This cozy Italian Pastina Soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s made with tiny pasta, flavorful broth, and fresh veggies. Simple and comforting, it warms both heart and tummy!
I love how quick it is to make—just a few ingredients and you’re all set! Plus, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Don’t forget the Parmesan on top for extra yumminess! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil or melted butter. Both work well in this soup!
Vegetables: The combo of onion, carrot, and celery creates a great base. You could swap these for leeks, zucchini, or bell peppers if you like. Get creative!
Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth to keep it light. Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, stick with vegetable broth.
Pastina: This tiny pasta is traditional for this soup. If you can’t find it, substitute with orzo or any small pasta like tiny shells or acini di pepe.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is lovely for a touch of brightness. Substitute with basil or even spinach for a slight change in flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Vegetables Are Perfectly Sautéed?
Sautéing vegetables is key to building flavor in your soup. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat and give the vegetables space in the pan. This helps them cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally but let them sit long enough to caramelize slightly for added flavor.
- Keep them on the heat for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft but not browned. This sets the base for a yummy soup!
Italian Pastina Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or round pasta)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Italian Pastina Soup will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying dish to whip up. Just a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Add Garlic:
Once your veggies are nice and soft, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
3. Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, the dried oregano, and the optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4. Add Broth & Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the broth—either chicken or vegetable works great! Raise the heat to bring your soup to a boil, and then lower it back down to a gentle boil to keep things bubbling.
5. Cook the Pastina:
Now, add the pastina pasta to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
6. Season if Needed:
Once the pastina is cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed for that perfect flavor.
7. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and taste.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it up and enjoy this comforting bowl of Italian Pastina Soup!
This soup is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to bring a smile to your face. Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Whole Grain or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber, and gluten-free pasta options like quinoa or rice pasta work great too. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary from traditional pastina.
Is It Possible to Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies! Spinach, kale, or even peas can complement the soup beautifully. Just chop them up and add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to warm it thoroughly. If the pasta absorbs too much broth during storage, just add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge, reheat, and then cook fresh pastina to stir in before serving.