Name: Easy Pastina Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into large pieces; 3 medium carrots (about 6 inches long), halved crosswise and lengthwise into long, thinner halves; 3 celery ribs, sliced into large pieces; Kosher salt, to taste; 3 cloves garlic; 1 Parmesan rind (about 2-inches long); 1 1/2 cups pastina or acini di pepe; 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

If you seek a soul-soothing, warm bowl of comfort that’s ridiculously simple to prepare, this Easy Pastina Soup Recipe is about to become your new kitchen bestie! With tender veggies blended into a silky broth and tiny star-shaped pasta adding that perfect bite, it’s an inviting hug in a bowl that’s ready in under an hour.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Pure comfort in every slurp: This soup offers the cozy warmth you crave on chilly days or when you need a little culinary TLC.
Quick and fuss-free: Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Simple pantry staples: Utilizing easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have, this recipe makes deliciousness accessible.
Customizable and forgiving: Easily adapt it with your favorite herbs or swap the protein for a vegetarian twist.

The image shows two white ceramic bowls filled with a thick orange soup with small round grains, likely pearl couscous or similar, floating on the surface. The soup is garnished with small green thyme leaves, scattered across the top. The bowls have two small handles each and sit on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright look. In the background, a white marble mortar and pestle and a gold spoon are blurred but visible, adding a touch of kitchen atmosphere. The scene is warmly lit, emphasizing the creamy texture and vibrant color of the soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Pastina Soup, cozy Italian soup, quick comfort food, healthy pasta soup, homemade pastina broth

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Easy Pastina Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity: a handful of fresh vegetables, comforting chicken broth, and delicate pastina pasta create layers of flavor and texture with ease. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of carrots to the subtle umami of the parmesan rind.

Flat lay of bright orange carrot halves, fresh celery ribs cut into large pieces, a whole yellow onion sliced into thick wedges, several cloves of raw garlic, a wedge of pale ivory parmesan rind, small uncooked pastina pasta scattered elegantly, a handful of finely chopped green parsley leaves, and a small pile of grated parmesan cheese, all arranged neatly on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Pastina Soup, cozy Italian soup, quick comfort food, healthy pasta soup, homemade pastina broth

Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the flavor pure while allowing you to control saltiness—vegetable broth works wonderfully for a meatless version.
Yellow onion and garlic: They bring subtle depth and richness, building the perfect aromatic foundation.
Carrots and celery: Provide natural sweetness and slight crunch, balancing the softness of the pasta.
Parmesan rind: A small addition that infuses the broth with a delightful cheesy, savory note.
Pastina or acini di pepe pasta: These tiny pearls cook quickly and melt wonderfully into the soup, delivering delicate, comforting bites.
Parsley and grated parmesan: For fresh, vibrant garnish and that finishing umami pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Easy Pastina Soup Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Broth and Vegetables

Grab a large pot and combine your chicken broth, sliced onion, carrot halves, celery pieces, the parmesan rind, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring this to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Let everything mingle and soften beautifully for about 20 to 30 minutes—this slow simmer extracts incredible flavors, making your broth rich and comforting.

Step 2: Puree the Vegetables

Once your veggies are soft and tender, fish out the parmesan rind and transfer the cooked vegetables and garlic cloves to a food processor or blender. Scoop in a ladle or two of the savory broth to help everything blend smoothly into a luscious, velvety mixture. Pour this silky veggie puree right back into your pot to create the soup’s creamy base.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Turn the heat up and bring your veggie-infused broth back to a boil. Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for just about 3 minutes—these tiny pasta gems cook super fast and become beautifully tender without turning mushy. Once ready, remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking and keep that perfect bite.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before you dish it out, taste your soup and add a bit more salt if it feels a little flat—you want that perfect balance! Spoon the hot, cozy soup into bowls, then sprinkle each serving with fresh chopped parsley and a generous grating of parmesan cheese to add bright color and extra flavor pops.

How to Serve Easy Pastina Soup Recipe

The image shows two white ceramic bowls filled with a thick yellow soup that has small round grains in it. The front bowl is on a white marbled board with handles on each side. A spoon is scooping a portion of the soup, lifting it above the bowl, showing the soup's shiny texture with small visible grains and some green herb leaves floating on top. The back bowl is partially visible behind the front bowl. The surface under the board is a white marbled texture. The background is soft and light with blurred small white bowls and a spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Pastina Soup, cozy Italian soup, quick comfort food, healthy pasta soup, homemade pastina broth

Garnishes

Garnishes breathe fresh life and texture into this soup. A handful of finely chopped parsley adds peppery brightness while a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan delivers comforting richness. For an extra special touch, drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of warmth.

Side Dishes

Pair this nourishing soup with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last comforting drop. A crisp garden salad can add a refreshing crunch and vibrant contrast, making for a well-rounded meal that feels homey yet complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini mugs or delicate crocks for individual portions that impress at casual dinners. You can also top each bowl with crispy prosciutto shards or toasted pine nuts for an added layer of texture and a dash of elegance that will have guests asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Easy Pastina Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the texture of the pastina intact, it’s best to add the pasta fresh when reheating rather than storing it cooked for a longer shelf life.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you leave out the pastina before freezing. Freeze the broth and pureed veggies in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and cook fresh pastina right before serving for that perfect bite.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you’ve stored the pastina together, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as the pasta tends to absorb liquid when chilled or frozen. For best results, cook fresh pastina and stir it in after warming.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and omit the parmesan rind (or use a vegan parmesan alternative). You’ll still get that heartwarming, flavorful base with all the comforting texture of the pastina.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pastina?

If pastina isn’t handy, tiny pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or even tiny ditalini work wonderfully. Just watch cooking times closely since these small shapes cook quickly and you want to maintain that tender yet slightly firm bite.
Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the small pasta pieces and mild flavor. You can blend the veggies smooth for a creamy texture that’s easier for little ones, and it makes for a gentle, nutritious meal that feels like a treat.
How can I add protein to this soup?

Consider stirring in cooked shredded chicken, diced rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein. Adding a poached or soft-boiled egg on top also boosts nutrition and adds a lovely richness to each bowl.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pastina Soup Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feels like a cozy hug from your kitchen. It’s approachable, comforting, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for warming up rainy days, soothing under-the-weather moments, or simply making yourself feel cared for. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe box too!

Easy Pastina Soup Recipe