Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, the warm aroma of simmering chicken broth enveloping you like a gentle embrace. This is the beauty of Classic Italian Pastina Soup. This dish is like a hug on a cold day, perfect for when you want to nourish your body and soul.

Every spoonful of this soup brings comfort, as each tiny star-shaped pasta dances with bits of tender chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm invitation to slow down and savor life. Let’s journey together into making this delightful dish that warms your heart and fills your belly.

Why You’ll Love Making This Classic Italian Pastina Soup

Making Classic Italian Pastina Soup is more than just cooking; it’s an experience. The process itself brings joy. Sautéing the vegetables fills your kitchen with wonderful scents. The sight of the pastina floating in rich, golden broth is visually pleasing and promises deliciousness.

Besides the warmth this soup brings, it’s also a wonderful way to feed your loved ones. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. You’ll feel proud serving this homemade dish, knowing it’s not just food; it’s an expression of love and care.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Italian Pastina Soup

Let’s dive right into creating this beautiful dish. Follow my lead, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make such a soulful soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup pastina (star-shaped pasta)
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir gently as they soften, letting the warmth of the oil draw out their natural sweetness. Cook until the vegetables become tender and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes.

2. Add Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Keep an eye on it—garlic cooks fast! This quick step builds a beautiful depth of flavor that sets the tone for your soup.

3. Cook the Chicken

Now add the diced chicken, stirring until there’s no pink left—around 5–6 minutes. The chicken will soak up the flavors from your fragrant vegetable base, creating a comforting foundation for the soup.

4. Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently. As it heats up, notice how the aroma begins to fill your kitchen. Bring it all to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Simmer with Pastina

Once the broth is boiling, add your pastina. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Watch it carefully—pastina cooks quickly and absorbs the broth’s flavor perfectly.

6. Season to Taste

When the pastina reaches that soft, delicate texture, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Take a moment to sample it and adjust the seasoning until it feels just right.

7. Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The herbs add a lovely touch of freshness and color, turning a simple soup into something truly comforting.

How to Serve Classic Italian Pastina Soup and Make It Shine

Once your Classic Italian Pastina Soup is ready, serving it is a joyful task. Consider using beautiful bowls that make the soup pop. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only garnishes but also adds a hint of freshness and color.

Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for dunking. The texture and flavor of the bread complement the smooth broth wonderfully. For an even more delightful presentation, serve it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top.

If you have guests, consider setting the table with soft candlelight and a few sprigs of parsley as an edible decoration. This is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

How to Store Classic Italian Pastina Soup for Later

Let’s face it: sometimes we want to enjoy that comforting soup later. Storing Classic Italian Pastina Soup is straightforward. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers, and label them with the date. This way, you can defrost a warm bowl on a chilly day, and it will taste like you just made it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stove. Remember to add a splash of broth if it thickens in the freezer.

Clara’s Tips for Success

1. Don’t Rush the Sauté

Take your time with the vegetables — this step builds the foundation of your soup. When the onions, carrots, and celery soften slowly, they release a natural sweetness that adds depth to every spoonful.

2. Taste as You Go

Trust your palate. Taste your soup at different stages and adjust the seasoning little by little. This simple practice ensures the final flavor feels balanced and made just for you.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make a world of difference. Whenever possible, choose local produce and fresh herbs. They infuse your soup with vibrant flavor and nourishing energy.

4. Experiment with Broth

If you prefer a lighter soup, try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It gives the dish a gentler flavor, still comforting and delicious.

5. Check Pasta Al Dente

Keep an eye on your pastina — it cooks quickly! Cooking it just until al dente keeps it tender yet firm, perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth.

6. Make It Ahead of Time

This soup only gets better with time. Letting it rest overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your next-day bowl even more heartwarming.

Simple Variations to Try

Classic Italian Pastina Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add Spinach or Kale

Incorporate a handful of spinach or kale during the final minutes of cooking. These tender greens melt beautifully into the broth, adding both color and nourishing vitamins.

Lemon Zest

A sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving brightens the entire soup, adding a gentle, refreshing note that awakens the senses.

Parmesan Cheese

Stir in some grated Parmesan as you serve. It lends a subtle creaminess and a comforting, savory depth to every spoonful.

Chickpeas or Beans

For a heartier version, mix in canned chickpeas or white beans. They bring extra protein and texture, turning this light soup into a satisfying meal.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can completely transform the dish. Add them just before serving to preserve their fragrance and elevate the flavor beautifully.

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Classic Italian Pastina Soup

A comforting soup filled with tiny star-shaped pasta, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables that warms both body and soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (star-shaped pasta)
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir them gently while they cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute, watching closely to avoid burning.
4. Stir in the diced chicken and cook until there is no pink remaining, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a rolling boil.
6. Add in the pastina and lower the heat to a simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
7. Season your soup with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
8. Serve hot, ladling into bowls and garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning to personal preference. This soup can be frozen; thaw and reheat with additional broth if necessary.

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FAQs About Classic Italian Pastina Soup

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While pastina is traditional, feel free to use any small pasta shape like orzo or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute pastina with a gluten-free small pasta. Make sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans for protein.

4. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be easily reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a little more broth if needed, as the pasta may have absorbed some of the liquid.

Embrace the love and comfort that this Classic Italian Pastina Soup brings. Your kitchen will fill with warmth, and your heart will be full as you share this delightful dish. Enjoy the process as much as the outcome creating this soup is a lovely way to nourish yourself and those you care about.