This Easy Italian Pastina Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tiny pasta and tasty broth, it’s comforting and simple to make. Just add your favorite veggies for a bit of flair.
I love how quick it is to whip up this soup, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Grab a spoon and enjoy this cozy dish that feels like home, one slurp at a time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: This provides a rich base for the soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works great and keeps the flavors bright.
Pastina: While tiny star pasta is traditional, you can substitute with any small pasta like acini di pepe or even orzo if you prefer. Just watch cooking times, as they might vary.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add great flavor and texture. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
Herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme, Italian seasoning is a fantastic alternative. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish—basil or oregano are tasty options!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing veggies is all about getting them soft while keeping some of their texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your olive oil in a pot over medium heat—this keeps veggies from burning.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery first since they take longer to cook. Stir often for about 5 minutes.
- Then, add garlic for just 1 minute. Garlic cooks quickly, and you don’t want it to burn as it turns bitter.
This method gives a solid flavor base for your soup and ensures your vegetables are tender, making for a delicious and cozy meal!
Easy Italian Pastina Soup for Cozy Meals
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped or small pasta)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Time Needed:
This cozy Italian Pastina Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making it ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring well, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This will add a delicious layer of flavor to your soup!
3. Stir in the Broth and Seasonings:
Now pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and add your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once the liquid is boiling, carefully add the pastina pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a nice bite to it. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
5. Season to Taste:
After the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. A pinch of extra seasoning can elevate the flavor!
6. Serve Up and Garnish:
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley on top. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of yum.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the soup warm and enjoy your cozy meal! Perfect with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side.
FAQ for Easy Italian Pastina Soup
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pastina is traditional, you can substitute with any small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller pasta will cook faster.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pastina. Also, ensure that your chicken or vegetable broth is labeled gluten-free.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, peas, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them in with the other vegetables to ensure they cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you may want to add a bit of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
