Name: Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into large pieces; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into large pieces; 2 celery ribs, sliced into large pieces; 1 parmesan rind (about 2 inches long); Kosher salt, to taste; 1 1/2 cups pastina (or any tiny pasta variety like alphabet, orzo, or acini di pepe); 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves, for garnish; Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of this Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe. It’s not just any soup — it’s a lovingly simple, veggie-enriched chicken broth with tender pastina that feels like a hug on a chilly evening.

Two white bowls with simple blue grid lines are filled with orange soup that has small round pasta and a smooth texture. On top of the soup, there is a light sprinkle of grated cheese and green chopped herbs. One bowl holds a spoon with a white handle resting inside, lifting some pasta and soup. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl of extra grated cheese is nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods, and I think you’ll appreciate it too because it’s so easy yet deeply flavorful. The way the parmesan rind infuses the broth is magical, and the pureed veggies make every spoonful silky and satisfying.

One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together, which means less cleanup and super simple prep.
Veggie-boosted broth: Pureeing the carrots, celery, and onion adds body and nutrients without extra effort.
Pastina perfection: The tiny pasta cooks quickly and feels just right in this cozy soup.
Customizable comfort: You can easily tweak veggies, seasonings, or pasta type to suit what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe plays a role in building its gentle, layered flavors. These simple staples come together to create a soup that tastes way more special than the effort it takes.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion sliced into large pieces, two peeled carrots sliced into large pieces, two celery ribs sliced into large pieces, a 2-inch parmesan rind, a small white ceramic bowl filled with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding pastina pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a pinch of kosher salt placed neatly on the surface, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Low-sodium chicken broth: A rich, flavorful base that lets the veggies and parmesan shine without getting too salty.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when simmered gently.
Carrots: Their sweetness balances the savoriness of the broth and cheese.
Celery ribs: Bring a subtle earthiness and aromatic lift.
Parmesan rind: This is the secret weapon—infuses the broth with umami and a creamy hints of cheese flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances all those natural flavors—season to taste at the end.
Pastina (tiny pasta): Cooks super fast and makes the soup feel cozy and satisfying.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at serving.
Grated parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for that final touch of cheesy richness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe flexible because sometimes I want it a little heartier, and other times lighter. You can totally make it your own by experimenting with different veggies or garnishes.

Variation: Once, I swapped the carrots and celery for zucchini and peas when in summer mode—it was fresher but still comforting in a new way.
Vegetarian option: Use veggie broth and skip the parmesan rind or substitute with a plant-based cheese rind alternative to keep it flavorful.
Boost the protein: Stir in shredded chicken or white beans after cooking for a more filling meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe

A white bowl filled with bright orange soup that has small star-shaped pasta throughout. The soup is topped with a sprinkle of green chopped herbs layered across the center and a light dusting of grated cheese over one side. Inside the bowl is a white-handled spoon lifting some soup with star pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a pale green cloth nearby and a small white bowl of grated cheese slightly visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build a Flavorful Broth Base

Start by combining your broth, sliced onion, carrots, celery, parmesan rind, and a pinch of kosher salt in a large pot. Bring this up to a boil on high heat; then reduce the heat to low and cover it. The slow simmer—about 20 to 30 minutes—is when everything softens and those flavors meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step; it’s what makes the soup taste homemade and rich without extra effort.

Step 2: Puree the Vegetables Smooth

Once your veggies are tender, fish out the parmesan rind and set it aside. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the softened veggies into a food processor or blender. Add a couple of ladles of broth from the pot, then blend until silky smooth. This velvety step thickens the soup nicely without adding cream. Pour the puree back into the pot, mixing gently with the broth.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina Until Tender

Turn the heat back up to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Stir in the pastina and cook for about 3 minutes, just until tender. Keep an eye on it because pastina cooks so fast; overcooking turns it mushy. When it’s just right, remove the pot from heat.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

Give your soup a taste—add more salt if it needs a little extra pop. Ladle it into bowls and don’t be shy with the parsley and freshly grated parmesan on top. These finishing touches brighten the dish and amp up the cozy factor. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Top Tip

After making this Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe countless times, I've learned a few tricks that really help the flavors shine and texture stay on point.

Parmesan Rind Magic: Don't skip the parmesan rind—it’s the secret umami booster that transforms this soup from simple to soulful.
Watch Your Pasta: Pastina can quickly go from al dente to mushy; stir often and taste early to stop cooking at just the right moment.
Pureeing Power: Use a food processor or immersion blender for the veggie puree—this smooths the soup and adds richness without extra fat.
Season Last: Add salt at the end after cooking because the broth and parmesan rind already add saltiness—you don’t want to overdo it!

How to Serve Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my bowl with a hefty sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous grating of parmesan cheese. The herbs add freshness, and that cheese melting into the top makes each bite extra cozy. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil on top adds a nice richness too.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every drop, and I love serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness with something crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I’ve served this soup in pretty stoneware bowls and topped it with edible flowers and microgreens for dinner guests. It’s surprisingly fancy when you take the time to plate it with pretty garnishes and a colorful napkin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing—it helps preserve the flavors!

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly if you plan to freeze it to avoid mushy texture upon reheating. Freeze the soup without pasta if you want even better results, then cook fresh pastina when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Avoid microwave reheating with the pasta inside to keep texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and omit the parmesan rind or replace it with a vegetarian-friendly alternative. The vegetables and seasonings still create a rich, satisfying soup.

What is the best pasta to use in this soup?

Pastina is ideal because it’s tiny and cooks quickly, which is perfect for this soup’s smooth texture. However, you can use other small pasta varieties like orzo, acini di pepe, or alphabet pasta depending on what you have on hand.

How do I avoid the pasta getting mushy?

The key is to cook the pasta just until tender and remove the soup from heat immediately. If you’re making leftovers, it helps to slightly undercook the pasta initially or add the pasta fresh when reheating.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, peas, or whatever veggies you have. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stages so they keep the right texture.

Final Thoughts

This Comforting Pastina Soup with Vegetables Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a true everyday comfort—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and somehow always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or craving something simple yet satisfying, this soup delivers. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—because the best recipes are the ones that feel like a warm, familiar friend.