Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Italian Pastina Soup. Loved for generations, this traditional Italian recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re looking for an easy soup recipe to get through a chilly evening or a quick homemade dish to soothe a cold, pastina soup ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta tiny star-shaped pasta works best
- 6 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or low-sodium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 large egg optional, for an egg-drop-style touch
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering the ingredients on your kitchen counter. Chop the parsley finely, mince the garlic, and measure out the pastina pasta. This ensures everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as this can make the soup bitter.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Bring it to a gentle simmer to infuse the garlic’s rich flavor into the liquid.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the pastina pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking to the bottom. The pasta usually cooks within 5-7 minutes but always check the package instructions for exact timing.
- For a twist inspired by traditional Italian recipes, whisk an egg in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle the egg into the simmering soup while gently stirring. This step is optional but adds a creamy, hearty touch!
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so go light on additional seasoning if you plan to use the cheese.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still hot, garnish with extra parsley or cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Broth matters: A high-quality chicken broth enhances the soup’s flavor. Opt for homemade or store-bought low-sodium varieties for better control over salt levels.
- Cook with care: Pastina cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Mushy pasta can affect the soup’s texture.
- Customize it: For a heartier bowl, add cooked chicken, diced vegetables, or even baby spinach. This makes the soup even more nutritious and filling!