There is something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of Italian Pastina Soup Recipe that just hits the spot on any day, especially when you’re craving something cozy yet light. This simple, loving soup brings together tender pastina pasta ribbons swirled delicately in a golden chicken broth, enriched with the magic of egg and Parmesan cheese. It’s not only a delicious bowl of comfort but an effortless recipe that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply want a quick, satisfying meal, this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe will become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this wonderfully soothing Italian Pastina Soup Recipe, you just need a handful of essential, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to balance richness, warmth, and a splash of freshness, making this bowl truly special.
- Chicken broth (6 cups, low-sodium): The flavorful base that infuses the soup with comforting depth without overpowering the delicate pasta.
- Pastina (3/4 cup): Tiny little pasta pearls that cook quickly and give the soup a tender, smooth bite—stelline or acini di pepe work too!
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky richness to finish the soup with a luscious mouthfeel.
- Egg (1): Creates beautiful egg ribbons that give the soup a lovely texture and a touch of protein.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons plus extra): Brings a salty umami punch that perfectly rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings to brighten and balance the taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness to lift each spoonful.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Bring the broth to a boil
Start with your low-sodium chicken broth in a medium saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. This step wakes up the soup’s flavor base and prepares it for the tiny pastina pasta.
Step 2: Cook the pastina
Pour in your pastina pasta, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, around 5 to 7 minutes, until the pastina is tender but still holding its tiny shape — this quick cooking time is one of the reasons the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe is such a weeknight winner.
Step 3: Whisk the egg and Parmesan mixture
While the pastina is cooking, whisk together the egg and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This mixture will transform the soup’s texture by adding delicate ribbons of egg that swirl beautifully in the broth.
Step 4: Create egg ribbons in the soup
Once the pastina is perfectly tender, lower the heat to gently simmer. Slowly drizzle the egg and Parmesan mixture into the soup while stirring in a soft circular motion. Watch as lovely egg ribbons form, reminiscent of the comforting strands you find in classic egg drop soup.
Step 5: Finish with butter and seasoning
Stir in the tablespoon of unsalted butter to melt into the soup, enriching every spoonful with velvety smoothness. Then season carefully with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste, ensuring each bite is balanced and satisfying.
Step 6: Serve hot with garnishes
Ladle the soup into bowls and don’t forget the final flourish — a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a scattering of fresh parsley for that fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Serve Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnish choices can elevate your Italian Pastina Soup Recipe from humble to extraordinary. A dusting of additional grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of richness, while fresh parsley or even a few cracked black peppercorns bring brightness and contrast right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a light meal on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full spread, consider crusty garlic bread or a tangy green salad. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato bruschetta also pairs beautifully, complementing the soup’s comforting flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve the Italian Pastina Soup Recipe in small, charming soup cups or mini crocks for a party or cozy dinner. You could also drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Get creative by stirring in cooked shredded chicken or some lightly sautéed spinach to make the soup heartier while keeping it just as delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pastina tends to absorb more broth as it sits, so the soup may thicken — just add a splash of broth or water before reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the pastina and egg ribbons. If you do freeze it, store the broth and cooked pastina separately if possible, but note that for best flavor and texture, fresh preparation is ideal for this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to redistribute the flavors evenly. Avoid overheating to keep the egg ribbons tender and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I make this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the chicken broth with a flavorful vegetable broth to keep the taste rich yet vegetarian-friendly. The Parmesan and butter will still add plenty of richness.
What if I can’t find pastina pasta?
You can easily swap pastina for other tiny pastas like acini di pepe, stelline, or even tiny orzo. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
This soup is a wonderful choice for kids. It’s gentle on the stomach, comforting, and easy for little ones to eat, especially when they’re feeling under the weather.
Can I add vegetables or protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Stirring in cooked shredded chicken, spinach, or even peas can make the soup more hearty while keeping it quick and nutritious.
How do I get the perfect egg ribbons every time?
Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the simmering soup while stirring gently in a circular motion. This careful technique helps the egg cook into delicate ribbons rather than clumping.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about mastering this Italian Pastina Soup Recipe—the way its simple ingredients blend into a warm, nourishing hug in a bowl. It’s speedy to prepare, gentle enough to soothe and satisfy, and versatile enough to adapt to your whims. I hope you’ll whip up this classic dish soon and feel the same joy every time you scoop up those tender pastina pearls swimming in savory, cheesy goodness.
Print
Delicious 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 classic, comforting Italian soup featuring tiny pasta cooked in savory chicken broth, enriched with a delicate egg and Parmesan cheese ribbon to create a satisfying and nourishing meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or when feeling under the weather, this soup is simple to prepare and can be easily customized with additions like chicken or spinach.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
Egg Mixture
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Cook the pastina: Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook according to package directions, typically about 5 to 7 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
- Prepare egg and cheese mixture: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined.
- Create egg ribbons: When the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the soup while gently stirring in a circular motion to form delicate egg ribbons, similar to egg drop soup texture.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added heartiness, stir in shredded cooked chicken or fresh spinach just before serving.
- For a creamier version, add a splash of milk or cream at the end of cooking.
- This soup is a comforting meal especially suitable for kids or anyone feeling under the weather.
