Pastina Soup

Are you looking for a dish that embodies warmth and comfort? Look no further than pastina soup! This Italian classic features tiny pasta, rich broth, and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect choice for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, pastina soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

One serving of pastina soup contains roughly 180 calories, 6g protein, 4g fat, and 30g carbohydrates. This is based on a standard serving size of 1 cup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the pastina to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions.
6. Season the soup with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
9. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of pastina soup!

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo or stars. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Adding spinach or kale can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

Serving and Pairings

Pastina soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It can also be served alongside a light antipasto platter for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. This soup is best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well due to the pasta’s texture.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy.
• Not seasoning the broth enough will result in bland soup.
• Using cold broth can prolong cooking time.
• Forgetting to sauté the vegetables first can lead to less flavor.
• Skipping the garnish can make the dish look less appealing.

Helpful Tips

• For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering the broth.
• Use homemade broth for a richer taste.
• Feel free to add leftover chicken for added protein.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

What is pastina?

Pastina refers to a variety of small pasta shapes commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is often used in soups and is perfect for children or those looking for a light meal.

Can I make pastina soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat. You can also add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian dish.

How long does pastina soup last in the fridge?

Pastina soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze pastina soup?

While you can freeze the soup, it’s not recommended due to the texture of the pasta. The pasta may become mushy upon reheating.

What are some variations of pastina soup?

You can add different vegetables, beans, or proteins like chicken or meatballs. Each variation can bring a unique flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Pastina soup is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a cozy meal, this soup has got you covered. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe with family and friends!

Pastina Soup

A comforting and satisfying dish featuring tiny pasta in a rich broth with vegetables and herbs, perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: pastina, soup, Italian, comfort food, quick meals

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 180kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots diced
• 1 celery stalk diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
• Add the pastina to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions.
• Season the soup with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
• Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of pastina soup!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 2g