World Recipe: Italian Pastina Soup

09 Nov World Recipe: Italian Pastina Soup

Italian pastina soup is one of those dishes that win you over with its simplicity and comforting taste. Every spoonful carries the warmth of a traditional recipe, perfect for cold days or whenever you just want something that feels like home. The name “pastina” comes from pasta piccola, which in Italian means “small pasta,” referring to the tiny pasta shapes that give the soup its unique and delicate texture. Light, nutritious, and full of flavor, this soup is ideal for both children and adults, and its versatility makes it easy to adapt with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of chicken or vegetable stock
• 150 g of pastina
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon of butter
• Fresh chopped parsley

Preparation:

• In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil over medium-high heat. If using homemade stock, strain it for a clear, clean broth.
• Peel and dice the carrot and onion into small cubes. Add them to the stock and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
• Stir in the pastina and cook according to the package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente.
• For a smoother texture, briefly remove from heat and mash the vegetables with the stock before adding the pasta.
• Adjust the taste with salt and pepper. If you want a creamier soup, add the butter and stir until melted.

Serve hot in individual bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.