Pastina in Brodo (15 Minutes Italian Pasta Soup)

When you think of Italian comfort food, dishes like lasagna and spaghetti might come to mind, but there's a lesser-known gem that deserves just as much attention: Pastina. The name means "little pasta" and it's a simple broth (brodo) with tiny pasta shapes like Stelline (tiny stars) or Acini di Pepe (the name means Peppercorns. It's ready in less than 10 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you're craving something warm and soothing.

Pastina is the ultimate Italian comfort food, and it's simpler than you may think. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a hearty soup that's sure to please the entire family. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply want a quick and nourishing meal, Pastina is the answer. 

For more Italian soup recipes, check out also Tuscan Ribollita and Legumes Soup.

🧾 Ingredients

• Pastina: These little stars pasta pieces cook quickly and are, literally, the star of this dish. You can find pastina pasta in most grocery store, usually in the pasta aisle.
• Broth: The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness. You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a real Italian experience, I recommend the Star bouillon cubes.
• Cheese: For a salty, umami flavor that elevates the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best. If you can, even add a Parmesan rind to the broth for extra flavor. I always keep them in the freezer to use in winter soups. I recommend also adding a wedge of cheese to make a cheesy creamy broth.
• Soffritto: Minced onion, carrots, and celery, are the perfect veggie addition to any soup. It's not necessary if you're already using a flavorful broth, but it's always a good addition if you have portions in your freezer.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

• Pastina: If you can't find Stelline pasta, you can substitute with other small shapes type of pasta like orzo, acini de pepe, or even small elbow macaroni.
• Broth: Broth makes all the difference for this ultimate comfort food. Vegetable broth, chicken stock, or beef bone broth can be used as alternatives, and a flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can be used if you need a dairy-free or vegan option.

🥣 Variations

• Chicken Pastina: Incorporate shredded cooked chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal.
• Tomato Pastina: Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste or a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Herb Pastina: Add dried or fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for an aromatic boost.
• Egg Soup: It's very common to also add a beaten egg to the soup. This is called Stracciatella. This is not something I usually do to mine but it's a good way to add extra protein.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. Prepare the delicious broth to your preference. If you make homemade stock, you can add also a Parmesan rind for extra flavor.

Step 2. Add the pastina pasta to the broth and cook al dente according to the packaging instructions.

Season to taste with salt and black pepper (optional), add grated Parmesan cheese or a cheese wedge, and serve.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Pastina soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. You may need to add a bit more broth or water, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid over time.

You can also freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

🫶 Related recipes you might like

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: