Italian Pastina Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. With its tiny star-shaped pasta, tender bits of vegetables, and golden chicken broth, this humble soup has been loved for generations. Often served to soothe sore throats or warm up cold days, it’s a go-to for cozy, nourishing meals with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic taste of nonna’s kitchen or just need something simple and soothing, pastina soup delivers. It’s incredibly customizable, family-friendly, and ready in no time. Perfect for weeknights, sick days, or whenever your soul needs a gentle hug.
What Kind of Pastina Should I Use?
The traditional shape for this soup is stelline (tiny stars), but acini di pepe, orzo, or any small pasta will do. Just keep the size tiny so it absorbs the broth evenly without overwhelming the bowl. You can even try alphabet pasta for a playful twist.
Ingredients for the Italian Pastina Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pastina (stelline or acini di pepe)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg-drop style)
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How To Make the Italian Pastina Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 3: Add the Pastina
Add the pastina directly into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Finish with Butter or Egg
Optional: Stir in butter for richness. For egg-drop style, whisk an egg in a bowl and slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring gently to form ribbons.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley if desired.
How to Serve and Store Italian Pastina Soup
Serve this soup piping hot with extra Parmesan on the side and maybe a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or grilled cheese for a heartier meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pastina absorbs too much broth, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the egg or Parmesan if you want it completely plant-based.
Can I freeze pastina soup?
It’s best fresh, but if you want to freeze it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating.
What if I don’t have pastina?
Orzo, alphabet pasta, or even broken spaghetti work great in a pinch.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or even small meatballs are great additions.
Is this safe for babies or toddlers?
Definitely. Just skip the salt and go easy on the cheese for little ones.
How can I make it creamy?
Add a splash of cream or stir in a bit of grated cheese to thicken it up slightly.
Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?
If you’re in the mood for more warming bowls, try these favorites from my kitchen:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich and creamy comfort meal.
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta when you want hearty and flavorful.
- Cozy Chicken Vegetable Soup for a veggie-packed classic.
- Cheesy Cabbage Casserole as a warming side or meal.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re feeling romantic or just really hungry.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so it’s just a click away on cold nights or when you’re under the weather.
And I’d love to hear how your Italian Pastina Soup turned out. Did you keep it classic or add your own spin with chicken or spinach?
Feel free to drop a comment or question below. You can also follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for even more comforting meals, sweets, and weeknight wonders!
Italian Pastina Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Pastina Soup is a warm, nostalgic bowl of comfort with tiny pasta, tender veggies, and rich chicken broth. It’s quick, cozy, and perfect for weeknights, sick days, or anytime you need a little culinary hug.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
0.75 cup pastina (stelline or acini di pepe)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
1 egg (optional, for egg-drop style)
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Add the pastina directly into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally and cook for 6–8 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
5. Optional: Stir in butter for richness. For egg-drop style, whisk an egg and slowly drizzle into the hot soup while stirring.
6. Serve hot in bowls. Top with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
If storing leftovers, add broth when reheating to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Customize with extras like shredded chicken, spinach, or meatballs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pastina soup, Italian comfort food, chicken broth soup
