Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm and soothing meal. This simple yet flavorful soup is made with tiny pastina pasta, a rich broth, and a few basic ingredients that come together quickly. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a cozy bowl of nourishment, this dish is a beloved classic that brings a taste of Italy to your home.
Ingredients
- Pastina pasta
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Olive oil or butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrot
- Celery
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables – Finely dice the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Broth – Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pastina – Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth and cook until tender, following the package instructions.
- Whisk the Eggs – In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and gradually temper them by adding a small amount of hot broth while stirring continuously.
- Incorporate the Eggs – Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to create a silky texture.
- Season and Finish – Add salt, black pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve Hot – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for added flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Protein Boost – Add shredded chicken, turkey, or even small meatballs for a heartier meal.
- Herbal Twist – Enhance the flavor with thyme, rosemary, or basil.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Freezing: While pastina tends to absorb liquid over time, you can freeze the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pastina when reheating.
FAQs
What is pastina?
Pastina is a tiny Italian pasta, often shaped like stars or small beads, commonly used in soups and comfort food dishes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute pastina with orzo, acini di pepe, or even small ditalini pasta if needed.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Italian Pastina Soup is a kid-friendly meal, mild in flavor and easy to eat.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pastina or another small gluten-free pasta option.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth or let the soup simmer longer before serving.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to include extra veggies like peas, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
How do I keep the eggs from scrambling?
The key is to temper the eggs by slowly adding hot broth while stirring constantly before incorporating them into the soup.
What can I serve with pastina soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I use water instead of broth?
While you can use water, broth adds much more depth of flavor, so it’s recommended for the best taste.
How do I prevent the pastina from absorbing too much liquid?
Cook the pastina separately and add it to individual servings to avoid over-absorption.
Conclusion
Italian Pastina Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s easy to make and full of nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a soothing remedy, or a nostalgic taste of home, this simple yet flavorful soup is the perfect choice. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in every spoonful!
Print
Italian Pastina Soup – Real Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Italian Pastina Soup, often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” is a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days, quick meals, or when you need extra warmth and care. This blended soup combines tender vegetables and small pasta, creating a creamy texture that’s both satisfying and ideal for sneaking in extra veggies for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Parmesan rind
- 1 cup pastina pasta (or other small pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, broth, and Parmesan rind.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Vegetables:
- Using a strainer or slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the pot and transfer them to a blender, adding ½ to 1 cup of the broth.
- Blend until smooth, taking care with the hot mixture.
- Combine and Cook the Pasta:
- Return the pureed vegetables to the pot with the remaining broth.
- Add the pastina and simmer for 7-9 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
- Season and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Addition: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft or absorbing too much broth, especially if planning for leftovers, consider cooking the pastina separately and adding it directly to each bowl when serving.
- Flavor Variations: For added depth, incorporate a dash of red pepper flakes, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, or a touch of garlic powder.
- Enhancements: Make the soup more substantial by adding leftover rotisserie chicken, browned Italian sausage, or even a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Italian Pastina Soup, Italian penicillin, comforting Italian soup, pastina recipe, Italian comfort food
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