With only a handful of easy components, you may make this cozy Pastina Soup to share with the children in below half-hour. This can be a good quick meal for any evening of the week—or one which’s further nourishing for anybody coping with a chilly or sickness.

Pastina Soup
Tiny star pasta soup was one of many staples of my Italian-American childhood, and it’s one thing my children adore consuming now. The form of the tiny pasta, or pastina, is so enjoyable, and the remainder of the components add loads of cozy taste. I like how briskly this soup for youths cooks up, how simple it’s to regulate (generally I omit the onion and use extra carrot, for instance), and the way a lot it helps us all really feel happy and nourished.
We often have this soup with cheese and crackers, however even only a aspect of Applesauce would do it, too. No matter works!
(It ranks proper up with Alphabet Soup and Hen Soup as certainly one of my children very favourite soups.)
Your toddler received’t eat? Assistance is right here!
Join our electronic mail updates to get ideas and concepts in your inbox.

What’s Pastina?
Pastina is a really small star-shape pasta that cooks extremely quick. Pastina pasta is commonly served to infants and kids, as it’s simple to eat and swallow. Italian pastina soup can also be extremely comforting when made and paired with butter, egg, or broth, like we do right here.
Many pasta manufacturers make it, together with Barilla, Anna, and Colavita. You might have extra success discovering it in supermarkets with bigger Italian sections. Goal’s retailer model additionally makes little pasta within the form of stars that may be a little huge bigger however very related.
You too can use acini di peppe, which is a small couscous-like pasta form.
Elements You Want
Right here’s a have a look at what it’s worthwhile to make this Italian soup recipe so you realize what to have available:

- Minced celery, carrot, and onion: You possibly can mince this your self or search for pre-chopped mirepoix within the produce or freezer aisle of your retailer.
- Low-sodium hen broth: I like to make use of broth with much less salt so I can management that taste myself. Be at liberty to make use of vegetable broth or beef broth for those who choose. You should use store-bought or do-it-yourself hen broth or hen inventory.
- Star pastina: Search for this within the pasta aisle of your retailer.
- Frozen petite peas: We stir these in on the finish for a shiny coloration and slightly extra protein.
- Parmesan cheese: This provides taste to the straightforward soup.
- Recent lemon zest (elective): You possibly can high the soup with contemporary lemon juice and zest for extra shiny taste.
Step-by-Step Directions
Right here’s an summary of the strategy of constructing this soup for youths. Scroll all the way down to the top of the submit for the complete info on quantities and occasions.

- Add the celery, carrot, and onion to a pot over medium warmth. Cook dinner.
- Add the broth and lift the warmth to excessive. When the broth begins to boil, flip down the warmth to simmer.
- Add the pasta. Cook dinner.
- Stir within the peas, Parmesan, and lemon zest, if utilizing. Season to style with salt and pepper. Serve heat.

Methods to Retailer
Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 5 days within the fridge. Heat in a heat-safe bowl within the microwave, including further broth if desired.
This Italian consolation meals is scrumptious as reheated leftovers despatched in a thermos for varsity lunch, too.

Finest Suggestions for Success
- Use vegetable broth to make this children soup vegetarian.
- Add cooked and diced or shredded skinless hen breasts or hen meatballs for a variation on the concept. Or serve with a aspect salad for those who’d like.
- Make this simpler by beginning with pre-cut mirepoix from the produce aisle of your grocery store.
- Simmer Parmesan rind within the broth for further taste.
- Add shredded contemporary herbs to high, akin to basil or parsley, or cracked black pepper.
- In the event you can’t discover tiny star pasta, strive one other small form akin to ditalini, ABC pasta, wagon wheels, acini di peppe, or orzo.
- When reheating, add extra broth as desired if the pasta absorbs all of it.
Associated Recipes
I’d love to listen to your suggestions on this submit, so please fee and remark beneath!

-
Add the olive oil to a medium pot over medium warmth. When heat, add the celery, carrot, and onion. Stir to coat and prepare dinner for two minutes, or till simply beginning to soften.
-
Add the broth and lift the warmth to excessive. When the broth begins to boil, flip down the warmth to medium so it simmers.
-
Add the pasta. Cook dinner for about 8 minutes, stirring sometimes.
-
Stir within the peas, Parmesan, and lemon zest, if utilizing.
-
Season to style with salt and pepper. Serve heat.
- Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 5 days within the fridge. Heat in a heat-safe bowl in a small pot or within the microwave, including broth if desired.
- Use vegetable broth to make this vegetarian.
- Make this simpler by beginning with pre-cut mirepoix from the produce aisle of your grocery store.
- Simmer Parmesan rind within the broth for further taste.
Energy: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 13g, Fats: 8g, Saturated Fats: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g, Monounsaturated Fats: 3g, Ldl cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 1210mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 3115IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 144mg, Iron: 2mg