Description
Italian Pastina Soup is a cozy, classic comfort food made with tiny star-shaped pasta, a flavorful broth, and simple seasonings. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a soothing meal when you’re under the weather, or a nostalgic taste of home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup pastina (tiny star pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (optional, whisked)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pastina and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- If using, slowly drizzle in the whisked egg while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Add cooked chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end.
- Pastina absorbs broth quickly, so add more if reheating leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg