Pastina soup is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, simple, and nourishing dish that has been a staple in Italian kitchens for generations. Made with tiny star-shaped pasta, a rich broth, and simple ingredients like eggs, butter, and cheese, pastina soup is often enjoyed as a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a cozy bowl of warmth.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make traditional pastina soup from scratch, along with variations, serving suggestions, and pro tips to make it even more delicious!
The History of Pastina Soup
Pastina soup is more than just a simple dish—it’s a cherished part of Italian culinary tradition. For generations, Italian families have relied on this warm, nourishing meal to bring comfort during cold weather, sickness, or just as a quick and satisfying bite.
Let’s explore the origins of pastina, why it’s often called “Italian penicillin,” and how it became a beloved comfort food worldwide.
🔹 The Origins of Pastina
The word “pastina” comes from the Italian word pasta, meaning “paste” or “dough,” and the diminutive suffix “-ina”, which means “little.” Essentially, pastina means “little pasta”, referring to its tiny size.
✔ Pastina dates back centuries and was created as a small, delicate pasta shape that could cook quickly.
✔ It became a staple in Italian households, particularly for children and the elderly, because it was easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
✔ Over time, Italians started cooking pastina with broth, butter, eggs, and cheese, creating the simple yet flavorful soup we love today.
💡 Fun Fact: In many Italian homes, pastina was the first solid food given to babies after they transitioned from milk!
🔹 Why Pastina Soup is Called “Italian Penicillin”
Just like chicken noodle soup is known as a go-to remedy for colds in American culture, pastina soup holds the same status in Italy. It’s often referred to as “Italian penicillin” because:
✔ Warm broth helps with hydration and soothes sore throats.
✔ The simple ingredients are easy on digestion, making it ideal for recovery.
✔ Eggs and cheese add protein and nutrients, providing strength and energy.
Italian grandmothers (nonnas) have passed down pastina soup recipes for generations, ensuring that every family has their own special twist on this healing dish.
🔹 How Pastina Soup Became a Worldwide Comfort Food
As Italian immigrants spread across the world, they brought their love for pastina with them. Today, pastina soup is enjoyed in:
🌍 The United States – Many Italian-American families continue the tradition of making pastina for their children.
🌍 Latin America – Variations of pastina soup are common in Argentine and Brazilian households.
🌍 Europe & Beyond – Countries like France, Spain, and Greece have their own small-pasta soups inspired by pastina.
Despite its humble ingredients, pastina soup has a universal appeal—it’s warm, nourishing, and packed with childhood nostalgia for many people.
🔹 Why Pastina is Hard to Find Today
In 2023, Ronzoni, one of the most popular brands of pastina in the U.S., discontinued production, causing a wave of disappointment among fans. However, you can still find pastina under different brands, such as:
✔ Barilla Pastina – A great alternative with the same tiny star shape.
✔ De Cecco Stelline – Another classic small pasta option.
✔ Orzo, Acini di Pepe, or Israeli Couscous – Work as substitutes if pastina is unavailable.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find pastina, any tiny pasta shape will work in this soup!
🔹 The Timeless Appeal of Pastina Soup
Whether you grew up eating pastina soup or are just discovering it, this dish remains a go-to comfort meal for all ages. It’s quick to prepare, nourishing, and endlessly customizable.
✔ Perfect for kids, adults, and anyone needing a warm bowl of comfort.
✔ Can be made in under 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.
✔ A timeless Italian tradition that continues to be loved worldwide.
Essential Ingredients for Pastina Soup
Pastina soup is known for its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. While the classic version uses pastina, broth, eggs, butter, and cheese, you can customize it in many ways to suit your taste or dietary needs.
In this section, we’ll go over the essential ingredients, how to choose the best ones, and some substitutions for different dietary preferences.
🔹 The Core Ingredients of Traditional Pastina Soup
To make a classic Italian pastina soup, you’ll need:
1️⃣ Pastina (Tiny Pasta)
Pastina is the star of this dish! These tiny pasta shapes cook quickly and create a light, silky texture in the soup.
✔ Best Pastina Options:
- Stelline (Little Stars) – The most traditional shape.
- Acini di Pepe – Tiny round pasta that works well.
- Orzo or Israeli Couscous – Slightly larger but still a good alternative.
- Ditalini or Fregola – Can be used if pastina is unavailable.
💡 No pastina? Any small pasta will work, but smaller shapes absorb broth better, keeping the soup’s delicate consistency.
2️⃣ Broth (The Base of the Soup)
A good-quality broth is key to making the best pastina soup. You can use:
✔ Chicken Broth – The most traditional and flavorful option.
✔ Vegetable Broth – Great for a vegetarian version.
✔ Beef Broth – Adds a richer, deeper taste.
✔ Homemade Bone Broth – Boosts nutrition and enhances the soup’s healing properties.
💡 Pro Tip: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level and adjust seasoning to taste.
3️⃣ Eggs (For a Creamy, Velvety Texture)
Many traditional pastina soup recipes include eggs, which create a silky, creamy broth similar to Italian “Stracciatella” soup.
✔ How to Use Eggs in Pastina Soup:
- Beat 1 egg in a small bowl.
- Slowly drizzle it into the hot broth while stirring to create delicate egg ribbons.
- Let the egg cook in the broth for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving.
💡 Prefer a richer texture? Some recipes use 2 eggs + ¼ cup of grated Parmesan whisked together before adding to the soup.
4️⃣ Butter or Olive Oil (For Extra Richness)
A small amount of butter or olive oil makes the soup extra rich and comforting.
✔ Best Options:
- Butter – Adds a creamy, slightly sweet richness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A heart-healthy alternative with a mild peppery taste.
💡 Pro Tip: Stir in ½ tablespoon of butter or olive oil right before serving for the best flavor!
5️⃣ Cheese (For the Classic Italian Flavor)
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese is a must for that signature umami-rich taste.
✔ Best Cheeses for Pastina Soup:
- Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) – Mild, nutty, and melts beautifully.
- Pecorino Romano – Saltier and sharper, great for bolder flavor.
- Grana Padano – A milder alternative to Parmesan.
💡 For a creamy soup: Stir in ½ cup of grated cheese while the soup is still hot.
🔹 Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Want to customize your pastina soup? Here are some popular variations and substitutions:
🥕 Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
✔ Carrots – Dice or grate them for sweetness.
✔ Celery – Adds a light, fresh flavor.
✔ Spinach or Kale – Stir in at the end for a vitamin boost.
✔ Garlic & Onion – Sauté in olive oil before adding broth for extra depth.
💡 For a chunkier soup: Add chopped zucchini, potatoes, or tomatoes!
🍗 Protein Options
✔ Shredded Chicken – A great addition for a heartier soup.
✔ Ground Turkey or Beef – Adds richness without overpowering the soup.
✔ Tofu or Chickpeas – Perfect for a vegetarian protein boost.
💡 Leftover rotisserie chicken? Add it for an easy, protein-packed upgrade!
🥄 Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Substitutions
Want a low-carb or gluten-free version of pastina soup? Try these swaps:
✔ Cauliflower Rice – Cooks quickly and absorbs broth like pastina.
✔ Zucchini Noodles – Adds a light, fresh twist.
✔ Quinoa or Millet – Great gluten-free alternatives.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a thicker broth (bone broth or creamy base) to keep the comforting texture!
🔹 Summary: The Perfect Pastina Soup Ingredients
| Category | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Pasta | Pastina, Stelline, Acini di Pepe, Orzo |
| Broth | Chicken, Vegetable, Beef, Bone Broth |
| Eggs | Optional – Adds creaminess |
| Butter/Oil | Butter for richness, Olive oil for healthiness |
| Cheese | Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano |
| Add-Ins | Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Garlic, Onion |
| Protein Options | Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Tofu, Chickpeas |
| Gluten-Free Substitutes | Cauliflower Rice, Quinoa, Zucchini Noodles |
🔹 Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Ingredients
✔ Stick to simple, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
✔ Customize it based on your dietary needs—add veggies, protein, or gluten-free options!
✔ Make sure to use a flavorful broth, fresh cheese, and pastina (or a small pasta alternative).
How to Make Traditional Pastina Soup (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, it’s time to make a warm, comforting bowl of pastina soup! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the traditional method, along with pro tips for the best texture and flavor.
This classic pastina soup recipe is easy to make in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal, a sick-day remedy, or a nostalgic taste of home.
📝 Traditional Pastina Soup Recipe
📌 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 15-20 minutes
🍽 Servings: 2-4
🛒 Ingredients
🥄 Base Ingredients:
✅ 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable/beef broth)
✅ ½ cup pastina (or another small pasta like stelline or acini di pepe)
✅ 1 tablespoon butter or extra virgin olive oil
✅ ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
✅ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🥚 Egg & Cheese (for a Creamy Version)
✅ 1 large egg (beaten, optional)
✅ ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
🥕 Optional Add-Ins:
✅ ½ cup diced carrots or celery (for extra nutrition)
✅ ½ cup shredded cooked chicken (for more protein)
✅ 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the Broth
🔹 In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
🔹 If using carrots, celery, or garlic, add them now and let them simmer for 5 minutes to soften.
💡 Pro Tip: Use homemade chicken broth for a richer, more flavorful soup!
2️⃣ Add the Pastina
🔹 Stir in ½ cup of pastina and reduce heat to medium-low.
🔹 Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
💡 To prevent overcooking: Remove from heat as soon as the pasta is soft—it will continue absorbing broth as it sits.
3️⃣ Make It Creamy (Egg & Cheese Method – Optional)
🔹 In a small bowl, beat 1 egg.
🔹 Slowly drizzle the egg into the hot soup while stirring constantly.
🔹 The egg will create silky, delicate strands in the broth.
🔹 Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
💡 For a richer texture: Add a splash of heavy cream or more cheese at the end!
4️⃣ Finish with Butter & Seasoning
🔹 Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) for a smooth, rich finish.
🔹 Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
🔹 Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh black pepper.
🔹 Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple salad.
💡 For extra comfort: Drizzle with a little olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
🔹 Recipe Variations & Customizations
Want to make your pastina soup even more special? Try these variations:
✔ 🥚 No Egg? No Problem! – Skip the egg and just use cheese and butter for a classic broth-based version.
✔ 🍗 Add Protein – Stir in shredded chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
✔ 🌱 Make it Vegetarian – Use vegetable broth and add spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
✔ 🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Twist – Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding the broth for a deeper flavor.
✔ 🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Swap pastina for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pasta.
💡 Want a heartier meal? Serve pastina soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, garlic bread, or a simple Caprese salad!
🧊 Storing & Reheating Tips
📦 To Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- The pasta will absorb broth, so add extra broth when reheating.
🔥 To Reheat:
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
💡 For best results: Reheat with a little butter and fresh Parmesan to restore creaminess!
🔹 Final Thoughts on Making the Best Pastina Soup
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ Ultra-Comforting – A warm, nostalgic dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
✔ Versatile – Customizable with different broths, proteins, and veggies.
✔ Perfect for All Ages – Great for kids, adults, and anyone needing a cozy meal.
This traditional Italian pastina soup is the ultimate comfort food—whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a simple, satisfying dish. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy every spoonful!