What should I use if pastina's unavailable?

Swap pastina for other small pasta shapes like orzo, mini shells, or alphabet pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package.

Does Parmesan rind make a difference?

Yes! Simmering with a Parmesan rind adds a bold, savory flavor. It's optional, but worth including for the added depth.

Can I prepare it in advance?

You can, but the pasta will soak up the broth while it sits. Just add more liquid when reheating to achieve the right consistency.

Is it vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with veggie broth. And double-check your Parmesan, as not all options are vegetarian.

How can I boost protein in this dish?

Mix in cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or small meatballs. Just add them near the end, so they warm up nicely.

Comforting Star Pasta Soup - Simple Tiny Pasta Dish

A cozy bowl of soup with star-shaped pasta, diced veggies, and fresh herbs, sprinkled with black pepper. | recipesbytina.com

Nana always told me that Pastina Soup fixed everything. Those tiny star-shaped pasta bits floating in rich broth take me back to her warm kitchen during chilly winter evenings. After tweaking this family favorite for years, I now watch my children's faces brighten when they catch a whiff from the stove. The true wonder comes from those cute little pasta stars swimming in flavorful broth alongside sweet carrots and aromatic herbs.

Heartwarming Pastina Soup

It's amazing how such a basic dish can pack so much flavor. I whip this up a couple times each month since it's fast, cheap and everyone gobbles it up. The coolest thing? Most stuff you need is probably sitting in your cabinet already. My little girl nicknamed it "star soup" and that's what we call it at home now.

Your Ingredients

Pastina: These itty-bitty pasta stars just scream comfort. Look for them with other small pasta shapes.
Chicken Broth: This is what makes the soup special. I always stock extra in my cabinet.
Celery and Carrots: These veggies really brighten up the flavor.
Garlic and Onion: You can't make good soup without these basics.
Herbs: Bay leaves and fresh thyme straight from my backyard.
Olive Oil: Just pour in a splash to get everything going.

Super Quick Meal

With kids running to activities I need fast dinner options. This soup comes through for me over and over. Everything's done in half an hour and we're eating. Sometimes I cut up my veggies the day before to make cooking even faster.

Cook Your Vegetables First

Drop some olive oil into your largest soup pot. When it gets hot add your chopped celery, carrots and onions. Let them cook until soft for around 5 minutes. Once they start smelling good throw in the garlic and cook one minute more. Your house will smell fantastic.

A bowl of soup containing small pasta, sliced carrots, and herbs, accompanied by garlic, salt, and pepper on a tabletop. | recipesbytina.com

Add Your Liquid

Here's where it gets good. Pour that broth in and toss your herbs into the mix. I love seeing it start to simmer gently. Lower the heat and let everything bubble away for 15 minutes. This is when all those tastes start mixing together beautifully.

Drop In The Stars

This bit always makes me smile. Toss in the pastina and watch those tiny stars swirl around. Stir them occasionally so they don't clump together. They'll get perfectly soft and soaked with flavor in about 5 to 7 minutes.

Season To Taste

Try a spoonful and add pepper and salt until it tastes just right. I might add another bit of thyme or some olive oil drizzled on top at the end. Go with what your taste buds tell you it needs.

Serve It Up

Get your best bowls and ladle in this warm goodness. Sprinkle fresh parmesan on top for extra flavor. We always need crusty bread for scooping up every drop. Want to fancy it up? A little fresh lemon juice works wonders.

Switch Things Up

Add Some Green: My little ones actually eat spinach when it's swimming in this soup.
Heat It Up: My guy always shakes red pepper flakes into his bowl.
More Filling: Throw in some white beans or leftover chicken if you want it heartier.
Go Veggie: Use vegetable broth instead and it tastes just as amazing.

A close-up of a bowl of broth with small pasta, sliced carrots, and herbs, accompanied by garlic, a dish of salt, and a spoonful of pepper on a neutral background. | recipesbytina.com

Great Matches

During crazy weeknights we enjoy this soup with big chunks of garlic bread. If I've got extra time I toss a simple green salad. What do my kids love most? Dunking grilled cheese sandwiches. This comfort food goes with practically anything.

Keeping Leftovers

Store what's left in containers and it'll stay fresh about 3 days in the fridge. The little stars soak up more broth overnight so you might need to add more when you heat it up. But honestly leftovers don't last long in our house.

Plan Ahead

Want to save time? Cook the soup without adding pasta and freeze it. It stays good for 3 months frozen. When you want some just warm it up and cook fresh pastina right in the hot liquid. Dinner done.

Budget Friendly Dinner

This soup shows you don't need fancy stuff to cook something amazing. I keep these simple items around and can feed the whole family for less than getting food delivered. And it tastes like comfort in every bite.

My Cooking Tips

Cook your tiny stars directly in the soup so they soak up all that flavor.
Keep an eye on pasta cooking time so they don't turn mushy.
Add fresh herbs at the end for the brightest taste.

A bowl of soup containing small pasta, sliced carrots, and herbs, surrounded by garlic, parsley, and salt. | recipesbytina.com

Secretly Nutritious

While this tastes totally indulgent it's actually packed with good stuff. The veggies give you vitamins and the broth feels so soothing. I toss in extra vegetables when someone feels sick. Think of it as a tasty way to get your nutrients.

Perfect For Any Time

This soup fits any occasion. I make it for crazy weeknights when someone catches a cold or for casual get-togethers. Grown-ups enjoy it just as much as kids do and it always brings happy faces to dinner.

Simple Substitutions

Broth: My veggie friends love it with vegetable broth instead.
Pasta: Tiny alphabet shapes or small shells work great if pastina isn't available.
Herbs: Mix up different herbs depending on what's growing in your yard.

Troubleshooting Tips

Too Dense: Just add a bit more hot broth to thin it out.
Leftover Issues: Cook pasta on its own if you plan to save lots for later.
Bland Taste: A tiny bit of soy sauce works magic believe me.

Sharing My Family Tradition

This soup has stuck with me through countless family meals sick days and cozy evenings. It's basic but wonderful the type of dish that becomes woven into your family traditions. I hope your table gets the same comfort and happiness from it that mine has.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What should I use if pastina's unavailable?: Swap pastina for other small pasta shapes like orzo, mini shells, or alphabet pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package.
→ Does Parmesan rind make a difference?: Yes! Simmering with a Parmesan rind adds a bold, savory flavor. It's optional, but worth including for the added depth.
→ Can I prepare it in advance?: You can, but the pasta will soak up the broth while it sits. Just add more liquid when reheating to achieve the right consistency.
→ Is it vegetarian-friendly?: Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with veggie broth. And double-check your Parmesan, as not all options are vegetarian.
→ How can I boost protein in this dish?: Mix in cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or small meatballs. Just add them near the end, so they warm up nicely.

Cozy Pastina Soup