Cozy Pastina Soup – The Hug-in-a-Bowl Classic
This cozy Pastina Soup is a classic Italian comfort dish made with tiny pasta, rich broth, Parmesan, and butter. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect hug-in-a-bowl when you’re feeling under the weather or just need something warm and nostalgic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star pasta or any small pasta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for egg-drop style richness)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the pastina and cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- (Optional) In a small bowl, beat the egg and slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring to create delicate egg ribbons.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add baby spinach, peas, or shredded chicken for extra nutrition.
- Stir in a splash of milk or cream for a creamier texture.
- Leftovers may thicken; add extra broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
