Name: Pastina Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate bowl of comfort, Pastina Soup is here to deliver cozy Italian vibes with every spoonful. This soup is the edible hug we all need—tiny pasta swimming in a golden broth, gently enriched with a creamy egg swirl and a shower of Parmesan. It’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly easy to put together, making it a cherished favorite for everything from chilly nights to quick lunches. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just wanting something utterly classic, Pastina Soup is the kind of home-cooked meal that radiates warmth and nostalgia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pastina Soup thrives on simplicity, relying on just a handful of staple kitchen ingredients to create pure magic. Each component brings its own special quality, whether it’s flavor, richness, or that beautiful hint of color.

Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of your soup, providing savory depth and a soothing aroma; opt for homemade if you want extra richness.
Pastina (or acini di pepe): Tiny star-shaped pasta absorbs the broth perfectly, making every bite soft yet distinctly chewy.
Unsalted butter: Just a touch transforms the broth with silky smoothness and extra heartiness.
Large egg: When stirred in, it creates delicate, feather-light ribbons that feel luxurious and add subtle protein.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The umami powerhouse that melts right in, providing a nutty, creamy finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing in the flavor—taste as you go for your perfect balance.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds a fresh pop of color and a light herbal note to each bowl.

How to Make Pastina Soup

Step 1: Gently Boil the Broth

Start by pouring your chicken broth into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat; you want tiny bubbles, not a rolling boil, to keep the broth clear and inviting. Now you’ve set the stage for irresistibly soothing Pastina Soup.

Step 2: Cook the Pastina

Add your pastina (or acini di pepe) right into the bubbling broth. Stir occasionally to make sure none stick to the bottom. It usually cooks in about 5 to 6 minutes—watch for the pasta to become tender but not mushy. This step is what gives Pastina Soup its signature texture!

Step 3: Prepare the Egg

While the pastina is working its magic, take a moment to whisk your large egg until fully blended. This simple action ensures lovely, even ribbons once it hits the hot soup—a crucial detail for that classic Italian touch.

Step 4: Finish the Broth

As soon as the pastina reaches perfect tenderness, reduce the heat to low and stir in the tablespoon of butter. The magic begins: the broth turns velvety and rich, giving Pastina Soup its signature mouthfeel.

Step 5: Add the Egg Ribbons

With steady hands, slowly drizzle your beaten egg into the hot soup as you stir. You’ll see delicate strands form almost instantly, creating a gorgeous, comforting effect—think Italian egg drop soup but even more inviting.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Now for the crowd-pleaser: stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste, then sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed to get the flavor just right—remember the Parmesan will lend natural saltiness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Pastina Soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot. If you like, add a generous dusting of fresh parsley and another pinch of Parmesan for that finishing touch. The soup is now ready to be savored!

How to Serve Pastina Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing Pastina Soup is the easiest way to personalize each bowl! A handful of freshly chopped parsley livens up the appearance and adds a faint grassy freshness, while an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan creates a beautiful snowy finish. For an added twist, a dash of lemon zest can brighten things even more.

Side Dishes

Pairing Pastina Soup with sides is half the fun. Classic choices include a crusty slice of Italian bread, a simple green salad dressed lightly, or roasted vegetables for extra color and texture. These complement the delicate nature of the soup and turn a light meal into a full feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Pastina Soup into colorful mugs for a cozy snack, or serve it in wide shallow bowls for a rustic Italian trattoria feel. Kids will love topping theirs with a few goldfish crackers or tiny cooked carrots. For a special occasion, drizzle with a few drops of quality olive oil or serve alongside buttery garlic crostini.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pastina Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors often deepen as they rest, making tomorrow’s lunch even more satisfying. Just be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing and stashing it away.

Freezing

Although Pastina Soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb broth and soften during storage. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta just shy of al dente and storing the pasta and broth separately for best texture. Freeze in individual portions to make reheating a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat Pastina Soup, simply bring it gently back up to temperature on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it seems a bit thick, and stir well. If microwaving, do so in short bursts and give it a good stir in between; this helps the pasta heat evenly without turning mushy.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in Pastina Soup?

Absolutely! While classic pastina is charmingly tiny, you can easily substitute with acini di pepe, orzo, or even alphabet pasta. The key is to pick small shapes so each spoonful is packed with tender pasta and soothing broth.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for a hearty vegetable broth. The flavors will shift slightly, but you’ll still enjoy all the comfort and creaminess that make Pastina Soup so special.

What’s the best way to prevent the egg from clumping?

The secret is to drizzle the whisked egg very slowly into gently simmering soup while stirring continuously. This technique gives you delicate ribbons rather than larger clumps—a hallmark of beautiful Pastina Soup!

Can I add vegetables or extra protein?

Of course! Diced carrots, peas, or even spinach make delicious additions and add nutrients. For extra protein, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for an even heartier meal.

My soup got thick—can I fix it?

If your Pastina Soup thickens too much (the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits), just stir in a bit more warm broth or water until it returns to your desired consistency. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about bringing together humble ingredients to create a bowl as comforting as Pastina Soup. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cool day or reminiscing about childhood favorites, this recipe promises satisfaction and smiles for everyone at the table. Give it a try, and let it become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too!

Pastina Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Pastina Soup recipe that combines tiny pasta with a delicate egg drop in a savory Parmesan-infused broth. This Italian-inspired soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the pastina and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the pastina cooks, whisk the egg in a small bowl. Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat and stir in the butter.
Slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the soup while stirring continuously to create delicate egg ribbons. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.