If you are looking for a heartwarming, cozy dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl, the Pastina Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful Italian egg drop soup is incredibly quick and easy to make, combining tiny, tender pastina pasta with a rich chicken broth, silky ribbons of egg, and a touch of Parmesan for a flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Its simplicity doesn’t just make it a perfect weeknight meal, but also an ideal remedy for when you need a bit of soothing nourishment with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Pastina Soup Recipe is a breeze, but every item plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the savory broth to the delicate pasta, each element adds depth and warmth to this comforting soup.
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Provides a flavorful, rich base that brings the soup to life without overpowering the delicate pastina.
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta: These tiny pasta pearls cook quickly and give the soup a lovely tender bite; substitutes like acini di pepe or stelline work wonderfully too.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness that mellows the broth and enhances every spoonful.
- 1 large egg: Whisked and drizzled in to create luxurious egg ribbons that turn this simple soup into something magical.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory depth that elevates the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and balance the soup perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note to finish the dish.
How to Make Pastina Soup Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Gentle Boil
Start by pouring your low sodium chicken broth into a medium saucepan and heating it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. This gentle simmer will ensure that the flavors infuse nicely without evaporating too quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Pastina Pasta
Once your broth is boiling, stir in the pastina pasta. Follow the package instructions, usually cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the pasta becomes tender but not mushy. This quick cooking time keeps the texture perfect and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg and Parmesan Mixture
While the pasta cooks, take a small bowl and whisk together the large egg and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture adds creaminess and a cheesy richness that will beautifully complement the broth and pastina.
Step 4: Create Silky Egg Ribbons
Once your pastina is perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg and Parmesan mixture into the hot broth, stirring continuously to form delicate, silky egg ribbons. This technique is what transforms the soup into a luscious and comforting treat.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Season
Stir in the tablespoon of unsalted butter until it melts completely into the broth. Then season your soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. These final touches round out the flavors beautifully, creating a harmonious bowl of comfort.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the finished Pastina Soup Recipe into bowls, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Serve it piping hot to enjoy the full comforting effect.
How to Serve Pastina Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley offers a bright, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup base, while an additional shower of Parmesan gives a salty finish that cheese lovers will adore. A pinch of cracked black pepper on top can also add a subtle kick and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping and savoring every last drop. For a light meal, a simple green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect companions, balancing the richness of the soup with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or elevate a casual family dinner? Serve the Pastina Soup Recipe in small, rustic bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers. Present it as a first course alongside a charcuterie board, or even pour it into mini bread bowls for a cozy, Instagram-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pastina Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The pasta may soak up some of the broth, so consider adding a splash of extra broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is not generally recommended because the pasta can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the broth separately and cook fresh pastina when ready to serve for better texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra broth or water if it seems too thick. If desired, whisk a fresh egg into the hot soup off the heat for that signature silky texture, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
FAQs
Can I make Pastina Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth to keep the soup flavorful and vegetarian-friendly without losing its comforting essence.
What pasta can I substitute for pastina?
If you don’t have pastina on hand, tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe, stelline, or even orzo work wonderfully. The key is to use small pasta so it cooks quickly and maintains the delicate texture.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes, this soup is a perfect choice for kids due to its mild flavors and soft texture. The egg ribbons add protein, and it’s easy to digest, making it a comforting meal for little ones.
Can I add vegetables or protein to make it heartier?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded cooked chicken, baby spinach, or finely diced carrots and celery to turn the soup into a more filling meal while still keeping its cozy character.
How long does Pastina Soup Recipe take to prepare?
This soup is incredibly quick to make, with just about 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, perfect for busy days when you want a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
The Pastina Soup Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s quick, nourishing, and utterly comforting—perfect for anytime you crave a warm bowl of goodness. Give this recipe a try and discover just how easily you can bring a slice of Italian comfort home to your table.
Print
Pastina Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Pastina Soup is a warm, comforting Italian dish featuring tiny pasta cooked in a savory chicken broth, enriched with a silky egg and Parmesan cheese mixture. Perfect as a light starter or a gentle meal for kids, this quick and easy soup is ready in just 15 minutes and can be customized with shredded chicken or spinach for added heartiness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
Pasta
- 1/2 cup pastina pasta (or other tiny pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
Egg Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil to prepare the base for the soup.
- Cook the pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare egg and cheese mixture: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the large egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until smooth.
- Create egg ribbons: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the egg and cheese mixture into the hot broth while stirring continuously to form silky egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Add butter and season: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted to add richness. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add shredded chicken or a handful of baby spinach to the soup.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, use water with bouillon cubes as a substitute.
- This simple and comforting soup is ideal for children or as a light starter.
