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To make Italian Pastina Soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup small pastina pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Choosing fresh produce makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Look for vibrant colors. Fresh tomatoes should be bright and firm. - Choose onions that feel heavy and are free of soft spots. - Carrots should be crisp and have a bright orange color. - Spinach should be dark green and not wilted. You can make your own vegetable broth easily. Here are some simple ideas: - Use scraps like onion peels, carrot tops, and celery leaves. - Add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor. - Simmer the scraps in water for about an hour. - Strain the broth and use it in your soup for a fresh taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. First, take a large pot and heat up the olive oil on medium heat. When the oil looks shiny, add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Stir these for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they feel soft and smell good. Next, add the minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell sweet and strong. Now, pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, along with their juices. Increase the heat a bit and let it simmer gently. Once the soup simmers, it’s time to add the pastina. Check the pasta package for the cooking time, which is usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the pasta in until it’s cooked al dente and has soaked up some broth. After the pasta is ready, fold in the chopped spinach. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will wilt the spinach and brighten its color. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Serve the warm soup in bowls. Top each bowl with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and basil leaves. This adds flavor and a nice touch to the dish. Cooking times matter a lot in this recipe. If you cook the vegetables too long, they can get mushy. Sautéing them for just the right time brings out their best flavors. The pastina needs the right time too. If you cook it too long, it can become soggy. You want it to be firm but tender. The brief cooking time for spinach helps it keep its bright color and nutrients. Using images or videos can help you see what each step should look like. When you sauté the vegetables, you want them to be soft, not brown. When you add the garlic, you’ll notice a rich aroma. You can find many cooking videos online that show how to make pastina soup. Watching someone else cook can make it easier for you to follow along. To get the best flavor in your Italian pastina soup, use fresh vegetables. Fresh veggies really shine in this dish. I love using homemade vegetable broth. It adds depth and warmth. Don't forget the herbs! Dried basil and oregano are key. They bring a lovely aroma. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A little extra seasoning can elevate your soup. Lastly, finish with grated Parmesan cheese. It adds creaminess and flavor that you will love. One mistake is cooking the pastina too long. It can become mushy if overcooked. Always check the package for cooking time. Another error is skipping the sauté step. Sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery builds flavor. Avoid adding the spinach too early; it should only wilt in the last few minutes. Finally, don’t forget to taste your soup! Adjusting seasoning is vital for the best results. For this recipe, a heavy-bottomed pot is best. It helps heat evenly and prevents burning. A good knife is important for chopping veggies. I recommend a cutting board for safety. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A ladle is handy for serving the soup. Lastly, have a grater ready for the Parmesan cheese. These tools will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality vegetable broth. Fresh spinach, tomatoes, and herbs will significantly enhance the taste of your soup. Customize Your Pasta: While pastina is traditional, feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add Protein: To make this soup more filling, consider adding cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. This will turn your cozy soup into a hearty meal. Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, cook the pasta separately if you're planning to reheat it, as it may become mushy. {{image_4}} You can easily change this soup to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Different Pastas: Use small shapes like orzo or ditalini. - Veggies: Add zucchini, peas, or bell peppers for more color. - Herbs: Try fresh thyme or parsley to switch up the flavor. - Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. Feel free to mix and match these options. The soup can be just how you like it! Want a gluten-free version? It’s simple! Look for gluten-free pastina or small gluten-free pasta shapes. Many stores carry these options now. You can also make your own pasta using gluten-free flour. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. Your soup will still taste amazing! Adding protein makes this soup heartier. Here are two great options: - Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken. Stir it in when you add the pastina. - Beans: Canned white beans or chickpeas work well. Rinse them and add them in the last few minutes. Both options add flavor and make the soup more filling. Enjoy your tasty and comforting bowl of Italian pastina soup! To keep your Italian pastina soup fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, pour it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. If you want to save the soup for longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. You can store the soup in the freezer for up to three months. Remember to label the bags with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s hot. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water. This will help restore its creamy texture. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup! Pastina is a small type of pasta. It is often shaped like tiny stars or grains. This pasta cooks quickly and adds a nice texture to soups. Kids love it for its fun shapes. You can find pastina in many stores. It cooks in just 5-7 minutes. Pastina is also great for adding to broth-based dishes, making meals cozy and warm. Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Start by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This soup is already veggie-friendly with the fresh spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can add beans for protein too. This way, you keep the flavor and make it suitable for everyone! To make Italian Pastina Soup more filling, you have several options. Adding protein is a great idea. You can use shredded chicken or cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas. Both options boost the protein content. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or kale. If you want a heartier soup, consider adding some cooked rice or quinoa. These additions will make your soup satisfying and delicious! This blog post covered making Italian Pastina Soup. We discussed ingredients, including how to choose fresh produce and make broth. The cooking process was broken into clear steps with importance on timing. Tips helped ensure great flavor and avoid mistakes. Variations included gluten-free options and ways to add proteins. Lastly, we shared the best storage practices and common questions. Overall, making this soup is simple and rewarding. You can enjoy a comforting bowl while customizing it to fit your needs. Dive in and let your creativity shine!

Cozy Italian Pastina Soup

A warm and comforting soup made with small pastina pasta, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup small pastina pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced into small cubes
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and aromatic.
  • Add the minced garlic, along with the dried basil and oregano to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, with their juices. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Once the soup is simmering, stir in the pastina pasta. Refer to the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth.
  • Gently fold in the chopped spinach and season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted and brightened in color.
  • Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and generously top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fragrant fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan.
Keyword Italian, pastina, soup, vegetable broth