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Italian Pastina Soup

Featured in Warm Bowls of Comfort.

This cozy Italian pastina soup builds layers of flavor starting with classic aromatics simmered until perfectly tender. Everything gets blended smooth to create a velvety base that cradles tiny star shaped pasta cooked right in the enriched broth. A parmesan rind adds incredible depth while fresh herbs and good olive oil finish each bowl beautifully. Ready in just twenty five minutes, this simple soup brings maximum comfort with minimal effort. The smooth broth and tender pasta create something truly special that warms you from the inside out.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:43:33 GMT
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Un bol de soupe crémeuse avec du maïs, garni de fromage râpé et de persil frais. Pin it
Un bol de soupe crémeuse avec du maïs, garni de fromage râpé et de persil frais. | tasteofcook.com

Every Italian nonna has her version of Pastina Soup and this one reminds me of cozy Sunday afternoons at my friend's grandmother's house. The tiny star-shaped pasta floating in that rich vegetable broth just warms you from the inside out. It's my go-to recipe when someone's feeling under the weather or just needs a bowl of comfort.

What Makes This Soup Special

What I love about this soup is how quickly it comes together. In just 25 minutes you've got something that tastes like it's been simmering all day. Plus it's so versatile you can keep it simple and veggie-based or add whatever protein you like. My kids call it 'star soup' and actually ask for seconds.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Pastina Pasta: Those tiny little stars or dots make this soup pure magic.
  • Vegetables: Sweet onions carrots and celery create our flavor base.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves make everything better.
  • Bay Leaf: Just one adds so much depth.
  • Vegetable Broth: I use low-sodium so I can control the seasoning.
  • The Finishing Touch: A shower of parmesan fresh parsley and good olive oil.

Let's Make Some Magic

Get Everything Ready
Rough chop those veggies they're getting blended later anyway.
Build Your Broth
Toss everything in your biggest pot and let it simmer until the kitchen smells amazing.
Blend it Smooth
Fish out that bay leaf then blend those veggies until silky smooth.
Add the Stars
Drop in your pastina and watch the transformation happen.
Make it Pretty
Ladle into bowls add your toppings and watch everyone smile.

My Kitchen Secrets

Keep stirring that pastina it loves to stick to the bottom of the pot. Don't let the pasta overcook you want it tender not mushy. Here's a game changer toss an old parmesan rind into the broth while it simmers it adds incredible flavor.

A bowl of creamy orange soup topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, sitting on a pale surface. Pin it
A bowl of creamy orange soup topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, sitting on a pale surface. | tasteofcook.com

Keeping It Fresh

Your soup will stay happy in the fridge for about 4 days. When you reheat it add a splash of water it gets thicker as it sits. If you want to freeze some save the broth but skip the pasta fresh pasta takes just minutes to cook when you're ready to eat.

Common Questions

  • What's pastina exactly? It's those adorable tiny pasta shapes perfect for soup.
  • Good for you? Absolutely packed with veggies and so nourishing.
  • Make ahead okay? The broth yes pasta fresh is best.
  • Want more protein? Toss in some shredded chicken or white beans.
  • Other toppings? Fresh herbs lemon zest whatever makes you happy.

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats dunking crusty bread into this soup. Sometimes I serve it before a big plate of lasagna or make it a meal with a crisp Italian salad on the side. It's comfort food that still feels light and fresh.

Why You'll Love This

This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It's perfect when you're feeling under the weather need a quick dinner or just want something comforting. The best part? It tastes even better the next day if you can resist finishing the whole pot at once.

A bowl of creamy soup topped with chopped parsley and grated cheese, with a side of breadcrumbs. Pin it
A bowl of creamy soup topped with chopped parsley and grated cheese, with a side of breadcrumbs. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is pastina pasta?

Pastina means 'tiny pasta' in Italian. It comes in various small shapes, with stelline (little stars) being one of the most popular. These tiny noodles are perfect for soups and light broths.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can make the broth with blended vegetables ahead of time, but add the pastina just before serving. The tiny pasta tends to absorb liquid and can become too soft if left in the soup too long.

→ What can I substitute for pastina?

If you can't find pastina, you can use any very small pasta shape like orzo, acini di pepe, or broken vermicelli. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

→ Why blend the vegetables?

Blending the cooked vegetables creates a smooth, creamy texture without adding cream. It also helps thicken the soup naturally while adding nutrients and flavor.

→ Can I make this soup more substantial?

Yes, you can add small pieces of cooked chicken, extra vegetables, or beans. You can also leave some of the vegetables unblended for more texture.

Conclusion

A quick and comforting soup made with tiny star pasta and blended vegetables, delivering maximum flavor in minimal time.

Italian Pastina Soup

A comforting Italian soup featuring tender pastina pasta and pureed vegetables, gently cooked in a rich, flavorful broth.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup pastina pasta (I've used stelline pastina shape).
02 1 brown onion, roughly chopped.
03 2 carrots, roughly chopped.
04 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped.
05 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped.
06 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth).
07 Salt and black pepper to taste.
08 1 bay leaf (optional).
09 1 parmesan rind (optional).
10 Fresh parsley for garnish.
11 Grated parmesan for garnish.
12 Extra virgin olive oil for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Roughly chop onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Step 02

Simmer vegetables in broth with bay leaf and parmesan rind for 20 minutes until soft.

Step 03

Remove bay leaf and rind. Strain vegetables and blend with 1/2 cup water until smooth.

Step 04

Return blended vegetables to broth and mix well.

Step 05

Bring to boil, add pastina and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring often.

Step 06

Garnish with parsley, parmesan and olive oil if desired.

Notes

  1. Use low sodium broth to control salt level.
  2. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Parmesan rind adds extra flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Blender.
  • Colander or slotted spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (pasta).
  • Dairy (if using parmesan).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 201
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 8 g