Comforting and Nourishing Pastina Soup with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

This pastina soup is a cozy, comforting dish that's perfect for any time you need a warm, light meal. With tender pasta, a flavorful broth, and a touch of egg ribbons, it's simple to make and sure to satisfy. A bowl of pure comfort!

Pastina soup is the ultimate comforting dish—simple, warming, and nostalgic. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just craving something light and soothing, this Italian-inspired soup delivers everything you want in a bowl. It’s an easy-to-make soup that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also offers a chance to make your kitchen smell irresistible with the fragrance of fresh herbs and lemon zest.

This variation of pastina soup takes things up a notch with a vibrant lemon kick and the richness of homemade bone broth. It's light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any season. You can add a soft swirl of egg to make it even more velvety. It’s like a warm hug from the inside.

What is Pastina Soup?

Pastina is a small, star-shaped pasta that has been a staple in Italian households for generations. This humble pasta is usually served in broths or as a simple dish with butter and cheese, perfect for children or anyone needing comfort food. It's often used in soups, giving them a pleasant texture without overpowering the broth.

Our pastina soup recipe, however, brings a bit of zest with the addition of fresh lemon and herbs. It’s simple but incredibly flavorful. The beauty of this dish is in its adaptability. If you're in the mood for something richer, you can add egg or Parmesan to take it to the next level.

This particular version of pastina soup is perfect for cozy dinners, lazy weekend meals, or even when you're looking to add something light yet nourishing to your menu. When made with quality ingredients, this soup brings out flavors that will have you hooked.

Ingredients for the Best Pastina Soup Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients you'll need to make this dish shine. The beauty of pastina soup is that it's made with simple, accessible ingredients, but the quality of those ingredients can truly elevate the dish.

The Star Ingredients

• Chicken Bone Broth: Bone broth is the backbone of any great soup, providing a rich, savory base. I love using homemade bone broth because of its depth of flavor, but you can easily substitute it with store-bought if pressed for time. If you want a heartier flavor, you can use beef bone broth, but the chicken version has a more subtle taste that complements the pastina perfectly.

  If you're interested in more comforting broth-based dishes, check out this Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, which uses a deliciously rich broth base as well.

• Pastina: This is the key to making your soup truly authentic. If you’re wondering what to use instead, any small pasta will work, but pastina is the best choice for a silky smooth texture. You can find it in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle. A little bit goes a long way, so you don’t need much.

• Lemon Juice and Zest: The lemon in this soup isn’t just for flavor; it adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the broth. The zest, in particular, adds a burst of citrusy fragrance that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can skip it, but trust me, it makes all the difference.

• Egg (optional): The egg in pastina soup is totally optional, but it adds a lovely creaminess to the broth. To get those silky egg ribbons, just whisk it separately and pour it slowly into the soup while stirring.

• Herbs: Fresh parsley is the go-to herb here, but feel free to experiment with thyme or rosemary if you like. Fresh herbs add that necessary burst of freshness that makes the soup so aromatic and flavorful.

Other Key Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, olive oil adds a touch of richness to the base of the soup.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay the groundwork for your soup's flavor. They don't take long to sauté, but when you do, the aroma fills the kitchen in the best way possible.
• Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste! The quality of your broth will determine how much salt you'll need, so be sure to taste as you go along.

Why You’ll Love This Pastina Soup

This pastina soup recipe offers a perfect balance of lightness and heartiness. The fresh herbs and lemon make it feel fresh and vibrant, while the homemade bone broth adds a rich, savory depth. The texture of the small pasta in every spoonful makes it cozy and satisfying, while the optional egg ribbons bring an element of creaminess.

What’s great about this soup is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light starter, or you can pair it with a hearty sandwich like a Crookie Recipe or even a fresh loaf of Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread for a more filling meal.

Why This Pastina Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about pastina soup is how adaptable it is. It’s a fantastic dish to serve during any season, whether it’s warming you up during winter or refreshing you on a cool spring evening. This dish can be the center of a cozy family dinner or a starter at a more festive gathering. It's the kind of dish you make when you want to gather around the table and enjoy some good conversation.

Additionally, this soup is great for people of all ages—kids, adults, even those who need a gentle, easy-to-digest meal when they’re under the weather. In fact, it’s often considered a classic "comfort food" for those who need something easy on the stomach.

How to Make Pastina Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Water

Now, pour in your chicken bone broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the pastina. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on the pasta—it cooks quickly, and you want to make sure it doesn’t get mushy.

If you're a fan of hearty soups like me, be sure to check out this Bertucci Sausage Soup Recipe, which also uses a rich broth base for a satisfying meal.

Step 3: Add the Egg (Optional)

If you're adding an egg to your soup, whisk it in a separate bowl. When the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently. This will create silky egg ribbons that make the soup even more comforting.

Step 4: Stir in Lemon Juice and Zest

Once the egg has been incorporated, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The lemon adds a nice bright note to the soup and balances the richness of the broth.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. If you love cheese, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top. This extra touch gives the soup an added layer of flavor.

Variations of Pastina Soup

One of the best things about pastina soup is its flexibility. While the classic version uses simple ingredients like broth, pasta, and egg, there are many ways you can modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations that could make this dish even more special:

1. Vegetarian Pastina Soup

If you're looking to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup, simply swap the chicken bone broth for a vegetable broth. You can still enjoy the comfort of the pastina with a lighter, plant-based twist. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach will boost the flavor and nutrition of the soup. You can also enhance it with some herbs like thyme or bay leaves for more depth.

For a perfect pairing with your vegetarian pastina soup, consider making a side of Zamorano Buns—they’re soft and flavorful, perfect for dipping into your bowl.

2. Creamy Pastina Soup

If you love a richer soup, you can easily make a creamy version by adding a touch of heavy cream or whole milk at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a luscious, velvety texture and add a comforting richness. You could also make this version with a combination of broth and a little cream cheese or mascarpone for extra indulgence. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the freshness of the lemon and herbs, creating a decadent yet light soup.

Looking for more creamy soup ideas? Try making the Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee next time, which is rich and comforting with a delightful creamy texture.

3. Chicken Pastina Soup

For a more substantial meal, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to your pastina soup. This transforms it into a heartier dish that can stand alone as a main course. The chicken will soak up the flavors of the broth and make each spoonful feel more filling.

If you love chicken-based soups, don’t miss out on the Chicken Souse recipe—it’s another delicious option to try with chicken!

4. Spicy Pastina Soup

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can spice up your pastina soup by adding some red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a few slices of fresh chili. This will give the soup a delightful kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the broth and lemon. If you really want to take it up a notch, toss in some fresh cilantro for a touch of freshness that complements the heat.

If you're a fan of spicy flavors, try out this Taco Bell Birria recipe next for another spicy, comforting dish.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pastina Soup

To help ensure your pastina soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Pastina cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. If you cook it for too long, it can become mushy and lose that delicate texture. It's best to cook it for around 7-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. If you're not serving the soup right away, you may want to slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming too soft as it sits in the broth.

2. Adjust the Broth

The broth is the backbone of this soup, so make sure it’s well-seasoned and flavorful. If you find the broth too bland, add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of sage can bring more depth to the soup. If you want to add a more robust flavor, consider a splash of white wine while cooking the onions and garlic.

3. Perfect the Egg Ribbons

If you’re adding an egg to your soup, it’s important to stir the soup while you add the egg to prevent it from turning into scrambled eggs. Instead, you want those silky ribbons to form. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently, and you’ll end up with the perfect creamy texture.

4. Garnish Wisely

A simple garnish like fresh parsley or chives can add a beautiful pop of color and flavor. If you like cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan will complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten everything up.

How to Serve Pastina Soup

While pastina soup is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with several side dishes to make the meal more complete. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with your pastina soup:

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the broth. You can even make a quick batch of Cunetto Garlic Cheese Bread for a flavorful addition to the meal.

• Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a lemon vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the soup. Try making a simple salad with arugula, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

• Cheese Platter: If you're serving pastina soup for a larger gathering, a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses like Parmesan, pecorino, and goat cheese would be an elegant and delicious addition.

For a slightly heavier meal, pair it with something like a Lombatello Steak for a rich, savory contrast.

Nourishing Pastina Soup with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

This pastina soup recipe brings comfort with a modern twist—lemon and fresh herbs added to homemade bone broth create a light yet nourishing dish that's perfect for any day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups homemade chicken bone broth (or low-sodium store-bought)
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ cups pastina (or tiny pasta)
• 1 large egg (optional, for richness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken bone broth and water, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add the pastina. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pastina is tender.
3. If using, beat the egg in a separate bowl and slowly drizzle it into the soup while stirring to create silky ribbons of egg.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

15 minutes prep time with 30 minutes cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Italian / Soup

Rated 4.8 by 186 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: pastina soup, homemade soup, lemon pastina, bone broth soup, comfort food, easy soup, Italian soup

Published by: Show Recipe