Description
This comforting Italian Pastina Soup is a warm, flavorful dish perfect for any season. It features a creamy vegetable base made from simmered onion, carrots, and celery, blended with savory Parmesan rind-infused broth and tender pastina pasta. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, this soup is easy to prepare and serves as a nourishing meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
Broth & Cheese
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Parmesan rind
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 cup pastina pasta (or other small pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Roughly chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Precise cuts are not necessary as the vegetables will be blended later.
- Simmer Vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large pot with the chicken or vegetable broth and the Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Cook to Tenderness: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Puree the Soup Base: Remove the vegetables using a strainer. Transfer them to a blender along with ½ to 1 cup of the cooking broth, or alternatively use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth, being cautious with hot liquids to avoid splatters.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour the pureed vegetable mixture back into the pot and add the pastina pasta. Simmer for 7-9 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
- Season and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Parmesan rind adds rich umami flavor; if unavailable, a small amount of Parmesan cheese stirred in early can enhance taste.
- Pastina can be substituted with other tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe or stelline.
- Use an immersion blender for easier pureeing without transferring hot liquids.
- Adjust broth quantity if you prefer thinner or thicker soup consistency.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently while adding extra broth as needed.
