Description
This comforting Pastina Soup is a quick and easy dish perfect for a light meal or starter. Featuring small star-shaped pasta simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth with sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots, it’s finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of tangy Pecorino Romano cheese for a simple yet delicious bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Carrots and Garlic: Stir in the diced carrots and minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This helps release their aromatic flavors into the broth.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The simmering will soften the vegetables and prepare the liquid for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pastina: Add the pastina pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, typically 3-5 minutes according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook as pastina cooks quickly.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Stir in the finely chopped parsley just before serving to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or milk before serving.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Pastina cooks very quickly; monitor closely to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Garnish with additional parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light side salad.
