recipe, be sure to explore more of our favorite comfort foods. From hearty stews to creamy pasta, we have something to warm you up. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest!
Pastina Soup Recipe
Pastina Soup Recipe (The Ultimate Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth. Cook according to package directions, typically 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season with salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Serve Immediately: The soup thickens as it stands, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of broth to the soup to loosen it as you warm it on the stove.
