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