Description
Pastina Soup is a warm and comforting Italian classic made with tender vegetables, tiny pasta, and a touch of Parmesan for extra richness. This simple yet satisfying soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing, easy-to-make meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a cozy bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
- 6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini pasta
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
-
Simmer the Vegetables
In a Dutch oven or stock pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. -
Blend the Soup
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and puree it in batches using a blender, then return it to the pot. -
Cook the Pasta
Bring the soup back to a boil. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 9-11 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. -
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and extra black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Broth Options: Use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk for a silkier texture.
- Extra Flavor: Add a Parmesan rind while simmering the vegetables for a deeper, cheesy taste.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add extra broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg