What if I can't find the tiny pasta?

You can swap it with other small shapes like orzo, shell pasta, or alphabet pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Why should I include the Parmesan rind?

The rind brings a bold, savory taste to the broth as it cooks. It’s optional but makes a big difference in flavor.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Totally! Just remember the pasta keeps soaking up liquid. Add more broth when reheating to adjust the texture.

How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

Switch to vegetable broth instead of chicken. If using Parmesan, check if it’s vegetarian-friendly, as traditional ones may not be.

Is it okay to add some protein?

Absolutely! Toss in shredded chicken, little meatballs, or white beans. Just stir them in towards the end to warm through.

Cozy Tiny Pasta Soup - Warm Italian Classic Bowl

A cozy bowl topped with pasta, veggies, and fresh herbs, sprinkled with black pepper. | mellierecipes.com

My nana always told me a steaming bowl of Pastina Soup fixed everything. Those tiny star noodles floating in a golden broth take me back to her warm kitchen during chilly winter afternoons. I've tweaked this family favorite for years, and now my children grin when they catch a whiff from the kitchen. The real wonder comes from those cute little star-shaped pasta bits swirling in a flavorful broth alongside sweet carrots and aromatic herbs.

Heartwarming Pastina Soup

It's amazing how such a basic dish can pack this much flavor. I whip this soup up a couple times monthly because it's fast, cheap and everyone in my family gobbles it up. What's even better? Most stuff you need is probably already in your kitchen. My little girl dubbed it "star soup" and that name just caught on at our place.

Your Ingredients

Pastina: These itty-bitty pasta stars just scream comfort. Look for them with the small pasta shapes at your store.
Chicken Broth: This is what makes everything tick. I always stock up on extra boxes.
Carrots and Celery: These veggies really brighten up the whole pot.
Onion and Garlic: You can't start a decent soup without these two.
Herbs: Bay leaves and fresh thyme straight from my backyard.
Olive Oil: Just a splash to get things going.

Quick Preparation

With kids running to activities I'm always hunting for fast dinner ideas. This soup comes through for me repeatedly. The whole thing's done in only 30 minutes and dinner's on the table. Sometimes I'll chop my veggies the day before to make things even faster.

Begin With Vegetables

Add a nice drizzle of olive oil to your largest soup pot. When it starts to shimmer throw in your chopped onions carrots and celery. Give them time to soften and mingle for around 5 minutes. Once that wonderful smell fills the air add the garlic and cook one more minute. Your house will smell incredible.

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

Add Your Broth

Here comes the fun part. Pour in that broth and toss in those herbs. I always enjoy watching it start to gently bubble. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. This is when everything gets to know each other and the flavors really come alive.

Toss In Those Stars

Here's the moment I wait for. Scatter the pastina and watch as they twirl through the broth. Stir gently every now and then so they don't clump together. In about 5 to 7 minutes they'll be perfectly soft and soaked with all that tasty goodness.

Final Touches

Have a little taste and throw in salt and pepper until it hits the spot. I might add an extra bit of thyme or splash of olive oil at the end. Go with what your taste buds tell you they'll point you in the right direction.

Serve It Up

Find your favorite bowls and ladle in this liquid treasure. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan on top really makes it special. I always put out crusty bread for sopping up all the broth. Want to kick it up a notch? A tiny squeeze of fresh lemon works wonders.

Personal Twists

Add Some Greens: My picky eaters will actually down spinach when it's mixed into this soup.
Heat It Up: My hubby always tosses red pepper flakes on his serving.
Bulk It Up: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans for a heartier meal.
Go Veggie: Swap in vegetable broth and it tastes just as great.

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. | mellierecipes.com

Great Companions

During hectic evenings we enjoy this soup with big chunks of garlic bread. When time allows I toss together a simple green salad. My kids' top pick? A gooey grilled cheese for dipping. This comfort bowl goes well with just about anything.

Keeping Leftovers

Stick any extras in a container and they'll stay fresh in the fridge up to 3 days. The noodles will drink up more broth as they sit so add a bit more when you heat it up. Though to be honest leftovers rarely happen at my house.

Plan Ahead

Need to prep in advance? Cook the soup base without adding pasta and freeze it. It stays good for 3 months. When you're hungry just warm it up and cook fresh pastina directly in the hot broth. Dinner sorted.

Budget Friendly Dish

This soup shows that basic ingredients can create something amazing. I keep these staples around and can cook dinner for everyone cheaper than getting takeout. Plus it tastes like comfort in every spoonful.

Top Tips

Cook those tiny stars directly in the soup so they soak up all the flavors.
Keep an eye on your pasta cooking time nobody wants soggy stars.
Toss in fresh herbs just before serving for the brightest taste.

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

Nutritious Choice

While this soup tastes like pure comfort it's actually packed with healthy stuff. The veggies offer plenty of vitamins and the broth feels healing and wholesome. I often throw in extra vegetables when someone feels sick. It's basically a tasty vitamin boost in a bowl.

Perfect Occasions

This soup fits any situation. I turn to it for crazy weeknights comfort food when the sniffles hit and casual get-togethers with friends. Grown-ups enjoy it just as much as kids and it always brings happy faces around the table.

Simple Substitutions

Broth: Veggie broth works great for my friends who don't eat meat.
Pasta: Tiny alphabet shapes or mini shells can stand in if pastina isn't around.
Herbs: Mix up your herb choices based on what's growing in your yard.

Troubleshooting

Too Dense: Add a bit more hot broth to thin things out.
Noodle Issues: Cook pasta on the side if you plan to have lots of leftovers.
Bland Taste: A tiny splash of soy sauce does wonders believe me.

Sharing My Tradition

This soup has stood by me through countless family meals sick days and cozy evenings. It's humble yet special the kind of dish that becomes woven into your family traditions. I hope it fills your home with as much warmth and happiness as it has mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What if I can't find the tiny pasta?: You can swap it with other small shapes like orzo, shell pasta, or alphabet pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
→ Why should I include the Parmesan rind?: The rind brings a bold, savory taste to the broth as it cooks. It’s optional but makes a big difference in flavor.
→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?: Totally! Just remember the pasta keeps soaking up liquid. Add more broth when reheating to adjust the texture.
→ How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?: Switch to vegetable broth instead of chicken. If using Parmesan, check if it’s vegetarian-friendly, as traditional ones may not be.
→ Is it okay to add some protein?: Absolutely! Toss in shredded chicken, little meatballs, or white beans. Just stir them in towards the end to warm through.

Tiny Pasta Soup