Description

This cozy and comforting Pastina Soup is a classic American kitchen favorite with Italian roots — made with delicate star-shaped pasta cooked in a golden, homemade broth. It’s the perfect bowl for chilly days, sick days, or anytime you need a little warmth and nourishment. Creamy, simple, and nostalgic, this soup comes together with pantry staples and a touch of Parmesan for a rich, soul-soothing finish

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup water (optional, for adjusting thickness)
3/4 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Make the Broth:
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. If using homemade, simmer for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
Cook the Pastina:
Bring the broth to a boil. Add the pastina and cook according to package directions (usually 6–8 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make it Creamy (Optional):
Once the pastina is cooked and tender, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

Season & Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip Parmesan or substitute with a vegetarian cheese.
Adjust the texture: add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or reduce it for a creamier consistency.
Leftovers thicken as they sit — add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: pastina soup, comfort food, star pasta, creamy soup, easy soup recipe