Cozy Italian Pastina Soup

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly evening, especially when the kids are feeling a bit under the weather or just need a little hug in a bowl. My go-to is always this Cozy Italian Pastina Soup. I’ve been making this for years, ever since my eldest, Tom, came home from school with a sniffle. It’s simple, quick, and always brings a smile to their faces – even when they’re not feeling their best! It’s far quicker than making a risotto, and somehow feels even more comforting. You’ll get a satisfying, flavourful, and heartwarming bowl that’s perfect for a family supper. Trust me, this will become a family favourite in no time.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cozy Italian Pastina Soup is a winner for busy families for so many reasons. It’s one of those recipes that I can whip up in under 30 minutes, even on the busiest of school nights. After a long day, that’s a huge win! Here’s why it works:

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes less than half an hour. Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.
• Child-Approved: My children absolutely adore this soup. The tiny pasta shapes are fun to eat, and the flavour is mild and comforting, even for picky eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
• 100g pastina pasta (or other small pasta shapes)
• 25g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Pastina: This tiny star-shaped pasta is the key to the soup’s comforting texture. You can usually find it in the Italian section of most supermarkets. If you can’t find pastina, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. My children actually sometimes prefer orzo!

Chicken or Vegetable Stock: I usually use chicken stock for a richer flavour, but vegetable stock works just as well, especially if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Low-sodium stock is always a good idea, so you can control the salt level.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty, umami flavour. If you’re on a budget, you can use a good quality hard cheese instead, but Parmesan really does make a difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. We don’t want it browned, just softened, which is important for the flavour.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter very quickly. The aroma at this stage is just wonderful!

Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the pastina pasta to the simmering stock and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that undercooked pasta is just a no-go with the children. I always test a little piece before serving to make sure it’s just right.

Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it really adds a lovely warmth.

Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired. I like to serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pastina will turn mushy, so keep a close eye on it and test it frequently.
• Use a good quality stock: The flavour of the stock really shines through in this soup, so use the best quality stock you can find. Homemade is even better!
• Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a lovely brightness to the soup.
• Make it richer: For an extra creamy soup, stir in a knob of butter or a splash of cream at the end.
• Child-friendly adjustments: If your children are sensitive to strong flavours, you can omit the garlic or use a milder cheese. My daughter, Emily, sometimes asks for a little bit of grated carrot mixed in!
• Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the pasta. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply bring the stock to a simmer and add the pasta.
• For extra flavour: Try adding a bay leaf to the stock while it simmers for an extra layer of flavour. Remember to remove it before serving.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover pastina soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra stock or water when reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from splattering.

Make-Ahead: You can easily make this soup ahead of time. Prepare it as directed, but stop before adding the pasta. Store the soup base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, bring the soup base to a simmer, add the pasta, and cook until tender.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shapes in place of pastina.

Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavour.

Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or spinach. I often add frozen peas for extra goodness and a pop of colour.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. I often make the soup base (before adding the pasta) the night before, especially on busy school nights. Store it in the fridge and simply bring it to a simmer, add the pasta, and cook as directed when you’re ready to eat.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to it. Start checking it after about 8 minutes and taste a piece to see if it’s done to your liking. Remember that it will continue to cook slightly once you remove it from the heat.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shapes you like. Ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How should I store leftovers properly?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a little extra stock when reheating.

Will my children enjoy this soup?

In my experience, most children love this soup! The small pasta shapes are fun to eat, and the flavour is mild and comforting. Of course, every child is different, but it’s usually a winner in our house.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger family?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger family. Just increase the ingredients proportionally and use a larger saucepan.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend freezing this soup with the pasta already in it, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the soup base (before adding the pasta) and then add the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Cozy Italian Pastina Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich also makes a lovely accompaniment.

For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken or sausage to the soup. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, adds a nice touch of flavour and freshness.

I often serve this soup in small bowls as a starter or side dish. It’s also perfect for a light lunch or a comforting supper on a cold day.

Portion-wise, I usually serve about 1 1/2 cups of soup per person. This is generally enough for a satisfying meal, especially when served with bread or a side dish.

My family loves to have this soup with a dollop of pesto stirred in, for an extra shot of flavour!

And there you have it! A bowl of Cozy Italian Pastina Soup that is quick to make, warming, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it does to mine. Remember, cooking for your family should be a pleasure, not a chore, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Do give it a go and let me know what you think in the comments below. I always love hearing your honest feedback. And if you’re looking for more simple, family-friendly recipes, be sure to browse around FamiliesRecipes.com or join our email community for regular updates and exclusive content. Happy cooking!

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