Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe

Warm up your soul with a bowl of comforting Pastina Soup! In just 30 minutes, you can create a rich and flavorful meal that embodies the essence of Italian home cooking. This recipe combines simple ingredients like tiny pasta, fresh vegetables, and a parmesan rind to create a broth that’s both silky and satisfying. With each spoonful, you’ll experience the love and care that goes into nurturing this classic dish.

Pastina soup, also known as “Italian penicillin,” has been a cherished recipe passed down through generations for its ability to bring comfort in every bite. As the tiny star-shaped pasta dances in the golden broth, you’ll feel a sense of warmth and familiarity that only a homemade soup can provide. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soothing meal to lift your spirits, Pastina Soup is the perfect choice. So, grab a spoon, savor the flavors, and let this bowl of goodness envelop you in its delicious embrace.

Quick Benefits

• Ready in just 30 minutes for quick comfort
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect balance of broth and pasta
• Adaptable to any season

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes for quick comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients: No need for fancy items, making it convenient for impromptu meals.
• Perfect balance of broth and pasta: Delivers a satisfying and hearty texture in every spoonful.
• Adaptable to any season: Enjoy warm in winter or chilled in summer for a versatile dish.
• Ideal for both adults and children: A family-friendly recipe loved by all generations.
• Freezer-friendly (minus the pasta): Make a big batch and store for later, ensuring a comforting meal is always on hand.

Ingredients for Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe

Base Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into large pieces
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into large pieces
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 2 celery ribs, sliced into large pieces
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 parmesan rind (about 2-inches long)

Pasta

• 1 1/2 cup pastina (or tiny pasta like alphabet, orzo, or acini di pepe)

For Serving

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Pro Tips for Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavor of your Pastina Soup, consider making your own homemade chicken broth. It will add a depth of flavor that store-bought versions may lack. Additionally, keep extra hot broth ready while cooking the pasta to maintain the desired consistency and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.

Pro Tip 2: When cooking the pastina, be mindful of the pasta cooking time. Watch it carefully to ensure it is perfectly cooked and maintains the ideal texture in the soup. Remember, the key is to strike a balance where the soup is “loose enough to be soup, but thick enough to need a spoon,” as per the Italian tradition. This attention to detail will result in a satisfying and comforting bowl of soup every time.

How to Make Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Combine broth, onion, carrots, celery, parmesan rind, and a pinch of salt in a large lidded pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Step 02

Discard parmesan rind. Transfer vegetables to a food processor using a slotted spoon. Blend with a couple ladles of broth until smooth. Return mixture to the pot.

Step 3: Step 03

Return broth to a boil over high heat. Cook pastina until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Step 04

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Divide soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and grated parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pastina Soup, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Once stored in the refrigerator, the soup can be kept for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the desired amount on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the Pastina Soup without the pasta. After cooling the soup completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop. Cook fresh pastina separately and add it to the reheated soup for a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the pastina in this soup, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo, alphabet pasta, or acini di pepe. These alternatives will still absorb the flavorful broth and provide a comforting texture similar to pastina. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.

If you don’t have a parmesan rind on hand, you can still add depth to the soup by using a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese during the cooking process. Alternatively, you could use a bit of pecorino romano or grana padano cheese for a similar umami-rich flavor. Remember to taste and adjust the salt level accordingly since these cheeses may add some saltiness to the soup. The goal is to enhance the savory notes in the broth to create a delicious base for your soup.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Pastina Soup experience, try serving it in individual bread bowls for a cozy and rustic presentation. Simply hollow out small boules or sourdough loaves, ladle the soup into the bread bowls, and top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and parsley. The combination of the warm, comforting soup and the crispy bread bowl adds a delightful textural contrast that will impress your guests.

For a fun twist on traditional presentation, consider serving your Pastina Soup in small espresso cups or shot glasses as a chic and elegant appetizer at your next gathering. These mini servings are perfect for parties and allow guests to enjoy a taste of comfort in a single, sophisticated bite. Garnish each cup with a tiny sprinkle of parmesan and parsley to add a touch of freshness and elevate the visual appeal of this beloved Italian classic.

FAQs for Hearty Pastina Soup Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pastina?

Yes, you can substitute pastina with other tiny pasta shapes like alphabet, orzo, or acini di pepe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Simply swap out the chicken broth for an equal amount of vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of the pastina soup.

Can I freeze the leftover soup?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover pastina soup, excluding the pasta. Pasta tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, and when ready to serve, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the reheated soup.

Why is the parmesan rind important in this recipe?

The parmesan rind adds a rich umami flavor and depth to the soup broth. It infuses the soup with a subtle cheesy essence that enhances the overall taste. If you don’t have a parmesan rind, you can also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to achieve a similar effect.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey with Pastina Soup, remember that the heartwarming magic of this dish lies not just in the simmering broth and tender pasta, but in the love and care you infuse into each step of the recipe. Embrace the simplicity and beauty of Italian home cooking as you prepare this soul-soothing soup for yourself and your loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner Italian nonna, and let the comforting aroma of Pastina Soup fill your kitchen. May this recipe bring you moments of solace, warmth, and joy as you savor each spoonful of this nourishing bowl of goodness. Buon appetito!