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To make Italian Pastina Soup, you need a few simple ingredients. Here are the key items: - 1 cup pastina (small pasta shapes) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup diced carrots - 1 cup diced celery - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bay leaf - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient plays a special role. The pastina adds a comforting texture. The fresh veggies bring flavor and color. The broth warms everything up. The herbs and spices give it depth. You can top it with cheese and parsley for extra joy. This soup is both simple and tasty. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing the vegetables Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and smell great. 2. Adding broth and herbs Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Now, pour in the vegetable broth. Toss in the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring this mixture to a boil. 3. Cooking the pastina Once it’s boiling, add the pastina. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the pastina according to the package instructions, usually around 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't get mushy. 4. Finishing touches and serving After the pastina is tender, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and more cheese if desired. To make the best Italian Pastina Soup, pay attention to the cooking times for pastina. This small pasta cooks quickly, usually in about 5 to 6 minutes. Always check the package for exact times. To avoid mushy pasta, don't overcook the pastina. Start checking it a minute before the time is up. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite. Enhance the flavor with some smart seasoning tips. Use fresh herbs like parsley for a bright taste. A pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference. If you want a richer flavor, add a bit of Parmesan cheese when serving. It melts nicely and adds depth to your soup. Remember, the key to a tasty soup is balancing the flavors. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning as you go. This way, you can create a bowl that is just right for you. Pro Tips Use Quality Broth: A good quality vegetable broth can greatly enhance the flavor of your soup. Consider using homemade broth or a low-sodium store-bought option for more control over the saltiness. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers based on your preference or seasonal availability. Perfectly Cooked Pastina: To prevent the pastina from becoming mushy, add it to the broth only when you're ready to serve the soup, ensuring it cooks just until al dente. Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pastina when reheating to maintain the ideal texture. {{image_2}} You can make your pastina soup even better by adding more ingredients. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding other vegetables: You can toss in peas or zucchini. These veggies add color and taste. They also boost nutrition. Just chop them small and add when you cook the carrots and celery. - Incorporating proteins: Want to make it heartier? Add chicken or beans. Cooked chicken adds protein and flavor. If you like beans, use white beans or chickpeas. They make the soup filling and tasty. - Using different herbs: Change up the taste with herbs. Try basil, oregano, or parsley. Each herb brings its own flavor. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking for the best taste. Mixing these options gives your pastina soup a unique twist. You can create a new favorite dish every time you make it! To keep your Italian Pastina Soup fresh, store it properly. First, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid is tight to avoid spills. If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Pour the soup into the container, leaving some space at the top. This space allows for expansion when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat the soup, reheating is easy. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave for a quick thaw. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over low heat. Stir often until it's hot. If you need to, add a splash of broth or water to thin it. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your Italian Pastina Soup! Yes, you can make Italian Pastina Soup in advance. It tastes great the next day. Just store it in the fridge after it cools. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove. Add a little broth if it gets too thick. If you can’t find pastina, use small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe. You can also use rice or quinoa if you prefer. These options keep the soup tasty and comforting. This recipe is not gluten-free because pastina is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Look for small gluten-free pasta shapes to keep the dish similar. To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth. Skip the Parmesan cheese for a vegan option. You can add more veggies or beans for extra protein and flavor. This blog post covered making a tasty Italian Pastina Soup. We looked at key ingredients like small pasta, fresh veggies, and broth. I shared easy steps for cooking and tips to keep your soup smooth. You can even customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. In the end, you can enjoy this soup fresh or save leftovers for later. Cooking can be fun and tasty! Now, grab your ingredients and start creating a warm bowl of comfort.

Comforting Italian Pastina Soup

A warm and hearty soup made with small pasta shapes, vegetables, and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pastina
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, add the bay leaf, and dried thyme; bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the pastina and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook according to the package instructions (usually around 5-6 minutes) until the pasta is tender.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
  • Remove the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, if using.

Notes

Add more vegetables or protein for a heartier meal.
Keyword comfort food, pastina, soup, vegetable broth