Description
Warm, comforting, and easy to prepare, this Pastina Soup is a perfect blend of tender pasta, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth. It’s a hearty meal for chilly evenings or when you crave a simple, soothing dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or any small pasta shapes)
- 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, for added depth of flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind, if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3️⃣ Cook the pasta: Stir in the pastina and cook according to the package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes), until the pasta is tender. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4️⃣ Season the soup: Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Taste the soup and season it with salt and black pepper as needed.
5️⃣ Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
- Customizations: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced tofu for extra protein, or include other small vegetables like peas or zucchini.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Parmesan rind: This optional ingredient adds a rich, savory flavor to the broth. Save the rinds from blocks of Parmesan cheese for soups like this!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4