Cozy Pastina Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about pastina soup that brings back childhood memories for so many Italian Americans. This humble dish, made with tiny star-shaped pasta swimming in a flavorful broth, is often called “Italian penicillin” for its comforting properties when under the weather. I’m sharing my family’s cherished recipe for this soul-warming soup today.

What is Pastina?

Pastina, which means “tiny pasta” in Italian, is the most minor shape. It usually comes in tiny stars (stelline) or little dots (acini di pepe). While it might seem simple, this miniature pasta creates a soup with an incredibly comforting texture that’s both light and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling sick
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Easily customizable

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (star-shaped pasta or acini di pepe)
• 8 cups good quality chicken broth (homemade preferred)
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional but recommended)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soffritto: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pastina: Once boiling, add the pastina to the soup. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the tiny pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the Parmesan rind.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and offer grated Parmesan cheese at the table.

Tips for Perfect Pastina Soup

• Watch the Pasta: Pastina can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on it
• Broth Matters: Use the best quality broth you can find, or make your own
• Storage: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating leftovers
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to add small-diced chicken, spinach, or beaten egg for extra protein

Variations

• Egg Drop Version: Beat an egg with grated cheese and slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring
• Vegetarian Option: Utilize vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.
• Extra Green: Add a handful of baby spinach at the end
• Protein Boost: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken

The Perfect Comfort Food

Whether you’re under the weather, need a quick lunch, or want a bowl of comfort, this pastina soup delivers every time. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can create something so satisfying. The tiny pasta stars swell as they cook, creating a wonderfully thick, almost creamy, soothing texture.

This recipe might be basic, but sometimes, the simplest things are the most comforting. Try it on your next chilly day or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and nostalgia.

Buon appetito!