Are you in search of the ultimate comfort in a bowl, a culinary remedy that warms you from your very core? Whether you’re feeling a bit under the weather, facing a classic dreary British evening, or simply longing for a comforting taste of childhood, there’s a particular recipe we always turn to. We’re referring to the beautifully simple and soul-nourishing Italian Pastina Soup. While we certainly appreciate a rich and complex dish like a hearty Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe, there are times when only the purest form of solace will suffice. This soup is exactly that: a timeless classic that feels like a loving embrace from an Italian grandmother.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to craft the most perfect bowl of pastina soup. Consider it more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition, a soothing remedy, and a wonderfully straightforward meal you can have ready in minutes. Prepare to discover your new favourite dish for cosy nights in and speedy recoveries.

What Exactly is Italian Pastina Soup?

At its core, Italian Pastina Soup stands as one of the most fundamental easy soup recipes you can find. The name “pastina” itself literally translates to “tiny pasta,” which perfectly captures the essence of its star ingredient. These are the smallest pasta shapes you can imagine—such as stars (stelline), tiny balls (acini di pepe), or other minuscule varieties—simmered gently in a well-seasoned broth.

For generations, this soup has been a beloved staple in Italian homes. It is often the first solid food introduced to babies and serves as a universal tonic for anyone feeling unwell. The delicate flavours, soft consistency, and warm broth make it exceptionally easy to digest, offering both hydration and gentle nourishment precisely when it’s needed most. However, don’t let its simplicity fool you into thinking it lacks flavour. When prepared with high-quality ingredients, this humble soup is incredibly delicious, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in a Flash: This is the quintessential 30 minute dinner. From start to serving, you can have a steaming bowl of comfort on your table in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
• The Epitome of Comfort Food: With its warming broth, delicate pasta, and velvety texture, this soup is like a hug in a bowl. It’s our first choice when we need something soothing and gentle on the system.
• A Family Favourite: The fun, tiny pasta shapes and simple, savoury profile make this dish a guaranteed success with children and even the most particular eaters.
• Beautifully Uncomplicated: You only require a few basic pantry ingredients to bring this masterpiece to life. No complex cooking methods or special equipment are necessary.
• Wonderfully Versatile: While it’s delightful on its own, this soup provides a fantastic base for customisation. Try adding shredded chicken, finely diced vegetables, or fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 1.5 litres good-quality chicken or vegetable broth
• 200g pastina pasta (stelline or any tiny shape)
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 small clove garlic, whole (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste
• A small handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

How to Make the Perfect Italian Pastina Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this bowl of pure comfort is wonderfully simple. We’ll walk you through our go-to method, which features a classic Italian technique for achieving an extra creamy and luxurious texture without using any cream.

1. Infuse the Broth: Begin by pouring your chicken or vegetable broth into a medium-sized saucepan. If you wish, add the whole garlic clove and bay leaf. This simple addition infuses the broth with a subtle, aromatic depth. Bring the broth to a gentle boil over a medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Pastina: Once the broth is boiling, remove and discard the garlic clove and bay leaf. Carefully pour in the pastina, stirring well to ensure it doesn’t stick together at the bottom. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook according to the package instructions. Tiny pasta cooks very quickly, typically in just 4-6 minutes, so watch it carefully to ensure it’s tender but not overcooked.
3. Prepare the Creamy Egg Mixture: While the pasta cooks, crack the two eggs into a small bowl. Add the 60g of grated Parmesan cheese and a generous pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together enthusiastically until it is fully combined and looks slightly frothy. This mixture is the secret to a rich, velvety soup.
4. Temper the Eggs: This is a vital step for a creamy finish without scrambling the eggs. After the pasta has cooked, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Using a ladle, take a measure of the hot broth from the pot. While whisking the egg mixture continuously, slowly drizzle the hot broth into the bowl. This process, known as tempering, gently warms the eggs.
5. Combine and Finish: Gently pour the tempered egg-and-cheese mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly as you do. You’ll notice the soup will immediately turn opaque and thicken slightly. Continue to stir for about 30 seconds more, but be careful not to let it boil again.
6. Add the Final Touches: Switch off the heat completely. Add the unsalted butter and stir until it has melted into the soup. This adds a final layer of richness and a beautiful sheen. Taste the soup and season with salt and additional black pepper if needed.
7. Serve Immediately: Ladle the hot Italian Pastina Soup into warmed bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous amount of extra grated Parmesan cheese. It’s best enjoyed straight away!

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

This recipe is quite forgiving, but following a few key tips will guarantee perfect results every time. We have also included some simple variations for those moments you fancy a change.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• The Foundation is the Broth: With so few components, the quality of your broth has a significant impact on the final taste. A homemade chicken broth is wonderful, but a high-quality, low-sodium shop-bought variety will also work perfectly.
• Perfecting the Pastina: You can typically find pastina in larger supermarkets or at an Italian delicatessen. The most common varieties are stelline (stars) and acini di pepe (peppercorns). If you’re unable to find them, orzo makes a suitable alternative. To learn more about different pasta shapes, you can consult authoritative sources like Barilla.
• Choose Your Cheese Wisely: For the best flavour and a smooth, melting consistency, we always recommend using a block of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and grating it yourself. Pre-grated cheeses often contain additives that can prevent them from melting properly, resulting in a grainy texture.

Simple Variations to Try

• Incorporate Protein: To transform this into a more substantial meal, consider adding finely shredded cooked chicken. Its mild flavour complements the soup beautifully, much like the chicken in our well-loved Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken.
• A Zest of Lemon: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in just before serving can brighten all the flavours and add a delightful touch of freshness.
• Boost with Veggies: For an extra nutritional kick, you can add finely diced carrot and celery to the broth, allowing them to simmer until tender before you add the pasta. A handful of fresh spinach can also be wilted into the soup at the very end.

The Ultimate Comfort Food for Sick Days

There’s a very good reason why this soup is celebrated as the quintessential comfort food for sick loved ones. When you’re feeling unwell, your body naturally craves simple, nourishing foods that are easy to digest. This Italian Pastina Soup meets all those needs perfectly. The warm broth is wonderfully hydrating and can help soothe a sore throat. The tiny pasta is gentle on the stomach, providing essential carbohydrates for energy without being heavy. Furthermore, the protein from the egg and Parmesan aids in recovery. Most importantly, its simple yet savoury taste is often one of the few things that seems appealing when your appetite is low. It is truly a bowl filled with care.

FAQ

A Timeless Recipe for Every Occasion

Italian Pastina Soup is far more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a culinary tradition rooted in love and care. It’s the recipe we gravitate towards on chilly evenings, the one we prepare for our family when they feel unwell, and the one that consistently brings a comforting smile. Its charm is found in its simplicity, a testament to the fact that you don’t need an extensive list of ingredients to create something truly delicious and restorative.

We hope you’ll make this recipe a staple in your own kitchen. Keep it classic and simple, or feel free to adapt it with your favourite additions. However you choose to enjoy it, we are confident it will become a treasured part of your cooking repertoire.

Have you had a go at making our Italian Pastina Soup? We would love to hear how it went for you in the comments section below!

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Create the perfect bowl of comfort with our authentic Italian Pastina Soup recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy pasta broth soup is the ideal remedy for sick days or a simple, cosy dinner. Follow our guide for the ultimate creamy and restorative soup.

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 litres good-quality chicken or vegetable broth
• 200g pastina pasta (e.g., stelline)
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 60g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 small whole garlic clove (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring the broth to a gentle boil with the optional garlic and bay leaf.
2. Remove aromatics, add the pastina, and simmer for 4-6 minutes until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of black pepper.
4. Reduce the soup heat to low. Slowly whisk a ladleful of hot broth into the egg mixture to temper it.
5. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Do not let it boil.
6. Turn off the heat, stir in the butter until melted, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.