Traditional Italian Pastina Soup

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A bowl of Traditional Italian Pastina Soup is like a warm hug from the inside out. This comforting classic has been cherished across generations for its gentle flavors and healing warmth. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving something nostalgic, there’s nothing quite as soothing as a bowl of this tiny pasta soup.

The magic lies in its simplicity. Pastina, meaning “little pasta,” is cooked in a flavorful broth and often enriched with egg and cheese. It’s the ultimate feel-better meal in Italian households and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Simple, soulful, and satisfying—it’s comfort food at its most honest.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Italian Pastina Soup

This soup comes together with minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly and fast. It’s perfect for all ages—especially little ones and anyone needing a gentle meal. The texture is creamy and rich, without feeling heavy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a starter to an Italian feast, this soup fits right in.

What Kind of Pastina Should I Use?

Pastina comes in a variety of shapes: stars (stelline), dots (acini di pepe), or tiny tubes (ditalini). Any small pasta will do the trick, but stelline is the most iconic. If you can’t find it, orzo or even couscous are great substitutes. The key is something small enough to become tender in just a few minutes of simmering.

Ingredients for the Traditional Italian Pastina Soup

You don’t need much to create something wonderful. This soup shines when the ingredients are simple and high quality. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken broth
The base of the soup. Go for homemade if you can, or choose a high-quality store-bought version for the best flavor.

Pastina
The star of the show! These tiny pasta shapes cook up quickly and create the soup’s signature texture.

Egg
Adds protein and gives the soup a silky, nourishing richness when whisked into the hot broth.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts into the soup, offering a salty, nutty depth.

Butter
A pat stirred in at the end adds a luscious finish and enhances the broth’s flavor.

Salt
To taste—but if your broth is well-seasoned, you may not need much more.

Black pepper
Freshly ground for a touch of warmth and balance.

How To Make the Traditional Italian Pastina Soup

Step 1: Heat the Broth

Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. This is the base of your soup, so let it warm your kitchen with its inviting aroma.

Step 2: Cook the Pastina

Once the broth is boiling, add the pastina. Stir occasionally so the tiny pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes or until the pastina is tender.

Step 3: Add the Egg

In a small bowl, whisk the egg well. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly drizzle the egg into the pot while stirring constantly. This will create silky threads throughout the soup.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Butter

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a small knob of butter. Stir gently until everything melts and combines into a creamy broth.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This recipe yields about 2 to 3 hearty bowls, making it great for a cozy dinner or a lunch for the week. Serve it immediately while it’s warm and the texture is creamy.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pastina will absorb more broth as it sits, so when reheating, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to a soupy consistency.

What to Serve With Traditional Italian Pastina Soup?

Crusty Bread

A warm, rustic loaf like ciabatta or sourdough is perfect for dipping.

Italian Chopped Salad

Balance the warm soup with a crunchy, zesty salad of greens, olives, and shaved Parmesan.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots or zucchini bring out natural sweetness and color to the meal.

Classic Caprese Salad

Bright tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is a simple, fresh pairing.

Herby Chicken Meatballs

Serve a few tender meatballs on the side or even drop them into the soup.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

For an unexpected twist, dip naan into the brothy goodness.

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Zesty, crispy potatoes offer a hearty side for a more filling meal.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Traditional Italian Pastina Soup, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting options:

• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for something rich and savory.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you’re craving something creamy and veggie-packed.
• Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque when you want a touch of luxury.
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon as a seafood main course to follow your soup.
• Zucchini Lasagna if you want a low-carb but hearty Italian meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this Traditional Italian Pastina Soup to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can revisit it any time.

And I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Did you try adding garlic or maybe swap in veggie broth? Let me know in the comments below and help others create their perfect version.

Explore even more wholesome and cozy meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest — your go-to for warming recipes that feel like home.

Conclusion

Traditional Italian Pastina Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a memory in a bowl. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe brings simple ingredients together to offer comfort, warmth, and a reminder that food doesn’t need to be fancy to be truly special. Every spoonful is a taste of tradition.

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