Name: Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 yellow or white onion (roughly chopped); 2 carrots (roughly chopped); 2 celery sticks (roughly chopped); 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 Parmesan rind; 1 cup pastina pasta (or other small pasta like acini di pepe or stelline); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Pastina Soup is a comforting and simple dish that highlights the delicate flavors of fresh vegetables and Parmesan. Perfect for a light meal or a soothing starter, its creamy texture comes from pureed veggies combined with small, tender pasta.

Two white bowls are filled with creamy orange soup, each topped with a sprinkle of green chopped herbs and small grates of white cheese, with a light dusting of black pepper. One bowl is fully visible with a silver spoon featuring floral designs placed inside on the right side. In the background, crusty torn bread pieces rest on a wooden board next to the bowls. On the left, there is a small white scalloped plate holding two thick slices of pale yellow cheese. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 yellow or white onion (roughly chopped)
2 carrots (roughly chopped)
2 celery sticks (roughly chopped)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 Parmesan rind
1 cup pastina pasta (or other small pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery roughly; exact sizes are not necessary.
Step 2: Place the chopped vegetables, broth, and Parmesan rind in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Using a strainer, remove the vegetables from the pot and transfer them along with ½ to 1 cup of broth to a blender or another pot if using an immersion blender. Blend until smooth, taking care with hot liquids.
Step 5: Pour the pureed vegetables back into the pot and add the pastina pasta. Simmer for 7-9 minutes until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve the soup topped with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Swap pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo or orrechiette if unavailable.
To deepen flavor, sauté the chopped vegetables in olive oil for 5 minutes before adding broth.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with a thick, creamy orange-yellow soup speckled with small grains, likely lentils or split peas, each topped with a sprinkle of chopped green herbs, black pepper, and finely grated cheese, creating a textured and colorful garnish layer. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside with an ornate handle. Surrounding the bowls on a wooden cutting board are torn pieces of crusty bread and a small white dish holding two thick slices of pale yellow cheese. A blue and white striped cloth is draped on the side, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular blender to puree the hot soup?

Yes, but be careful when blending hot liquids. Blend in batches, and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to prevent steam from causing spills.

What can I substitute if I don’t have a Parmesan rind?

If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can skip it or add extra grated Parmesan cheese near the end for added richness and flavor.