Ingredients
Broth and Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 parmesan rind
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 cup pastina or any tiny pasta variety
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Simmer the broth and vegetables: Add the chicken broth to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, and the parmesan rind. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently for 25 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened and the broth is infused with flavors.
- Prepare the vegetable puree: Remove and discard the parmesan rind. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the whole vegetables from the broth to a blender. Add about 2 cups of the hot broth to the blender as well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s safe to handle, then blend on high speed until you have a smooth, thick puree.
- Combine puree and cook pasta: Pour the blended vegetable puree back into the pot with the remaining broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and add the pastina or your chosen tiny pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian Pastina Soup.
Notes
- Using a parmesan rind adds depth and richness to the broth—don’t skip it!
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth and omit the parmesan rind or replace with a vegetarian parmesan alternative.
- Pastina can be replaced with any small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe.
- To make storage easier, cook the soup without adding pasta, then cook the pasta fresh when reheating individual servings.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, as traditionally served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
