Italian Pastina Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! This cozy dish features tiny pasta shaped like stars or grains swimming in a flavorful broth.
It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a little comfort. I love adding veggies for color and extra taste—it makes the soup even more fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: This is the base of your soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works great and still provides rich flavor!
Pastina Pasta: The star of the dish! If you can’t find pastina, use any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even tiny shells. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds a nice depth of flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or Italian sausage alternatives made from plants. Or skip it entirely for a lighter soup!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using fresh grated Parmesan for its sharp flavor. If you’re dairy-free, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta properly is key to a great soup! Follow these simple tips:
- Wait until the broth is boiling to add the pasta. This helps it cook evenly.
- Check the pasta package for timing and taste a piece a minute before the suggested time to see if it’s al dente.
- Remember that the pasta will continue to cook a bit even after you remove the soup from heat, so you might want to cook it a minute less.
This way, your pasta will be soft but not mushy—just right for your Italian Pastina Soup! Enjoy your cooking!
Italian Pastina Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or small round pasta)
- 1/2 cup ground Italian sausage (optional, for meat version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Italian Pastina Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for delicious flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Sausage:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s nice and fragrant. If you’re using ground Italian sausage, add it now. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now it’s time for the broth! Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil—this will really bring all those flavors together.
4. Cook the Pastina:
Once boiling, add the pastina pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Cheese and Serve:
After the pastina is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends nicely with the soup. This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves, along with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish. Enjoy each spoonful of this heartwarming soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pastina, you can substitute it with any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make Italian Pastina Soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ground Italian sausage. You can add extra vegetables or even some beans for protein if you’d like!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some broth as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to keep it soupy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for added color and nutrition. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay bright and vibrant!
