Protein-Boosted Pastina Soup
This pastina soup is the perfect meal when you need something cozy and comforting on a cold day. This Italian classic is made with tiny (and adorable IMO) pastina, but we’re giving the traditional pastina a protein boost by cooking it in bone broth.
Italian pastina soup (aka Italian penicillin) is a comforting and simple pasta/soup that is a staple in Italian households. Some versions are made simply with tiny pasta stars (pastina) and homemade chicken broth. Other versions are more similar to a chicken noodle soup with chicken and mirepoix veggies (onion, celery, and carrots). Giada adds frozen peas to her version!
Like any traditional dish, there are many varieties and in this protein-boosted pastina, we’re cooking the pastina in bone broth, which adds incredible rich and creamy flavor and a nice boost of protein.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What You’ll Love About Easy Pastina
- Cozy, delicious, and comforting soup
- Made with simple ingredients
- Easy to make homemade or utilize shortcuts
- Easy to prep ahead
- Makes delicious leftovers (perfect for lunches!)
Pastina Ingredients
- Bone broth – While homemade chicken bone broth is the ultimate, store-bought will also work just fine and is what I use typically. If you don’t want to use bone broth, you can also use regular chicken broth or vegetarian broth for a vegetarian option.
- Pastina – The star of this dish! Pastina is a tiny pasta that can come in many different shapes, often times little tiny stars. It is the smallest pasta variety and is also sometimes called stelline.
- Butter – Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- Eggs – Add in whisked eggs for extra protein and a creamy texture like we do in this creamy chicken ramen or skip it.
How to Cook Pastina
This is an overview on how to make pastina, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
FAQs
Is there gluten-free pastina?
Yes! While traditional pastina is made from wheat and sometimes eggs as well, there are gluten-free options available. This gluten-free pastina is made from brown rice.
Where to buy pastina?
It will sort of depend on where you live! In Minneapolis, I had trouble finding it at conventional grocery stores, but you can find it in Italian specialty markets or order it online. If you live in an area with a higher Italian population, you might be able to find it in your local grocery store.
Storage Instructions
Store pastina with egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It will thicken in the refrigerator, but you can add extra liquid when you reheat it.
How to reheat
For best results, reheat pastina in a small saucepan until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, until hot. If it is thick, you can always thin it out with some broth or water.
Can you freeze pastina?
No, freezing the pastina pasta and reheating will result in mushy pasta, so it’s not recommended.
What to Serve with Pastina Soup
All this recipe for pastina needs is an easy side:
- 5-Minute Frozen Peas
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Raw veggies with veggie dip
- Fresh fruit
How to Feed Pastina to the Whole Family
I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.
I would recommend serving the pastina in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter.
Soup can be tricky for younger eaters, but this one stays relatively thick, thanks to the bone broth. You can also scoop out a dish that has mostly pasta so that it’s a bit easier to eat.
More Easy Soup Recipes
If you like this pastina soup recipe, you might also like some of these other easy soup recipes:
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Protein-Boosted Pastina Soup Recipe
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This pastina soup recipe has a delicious boost of protein (x2!) while keeping its cozy, comfort-food vibes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 cup pastina
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1–2 eggs, whisked
- Grated Parmesan cheese, flaky salt, fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Bring bone broth to a boil and stir in pastina.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until pastina is cooked to al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- While stirring pastina, slowly stir in whisked eggs and mix until incorporated.
- Remove from heat and divide into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- If you can’t find pastina at your local stores, you can order pastina here.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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This was super easy and delicious! Thank you!
YAY! Thanks for letting me know, Stacey. Glad you enjoyed.