Pastina soup is a comforting and delicious dish that warms the soul. It’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This recipe is simple to follow and uses common ingredients you may already have at home. With its rich flavors and a touch of creamy pasta, this soup will become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy to Prepare
- Healthy and Nourishing
- Perfect for All Ages
- Great Leftover Meal
Time Breakdown
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients List
- 10.5 cups water (2 ½ liters; can also use organic unsalted veggie broth or mix ½ water and ½ broth)
- 1 yellow onion (peeled and halved)
- 2 celery ribs (cut in half)
- 3 carrots (peeled)
- 4 garlic cloves (peeled)
- Salt (start with ½ tablespoon, then taste and adjust)
- 1 cup pastina (any small pasta shape like orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles, boiled)
- Parmigiano (for garnish)
How to make Step-by-Step
1. Boil the Base
Fill a large pot with the water (or ½ water and ½ vegetable broth) and heat over high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, seasoning with salt. Bring the contents to a boil.
2. Simmer the Vegetables
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and semi-cover the pot with a lid. Let cook for 45 minutes or until the veggies are soft, and the liquid has reduced. Taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt if needed.
3. Blend the Soup
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the veggies to a blender and add 2 ladles of broth. Blend until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Return the blended mixture to the pot of broth and stir.
4. Cook the Pastina
Meanwhile, boil any pastina of your choice in a small pot of salted water.
5. Serve the Soup
Add a ladle of cooked pastina to the bottom of a bowl, pour the broth on top, and dust with some Parmigiano. Enjoy!
Easy Pastina Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 10.5 cups water (or vegetable broth) Can also use organic unsalted veggie broth or mix ½ water and ½ broth.
- 1 large yellow onion Peeled and halved.
- 2 ribs celery Cut in half.
- 3 medium carrots Peeled.
- 4 cloves garlic Peeled.
- 0.5 tablespoon salt Start with this amount and adjust to taste.
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 cup pastina Use any small pasta shape like orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles.
- Parmigiano For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Fill a large pot with the water (or ½ water and ½ vegetable broth) and heat over high heat.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, seasoning with salt. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, semi-cover the pot, and cook for 45 minutes or until veggies are soft.
- Taste for seasoning, adjust with more salt if needed.
Blending and Cooking
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the veggies to a blender and add 2 ladles of broth. Blend until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Return the blended mixture to the pot of broth and stir.
- Meanwhile, boil pastina in a small pot of salted water.
Serving
- Add a ladle of cooked pastina to a bowl, pour broth on top, and dust with Parmigiano. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pastina soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a wholesome meal.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Tips for Success
- Adjust salt and seasoning to your taste.
- Blend the soup to your preferred texture, creamy or chunky.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- Add leafy greens like spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
Variations to Try
Consider adding cooked chicken or beans for extra protein. You can also use different types of pasta if you prefer something other than pastina.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can work well in this recipe, but the cooking time may vary.
Is this soup gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pastina, the soup can be gluten-free.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of water.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
Closing Notes
Easy pastina soup is a versatile dish that you can make your own. It’s nourishing, warm, and easy to whip up even on the busiest days. You can store it for meal prep or enjoy it right after cooking. This recipe is sure to bring comfort and warmth to your family’s table. Enjoy every spoonful!
