Italian Pastina Soup

Italian Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a warm hug in a bowl that’s been cherished by generations.

Recipe for Pastina Soup

This classic dish made with simple ingredients: tiny pastina pasta, broth, and sometimes a whisked egg, feels like a remedy for all of life’s woes. You may also like my Crock-Pot Tomato Soup Recipe, 4-Ingredient Potato Soup Recipe, Chicken Corn Chowder, or my Crock-Pot Chicken Cream Chili Recipe.

❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe for Pastina Soup

Whether you're under the weather or just need a comfort dish, this soup is the perfect choice. In this post, we’ll dive into its origins, the magic of its ingredients, substitutions for pastina, ways to jazz it up with eggs or milk and answer your most burning questions. Grab a spoon, and let’s get into it!

But first.....Pastina Soup vs. Creamy Pastina Pasta: What’s the Difference?

Photo by veggiekins

While pastina soup is a light, broth-based dish, there’s also a thicker, creamier version of pastina that resembles a risotto-like porridge. The main difference lies in the liquid-to-pasta ratio and the addition of rich ingredients like milk, butter, or heavy cream. In creamy pastina dishes, the pasta is cooked directly in milk or broth, allowing the starches to thicken the mixture for a velvety consistency. Both are delicious, but they cater to different moods—one for when you need a soothing soup, and the other when you’re craving something indulgently creamy.

🍲 Ingredients

Pastina - "Pastina" means "tiny pasta" in Italian, and it’s a staple in Italian kitchens. This is often the first dish that Italian babies eat. It's also known as penicillin soup because it was so often served when people were sick. So comforting just like American's chicken noodle soup.

Broth or Stock: - A flavorful broth—be it chicken, vegetable, or beef—forms the base of this cozy dish.

Eggs (Optional): Adding an egg gives the soup richness, protein and a velvety texture.

Parmesan Reggiano Cheese: No pastina recipe is complete without a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that umami punch.

Milk (Optional): For an even creamier twist, milk can be added to the soup.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Pastina Soup

Italian pastina soup is a comforting dish made by cooking tiny pasta (pastina) in broth until tender. Start by bringing chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer, then add pastina and cook until soft. Stir in butter for richness and finish with grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can mix in a beaten egg, stirring continuously to create a silky texture. Serve warm with a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh herbs.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

• Don't overcook the pasta
• Use real Parmesan Reggiano cheese if possible. It's different and much better the pre-shredded Parmesan. To know if you're getting the real deal, look for both names on the package.

🗒 Variations

• Pastina with Egg: Adding an egg to your pastina soup is where the magic happens. The result? A richer, silkier texture that takes the dish to the next level. Here’s how to do it:
  • Whisk the Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
  • Add a tablespoon of Parmesan: to the egg and mix
  • Temper the Egg: To prevent scrambling, slowly ladle a bit of hot broth into the egg and cheese while whisking constantly.
  • Incorporate: Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture into your simmering soup, stirring as you go.
• The result is a soup that’s somewhere between traditional pastina soup and stracciatella, another Italian favorite. This method works beautifully if you’re following a pastina recipe with egg.

• Pastina with Butter
  • Add a pat of butter at the end of cooking for Pastina with butter.
• Pastina Pasta
  • The creamy Pastina pasta uses less liquid and usually adds cheese and butter at the end like a risotto.

Chicken Pastina Soup:

Add freshly seared chicken breast or thighs, leftover chicken that's been shredded, or use shredded rotisserie chicken. All make a great Chicken Pastina Soup.

🗒 Substitution

I get it—sometimes finding pastina pasta can be tricky, especially outside of Italian specialty stores. Don’t fret; there are plenty of substitutes for Pastina that work just as well in your pastina soup recipe:

• Orzo: These rice-shaped pasta pieces are slightly larger than pastina but still work wonderfully in soups.
• Acini di Pepe: Similar in size and texture, this small pasta is a perfect stand-in.
• Alphabet Pasta: Fun for kids (and adults), this tiny pasta can double as an adorable substitute.
• Parmesan Reggiano: Substitute Pecorino for a less expensive version.

When substituting pasta, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Always check the pasta for doneness to avoid overcooked pasta! Add more water if broth is absorbed before the pasta is done cooking.

🗒 Best served with

• Green Salad
• Crusty Bread
• Crackers

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Note: You may need to add more stock or water to get your desired consistency and re-season it as needed after it's reheated.

🤔 Common Questions