There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Pastina Soup—a classic Italian-inspired dish made with tiny star-shaped pasta, warm broth, and simple, wholesome ingredients. This cozy soup is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a blanket, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of something nourishing and familiar. This Cozy Pastina Soup Recipe brings all the charm of tradition with a few modern touches, like savory turkey bacon and optional egg ribbons for added richness. It’s a dish that’s been passed down in many families for generations and continues to bring comfort with every spoonful. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, uses pantry staples, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you grew up eating pastina or are trying it for the first time, this version captures everything we love about classic comfort food: it’s simple, soul-warming, and endlessly satisfying. It’s also flexible—you can make it vegetarian, skip the egg, or toss in extra veggies if you like. No matter how you serve it, this soup always delivers a bowlful of warmth and nostalgia. Let’s dive into the ingredients and walk through the first few steps to get this feel-good recipe simmering on your stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
• 1 egg (optional, for egg-drop style ribbons)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This recipe serves about 4 bowls and is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and turkey bacon. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and the bacon begins to crisp slightly. The combination of garlic and turkey bacon gives the soup a subtle depth of flavor that balances the lightness of the broth and pasta.  

Step 2: Add the Carrot and Celery

Next, stir in the diced carrot and celery. Let them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. These vegetables add heartiness and a little sweetness to the broth while keeping the soup light and fresh. This classic combo of onion, carrot, and celery (also known as mirepoix) is the backbone of so many great soups—and it works beautifully here.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, then give everything a good stir. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer gently while the flavors begin to blend—your kitchen is about to start smelling amazing.  

Pastina Soup: Tiny Pasta, Big Comfort

With your broth now gently simmering and the veggies softened, it’s time to bring this cozy bowl to life with the star of the show—pastina, or any tiny pasta you love. These delicate pasta pieces cook quickly and give the soup its signature texture: light, soft, and perfect for sipping or spooning. This next part is where everything comes together—from the pasta and Parmesan to the optional egg that adds richness and depth. You’re only a few minutes away from a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug.

Step 4: Add the Pastina

Stir 1 cup of pastina (or any small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or ditalini) directly into the simmering broth. Let it cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Pastina is especially great because of its size—it’s easy to eat, even for little ones, and cooks quickly while absorbing the flavor of the broth. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Tip: If the soup thickens too much as the pasta cooks, feel free to add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up.  

Step 5: Add the Egg (Optional)

If you’re using the egg, crack it into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork. Then, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the hot soup while stirring constantly. This creates beautiful egg ribbons—similar to what you’d find in egg drop soup. It’s an optional addition, but it gives the soup a lovely silky texture and a little extra protein, making it even more satisfying.

Step 6: Season and Stir in the Parmesan

Once the pasta is tender and the egg (if used) is set, it’s time to season the soup. Add salt and black pepper to taste—how much you need will depend on your broth, so start small and adjust as needed. Then, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the broth, adding a creamy, salty richness that ties everything together. The cheese not only adds flavor, but it also gives the soup a slightly thicker, more velvety consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a minute or two. Then ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The herbs add a bright, fresh finish that balances the savory base beautifully. Serve your pastina soup warm, with a slice of buttered toast, a crusty roll, or even just a spoon and a cozy blanket. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort in every bite.  

Pastina Soup: FAQ and Final Thoughts

This Cozy Pastina Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like home—simple, satisfying, and just the right balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a loved one who needs a little TLC, this tiny pasta soup is easy to whip up and full of flavor. Before we wrap things up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this classic dish. 1. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the turkey bacon. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to bring in a bit of that savory depth you’d otherwise get from the bacon. 2. Can I use a different pasta instead of pastina? Definitely. While pastina is the traditional choice, other small shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, stelline, or ditalini all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use. 3. How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken as it sits. Simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency. 4. Can I freeze this soup? Freezing is possible, but not ideal. The pasta may become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking and storing the pasta separately, then adding it to the reheated broth later. 5. What can I serve with pastina soup? This soup is lovely on its own but pairs well with a simple salad, grilled cheese, buttered toast, or a soft-boiled egg on the side for a more filling meal. 6. What does the egg add to the soup? The beaten egg creates silky ribbons throughout the soup, similar to egg drop soup. It’s an optional step that adds richness and a bit of protein without changing the flavor too much. 7. Can I double the recipe? Yes! This recipe scales up very easily. Just use a larger pot and keep an eye on the pasta—it may take slightly longer to cook with a bigger batch, but the flavors stay just as cozy and delicious.

Conclusion: A Classic Worth Keeping on Repeat

There’s a reason Pastina Soup has stood the test of time—it’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and incredibly versatile. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a soup that feels both wholesome and nostalgic, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a table full of loved ones. It’s perfect for chilly days, sick days, or any day when you want a meal that feels like it’s giving you a warm hug. And with options to make it vegetarian, customize the mix-ins, or add a fun twist with the egg drop technique, you can adapt it to fit your mood or pantry every time. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it—did you keep it classic, or make it your own with a creative twist? Share your version in the comments and let’s keep this comforting tradition going strong. Here’s to tiny pasta, big comfort, and the kind of meals that make you feel good from the inside out. Print