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Pastina Soup Recipe

4 from 52 reviews

A comforting and simple Pastina Soup made with tiny star-shaped pasta simmered in a fragrant vegetable broth with aromatic vegetables, Parmesan rind, and garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta shapes)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  2. Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Cook Pastina: Stir in the pastina and cook for 6-8 minutes or according to package instructions until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Season Soup: Remove the Parmesan rind and discard it. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

  • Using a Parmesan rind adds a rich, savory depth to the broth but can be omitted for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Adjust the cooking time for pastina based on the package to avoid overcooking.
  • For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese and rind, or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Keep stirring when cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Keywords: Pastina soup, Italian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, star pasta soup