If you are looking for a comforting and heartwarming bowl of goodness, look no further than this Pastina Soup Recipe. This classic dish is a delightful harmony of tiny, tender pasta stars swimming in a savory broth enriched with fresh vegetables and the subtle umami of Parmesan. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving something simple yet satisfying, this soup wraps you up like a warm hug and brings a smile with every spoonful.

A close-up of a shallow white bowl filled with small, round pasta pearls in a light yellow broth. Scattered among the pearls are small orange carrot pieces and bits of green herbs lightly sprinkled on top. The center is garnished with a small mound of grated white cheese and fresh black pepper. A silver spoon is placed on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this Pastina Soup Recipe comes together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role: the vegetables build a flavorful base, the broth carries that flavor, and the pastina offers a delicate texture that feels both nourishing and light.

Pastina: Tiny star-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a nostalgic comfort to the soup.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the broth.
Celery stalks: Offer a slight bitterness and crunch that balance the soup perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Add a fragrant aroma and savory boost to the mix.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The heart of the soup, giving it richness and warmth.
Parmesan rind (optional): Infuses the broth with a deep, savory essence during simmering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley: Offers a bright, herbal note as a finishing garnish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, cheesy finish on top.
Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle at the end adds richness and a silky texture.

How to Make Pastina Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by drizzling olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables soften beautifully, releasing their natural sweetness and that irresistible fragrant aroma that signals a good soup is underway.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind, if you’re using it. The Parmesan rind is a genius little addition that quietly infuses the broth with deep, savory notes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows all those fresh flavors to mingle and develop into a rich, cozy base.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Once your broth is bursting with flavor, stir in the pastina. Because these tiny pasta stars cook quickly — usually in 6 to 8 minutes — keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is a tender texture that feels delightful with every bite.

Step 4: Season and Finish

After the pastina has softened just right, remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Now is the time to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step is crucial to making the soup shine with balanced, savory perfection.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle your Pastina Soup Recipe into comforting bowls, then sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a silky finish that makes this simple soup feel like a gourmet treat. Grab a spoon and enjoy!

How to Serve Pastina Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes can truly elevate your Pastina Soup Recipe from simple to spectacular. Fresh parsley adds a hint of herbal brightness, while grated Parmesan lends a nutty, salty kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil introduces a smooth richness that coats the palate beautifully. For an extra cozy touch, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a twist of lemon zest to brighten things up.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a light meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the warm, comforting flavors perfectly. If you want to make it more filling, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich can turn this into a hearty lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in colorful mugs or rustic bowls—perfect for cozy nights. You can also ladle it gently into small cups for bites at a casual gathering. Top each serving with different garnish combinations to customize and surprise your guests. A few toasted nuts or a swirl of pesto can add unexpected texture and flavor twists that highlight how versatile this Pastina Soup Recipe truly is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pastina Soup Recipe is a wonderful bonus! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since pastina tends to soak up broth over time, you might want to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating to bring back its silky consistency.

Freezing

Though freezing is possible, because pastina can become quite soft after thawing, it’s best to freeze the soup without pasta if you plan to keep it longer. Freeze the broth and vegetable base separately, then cook fresh pastina when you’re ready to enjoy it again. This way, you’re keeping the soup fresh and tasty with perfect texture.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving will revive all those vibrant flavors once more.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the Pastina Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works beautifully and keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly while still delivering rich, comforting flavor.

What can I substitute for pastina if I can’t find it?

If pastina is unavailable, you can use any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or tiny ditalini. Just adjust cooking times as needed since the shapes may vary.

Should I add the Parmesan rind? What does it do?

The Parmesan rind is optional but highly recommended because it slowly melts into the broth, providing a subtle, savory depth that makes the soup extra special.

Can I make this soup vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by using vegetable broth, omitting the Parmesan rind, and topping the finished soup with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.

How do I keep the pastina from getting mushy?

To avoid mushy pasta, cook the pastina just until tender and serve the soup immediately. If storing leftovers, add fresh cooked pastina when reheating rather than keeping it in the soup for too long.

Final Thoughts

This Pastina Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity to your table. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you crave that warm, soothing feeling only a homemade soup can bring. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a bowl of this starry, delicious soup — you absolutely deserve it!