If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and effortlessly charming, the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This delightful, silky soup brings together tender pastina pasta, a rich chicken broth, and the luxurious ribbons of Parmesan-infused egg for a dish that feels like a heartfelt hug in a bowl. Perfect for a quick weekday meal or soothing you on a chilly day, this soup combines simplicity and flavor in a way that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create the magic of Italian Pastina Soup Recipe. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s bringing warmth, creaminess, or that unmistakable Italian cheese flavor to the final dish.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing a savory and comforting base.
- 3/4 cup pastina pasta (such as acini di pepe or stelline): Delightfully tiny pasta pieces that cook quickly and add a tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the soup.
- 1 large egg: Whisked into the broth to create delicate, silky strands reminiscent of egg drop soup.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the soup with a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates every spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the soup.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A splash of color and fresh herbaceous note.
- Additional Parmesan for serving: For that final cheesy flourish right before you dig in.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil
Begin by pouring the chicken broth into a medium saucepan and heating it over high heat until it reaches a lively boil. This step unlocks the broth’s comforting aroma and readies it for the pasta to cook perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Pastina and Simmer
Once boiling, carefully add the pastina pasta to the broth. Immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the tiny pasta from sticking, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy—this creates the perfect texture that makes Italian Pastina Soup Recipe so special.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Parmesan Mixture
While the pasta simmers, whisk together the egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This mixture is what will lend your soup its signature silky ribbons, a hallmark of this recipe’s comforting nature.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg Mixture
When the pastina finishes cooking, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg and cheese mixture into the soup, stirring gently but steadily. This technique creates delicate strands similar to egg drop soup, making every spoonful a velvety, flavorful experience.
Step 5: Add Butter and Season
Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely, enriching the broth with a luscious mouthfeel. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this final touch ensures your Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Garnished
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. These finishing touches add pops of color and an extra layer of flavor that turn a humble bowl of soup into a heartwarming meal.
How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley brighten the dish visually and provide a gentle herbaceous flavor. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and melty goodness that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic Italian bread for dipping or a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Because the soup is light yet filling, simple sides that add a little crunch or freshness work wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Italian Pastina Soup Recipe in individual mini bread bowls or cute espresso cups as an elegant appetizer. You can also add steamed peas or small diced carrots to the broth for extra texture and bursts of color, turning a classic into a playful culinary experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and swell, so the soup may thicken—adding a splash of broth when reheating can help restore its perfect consistency.
Freezing
While you can freeze Italian Pastina Soup Recipe, it’s best to freeze the broth separately from the cooked pasta if possible; this prevents the pasta from becoming overly mushy when reheated. When ready to enjoy, thaw the broth and add freshly cooked pastina for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth to loosen it. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the egg ribbons tender and prevent curdling.
FAQs
What is pastina pasta?
Pastina refers to very small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or stelline, traditionally used in soups because they cook quickly and create a delicate texture that’s perfect for comforting dishes like this one.
Can I make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian-friendly soup that’s just as cozy and flavorful.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes, this soup is gentle on little palates with its soft pasta and mild Parmesan flavor. It’s often a hit with children, especially because of its comforting texture and warmth.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Adding small diced carrots, peas, or spinach will boost the nutrition and add lovely texture and color without overpowering the subtle flavors of the soup.
What’s the best way to prevent the egg from scrambling?
Slowly drizzle the egg and Parmesan mixture into the hot soup while stirring gently and continuously. This technique helps form delicate ribbons instead of clumps and gives the soup its signature silky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing a bowl of Italian Pastina Soup Recipe. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and soul-soothing flavors, it’s the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again when you want a little taste of homemade love. Give this recipe a try—you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a timeless Italian classic that feels like a hug in every spoonful.
Print
Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Pastina Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make classic Italian soup featuring tiny pastina pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth, enriched with egg ribbons and Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture. This light soup is perfect as a gentle meal for kids or anyone seeking a warm, nourishing dish.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pastina pasta (such as acini di pepe or stelline)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Boil the broth and cook pasta: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pastina pasta, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Prepare the egg mixture: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined.
- Create egg ribbons: Once the pastina is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg and cheese mixture into the soup while gently stirring to create thin ribbons of egg, similar to egg drop soup.
- Add butter and season: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted. Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken stock for a richer broth flavor.
- Add small vegetables such as peas or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
- This soup is gentle and perfect for children or as a light meal option.
