If you are looking for a comforting, quick, and utterly charming meal, this Pastina Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Burst with warmth and simple elegance, this soup combines tiny star-shaped pasta with a silky egg and Parmesan blend, creating a soothing bowl that feels like a hug from the inside. Perfect for chilly days or when you want something light yet satisfying, this Pastina Soup Recipe brings out the magic of humble ingredients transformed into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Pastina Soup Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing the soup’s lovely texture, rich flavor, and bright appearance to life.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The foundational liquid that adds depth and warmth, choose a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Pastina (tiny star pasta): The star of the show, these tiny pasta shapes cook quickly and feelingly nestle in the soup’s silky base.
- Egg: Whisked into delicate ribbons, it enriches the soup with a creamy texture and satisfying body.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and a touch of cheesiness to each spoonful.
- Butter: Melts in to provide a velvety finish and mellow richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the flavors naturally.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and some color contrast when used as garnish.
How to Make Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Gentle Boil
Start by pouring your chosen chicken or vegetable broth into a medium-sized pot and heat it over medium until you see gentle bubbles forming. This step sets the stage for perfectly cooked pastina and infuses the soup with warmth from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is boiling, add in the pastina. Cook the tiny star pasta following the package instructions, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep the pastina from sticking together or settling at the bottom of the pot. Watching those little stars expand in the hot broth is oddly satisfying!
Step 3: Whisk the Egg and Parmesan
While the pasta cooks, combine the egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Whisk them together until fully blended. This mixture is crucial for imparting that silky, custardy texture that makes this Pastina Soup Recipe so irresistible and comforting.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg Mixture
Lower the heat to low and very slowly pour the egg and cheese blend into the soup. Stir constantly as you do this to form delicate egg ribbons that swirl beautifully through the broth. This gentle cooking method prevents scrambling and results in tender ribbons that enrich every spoonful.
Step 5: Melt in Butter and Season
Next, stir in the tablespoon of butter until it melts completely, giving the soup a luscious, velvety finish. Then, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings awaken the flavors and balance the richness perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Optional Garnish
Pour your steaming Pastina Soup Recipe into bowls and if you like, sprinkle some vibrant chopped fresh parsley on top. This final touch not only adds a refreshing pop of color but also a gentle herbal note that complements the creamy, savory base beautifully.
How to Serve Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a lovely, classic choice to garnish this soup, adding a burst of green and subtle freshness. You can also try a tiny sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra layer of luxury.
Side Dishes
Pastina soup shines on its own as a light meal, but pairing it with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad rounds out the experience. These sides complement the soup’s delicate flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in charming ceramic bowls and garnish thoughtfully. You could even ladle the soup over a toasted baguette slice topped with melted cheese for a rustic, comforting twist. Whether family or guests, a little creativity elevates this humble soup into something memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pastina Soup Recipe leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to enjoy the pasta’s tender texture and the soup’s fresh flavor before it softens too much.
Freezing
Since pasta tends to absorb liquid and become mushy when frozen, freezing this soup is not ideal. However, if you must freeze it, consider leaving out the pasta before freezing and adding freshly cooked pastina when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover soup over low heat. Stir frequently, and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to preserve the delicate egg ribbons and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetarian broth in this Pastina Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works beautifully and keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly, while still delivering rich flavor.
Can I substitute the egg in the recipe?
The egg adds a unique creaminess and texture, but if you need an alternative, you might try a splash of cream or a non-dairy creamy substitute to maintain richness.
How do I prevent the pastina from clumping?
Stir the soup frequently while cooking the pastina and make sure you use enough broth to allow the tiny pasta room to cook separately.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional pastina contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free tiny pasta or use similar small-shaped gluten-free pasta instead.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pot. Cooking times may be slightly longer depending on your stove and pot size.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Pastina Soup Recipe—its simplicity, gentle textures, and comforting flavors make it a true kitchen gem. Whether you want a quick meal on a busy day or a nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive into making it and share the joy with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and simple Pastina Soup made with tiny star pasta, chicken or vegetable broth, and enriched with egg ribbons and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess. Perfect for a quick, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup pastina (tiny star pasta)
Egg Mixture
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Broth: In a medium pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat to prepare the base for the soup.
- Cook Pastina: Add the pastina to the boiling broth and cook for 4-5 minutes or according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: While the pastina cooks, whisk together the egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Incorporate Egg Ribbons: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the soup, stirring continuously with a spoon to create delicate egg ribbons throughout the broth.
- Add Butter and Season: Stir in the butter until melted to enrich the soup, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Stir the egg mixture constantly when adding it to prevent curdling and to create smooth egg ribbons.
- Pastina cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking and mushy pasta.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese and butter or substitute with vegan alternatives.
