Easy Pastina Soup

This Easy Pastina Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of some comfort food, this Italian classic delivers soothing flavors and hidden veggies that even picky eaters will love. With its smooth broth and tiny pasta shapes, it’s both delightful and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The blend of vegetables creates a rich, savory broth that warms your soul.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the veggies, this soup is good for your health while being tasty.
• Versatile: You can easily switch up the pasta or add extra veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Picky Eater Approved: The blended vegetables are undetectable, ensuring even the fussiest eaters will enjoy it.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential for this Easy Pastina Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Slotted spoon
• Small pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the broth and cooking all the ingredients together evenly.
• Blender: Ensures a smooth consistency by blending the vegetables into the broth without any chunks.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked veggies to the blender while leaving the broth behind.
• Small pot: Necessary for boiling pastina separately to maintain its texture before adding it to the soup.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 10.5 cups water (2 ½ liters) – or use organic unsalted veggie broth or ½ water and ½ broth
• 1 yellow onion (peeled and halved)
• 2 celery ribs (cut in half)
• 3 carrots (peeled)
• 4 garlic cloves (peeled)
• Salt (start with ½ tablespoon, then taste and adjust)

For the Pasta

• 1 cup pastina (boiled; any small pasta shape, such as orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles)

For Garnish

• Parmigiano

How to Make Easy Pastina Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Broth

Fill a large pot with the water (or ½ water and ½ organic unsalted vegetable broth) and heat over high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; season with salt. Bring to a boil.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and semi-cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 45 minutes until all veggies are super soft and liquid has reduced. Taste for seasoning; adjust with more salt if needed.

Step 3: Blend It Up

Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked veggies to a blender along with two ladles of broth. Blend until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Return this mixture back to the pot of broth; stir well.

Step 4: Cook Your Pastina

In a separate small pot of salted water, boil your choice of pastina according to package instructions.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Add a ladleful of cooked pastina to each bowl. Pour hot broth over it and dust with some parmigiano before serving. Enjoy your comforting Easy Pastina Soup!

How to Serve Easy Pastina Soup

Serving Easy Pastina Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy meal at home or serving guests, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: This classic salad complements the flavors of the soup and offers a crunchy texture.

Add Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for dipping.
• Crusty Baguette: Slices of fresh baguette can soak up the broth beautifully.

Garnish Options

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for an aromatic finish.
• Grated Cheese: Enhance flavor by adding extra parmigiano on top just before serving.

How to Perfect Easy Pastina Soup

To ensure your Easy Pastina Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with organic unsalted vegetable broth for the best flavor base.
• Adjust Salt Gradually: Begin with less salt, then taste and adjust to avoid over-seasoning.
• Blend Smoothly: Ensure all vegetables are blended until smooth to achieve a creamy texture.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Boil pastina in salted water separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Customize Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container but keep pastina separate to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pastina Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Pastina Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil offers a flavorful crunch.
2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a fresh bite.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and veggies serve as a hearty addition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious contrast.
5. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta sprinkled with cheese pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
6. Spinach and Feta Pie: A flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta adds richness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Pastina Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to taste and adjust the salt may lead to a bland soup. Always start with a base seasoning and adjust as necessary.
• Overcooking the veggies: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for soft but not disintegrated veggies for a better texture.
• Skipping the blending step: If you skip blending the veggies, you miss out on creating a smooth, comforting broth. Always blend them into the soup for that rich flavor.
• Using cold pastina: Adding cold pasta to hot soup can cool down your dish. Ensure your pastina is warmed before combining it with the broth.
• Not storing properly: Leaving leftover soup uncovered in the fridge can cause it to absorb odors. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Pastina Soup

• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Easy Pastina Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Pastina Soup:

Can I customize my Easy Pastina Soup?

Yes! You can add different vegetables or herbs according to your preference. Spinach or peas work well!

What pasta shapes can I use for Easy Pastina Soup?

You can use any small pasta shape like orzo, little stars, or tiny macaroni noodles for this recipe.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and feel free to load it with your favorite vegetables!

Is Easy Pastina Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup holds up well when stored properly, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pastina Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to customize with different vegetables or pasta shapes. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or quick meals when you’re feeling under the weather. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!