Italian Pastina Soup Comforting and Easy Recipe

by Abigail on February 19, 2025

If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, Italian Pastina Soup is for you! This easy recipe combines tiny pasta with fresh veggies and simple herbs. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a cozy meal, this soup is the answer. In this guide, I’ll share tips, tricks, and tasty variations to make it your own. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that everyone will love!

$To make a perfect Italian pastina soup, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup small pastina pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create warmth and comfort. The small pastina pasta adds a delightful texture. The broth serves as a flavorful base. Fresh veggies bring color and nutrients. You can enhance the flavor of your soup with these optional ingredients: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness - Chopped parsley for freshness - Bay leaves for depth These additions can elevate your dish. A little heat can make the soup exciting. Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor. If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutions: - Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for more flavor. - Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard. - Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan option. These swaps keep the soup tasty while fitting your needs. You can enjoy this soup no matter your diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your veggies. You need onion, carrot, and celery. Dice them small. Finely chop the onion. This helps it mix well. In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft and fragrant. Next, mince two cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the pot along with one teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. Now, pour in four cups of vegetable broth. This is the base of your soup. Add one cup of diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once it starts simmering, it’s time to add the small pastina pasta. Cook according to the package, usually about 5-7 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. After the pasta is cooked, stir in one cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly in the hot soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking. Remove the pot from heat. Ladle your soup into bowls. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and flavor. Enjoy your warm, cozy Italian pastina soup! To cook pastina perfectly, use plenty of water. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Follow the time on the package, usually 5-7 minutes. Taste it a minute early to check. It should be tender but still firm. This is called al dente. If you overcook it, it will turn mushy. No one wants that in their soup! Serve your pastina soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice salty flavor. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. You can also serve it with crusty bread on the side. Dip the bread into the soup for extra flavor. A simple salad pairs well too. It balances the warm soup nicely. Herbs and spices make your soup shine. Dried basil and oregano are great in this recipe. They add depth and warmth. If you want more brightness, try adding fresh herbs. Parsley or thyme works well. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A splash of lemon juice at the end adds freshness too. Pro Tips Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, consider making your own vegetable broth. This will enhance the overall taste of the soup. Al Dente Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pastina. It should be al dente to maintain its texture in the soup. Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking brings a vibrant flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or peas to personalize your soup and increase its nutritional value. {{image_2}} You can make your Italian Pastina Soup heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken works well. Just shred it and stir it in when the soup is almost done. If you prefer beans, use canned or cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas. They add a nice texture and boost protein. This makes the soup filling and nutritious. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Tofu is another great choice. Cube it and sauté it with the onions and garlic. This adds protein and keeps the meal light. You can change the soup based on what is fresh. In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, toss in zucchini or fresh tomatoes. In fall, consider adding butternut squash or kale. Each change brings a new flavor and keeps the soup exciting. Using seasonal vegetables also makes your meal fresh and bright. To store leftover Italian Pastina Soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. The soup tastes best when fresh, but it still holds flavor after storage. When ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and warm over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This helps restore its creamy texture. If you prefer, use a microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. For long-term storage, freeze the soup in portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space in the container. This allows for expansion as it freezes. Label the container with the date and type of soup. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Always reheat well before serving for the best taste. Pastina is a tiny type of pasta. It looks like little stars or dots. This pasta is great for soups. It cooks fast and is very soft. Kids love it because it is fun to eat. In this soup, pastina adds a nice texture. Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes. Try orzo, ditalini, or even small shells. Just remember to adjust cooking time. Pasta shapes can change the soup’s feel. Each shape brings its own charm. Italian Pastina Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend together over time. This will make the soup even more tasty. No, this soup is not gluten-free. Pastina is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check the label. This way, everyone can enjoy this cozy soup. Italian Pastina Soup is simple yet full of flavor. We explored key ingredients, from the main ones to tasty options and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for making it easy. You learned tips for cooking pasta perfectly and serving it in style. We discussed heartier variations and how to store leftovers well. In closing, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any time. Enjoy making it your way!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and Warm: This soup is perfect for chilly days, providing a cozy and warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and wholesome goodness, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it a great choice for any meal.
Customizable: This recipe allows for flexibility; you can easily add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Italian Pastina Soup

To make a perfect Italian pastina soup, gather these main ingredients:

– 1 cup small pastina pasta

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 medium carrot, diced

– 1 celery stalk, diced

– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

These ingredients come together to create warmth and comfort. The small pastina pasta adds a delightful texture. The broth serves as a flavorful base. Fresh veggies bring color and nutrients.

Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor

You can enhance the flavor of your soup with these optional ingredients:

– A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

– A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

– Chopped parsley for freshness

– Bay leaves for depth

These additions can elevate your dish. A little heat can make the soup exciting. Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor.

Alternative Substitutions for Dietary Needs

If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutions:

– Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

– Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for more flavor.

– Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard.

– Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan option.

These swaps keep the soup tasty while fitting your needs. You can enjoy this soup no matter your diet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by gathering all your veggies. You need onion, carrot, and celery. Dice them small. Finely chop the onion. This helps it mix well.

In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft and fragrant.

Next, mince two cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the pot along with one teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn.

Cooking the Soup Base

Now, pour in four cups of vegetable broth. This is the base of your soup. Add one cup of diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Once it starts simmering, it’s time to add the small pastina pasta. Cook according to the package, usually about 5-7 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means firm but not hard.

Adding the Pastina and Finishing Touches

After the pasta is cooked, stir in one cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly in the hot soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking.

Remove the pot from heat. Ladle your soup into bowls. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and flavor. Enjoy your warm, cozy Italian pastina soup!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Al Dente Pasta

To cook pastina perfectly, use plenty of water. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Follow the time on the package, usually 5-7 minutes. Taste it a minute early to check. It should be tender but still firm. This is called al dente. If you overcook it, it will turn mushy. No one wants that in their soup!

Best Serving Suggestions for Italian Pastina Soup

Serve your pastina soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice salty flavor. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. You can also serve it with crusty bread on the side. Dip the bread into the soup for extra flavor. A simple salad pairs well too. It balances the warm soup nicely.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices make your soup shine. Dried basil and oregano are great in this recipe. They add depth and warmth. If you want more brightness, try adding fresh herbs. Parsley or thyme works well. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A splash of lemon juice at the end adds freshness too.

Pro Tips

Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, consider making your own vegetable broth. This will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Al Dente Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pastina. It should be al dente to maintain its texture in the soup.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking brings a vibrant flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or peas to personalize your soup and increase its nutritional value.

Variations

Adding Protein: Chicken or Beans for a Hearty Version

You can make your Italian Pastina Soup heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken works well. Just shred it and stir it in when the soup is almost done. If you prefer beans, use canned or cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas. They add a nice texture and boost protein. This makes the soup filling and nutritious.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Tofu is another great choice. Cube it and sauté it with the onions and garlic. This adds protein and keeps the meal light.

Seasonal Variations: Incorporating Fresh Vegetables

You can change the soup based on what is fresh. In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, toss in zucchini or fresh tomatoes. In fall, consider adding butternut squash or kale. Each change brings a new flavor and keeps the soup exciting. Using seasonal vegetables also makes your meal fresh and bright.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Italian Pastina Soup

To store leftover Italian Pastina Soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. The soup tastes best when fresh, but it still holds flavor after storage.

Reheating Instructions for Best Taste

When ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and warm over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This helps restore its creamy texture. If you prefer, use a microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Freezing Tips for Long-term Storage

For long-term storage, freeze the soup in portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space in the container. This allows for expansion as it freezes. Label the container with the date and type of soup. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Always reheat well before serving for the best taste.

FAQs

What is Pastina?

Pastina is a tiny type of pasta. It looks like little stars or dots. This pasta is great for soups. It cooks fast and is very soft. Kids love it because it is fun to eat. In this soup, pastina adds a nice texture.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes. Try orzo, ditalini, or even small shells. Just remember to adjust cooking time. Pasta shapes can change the soup’s feel. Each shape brings its own charm.

How long does Italian Pastina Soup last in the fridge?

Italian Pastina Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend together over time. This will make the soup even more tasty.

Is this soup gluten-free?

No, this soup is not gluten-free. Pastina is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check the label. This way, everyone can enjoy this cozy soup.

Italian Pastina Soup is simple yet full of flavor. We explored key ingredients, from the main ones to tasty options and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for making it easy. You learned tips for cooking pasta perfectly and serving it in style. We discussed heartier variations and how to store leftovers well.

In closing, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any time. Enjoy making it your wa

Cozy Italian Pastina Soup

A warm and comforting Italian soup made with small pastina pasta and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup small pastina pasta
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, add the pastina to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins as desired.

Keyword pastina, soup, vegetarian