There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about a bowl of warm, homemade soup, and this Quick Pastina Soup Recipe hits that perfect spot every time. It’s a delightful medley of tender pastina pasta swimming in a savory broth, accented by fresh veggies, sweet peas, and a bright touch of Parmesan and lemon zest. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a simple yet nourishing meal, this soup comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a true kitchen hero for busy days or cozy weekends. Let me take you through the joys of making this quick and tasty classic—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is to whip up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged side by side on a white marbled surface. The first bowl on the left holds soft white chunks, followed by a bowl with finely chopped orange pieces, likely carrots. Next to it, a white bowl contains bright green peas. Behind these bowls, a tall blue box with yellow pasta and a large lemon with smooth, bright yellow skin are placed, along with a jar filled with fine, pale powder. The background is clean and bright, emphasizing the fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Quick Pastina Soup Recipe is a joy in itself because each one plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that inviting color that makes the soup so appealing. With just a handful of fresh vegetables, pasta, and pantry staples, you’ll create something comforting and vibrant in no time.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the veggies with a silky base flavor.
Celery: Provides a crisp, aromatic foundation that brightens the broth.
Carrot: Adds a natural sweetness and lovely orange hue to the soup.
Onion: Brings depth and savory notes that make the broth really sing.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid heart of the soup, comforting without overpowering.
Pastina pasta: These tiny pasta stars cook quickly and give the soup a delicate, tender bite.
Frozen petite peas: A pop of green and a sweet surprise in every spoonful.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that melts into the broth beautifully.
Fresh lemon zest (optional): A zesty lift that balances the richness and adds freshness.
Salt and pepper (optional): To season perfectly according to your taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Quick Pastina Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced celery, carrot, and onion. Stir everything gently to coat with the oil and let the veggies soften just a little, about 2 minutes. This step creates a fragrant base that sets the stage for flavor to develop beautifully.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat up to high. When the liquid comes to a rolling boil, immediately reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. This slow bubbling warmth allows all those wonderful vegetable flavors to mingle and infuse the broth.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the pastina pasta. Stir it in and let it cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the broth’s richness and add a lovely soft texture that’s just perfect for spooning up.

Step 4: Add Peas and Finish with Cheese and Zest

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the frozen petite peas along with the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the soup, adding a creamy, savory layer. If you like a bright twist, sprinkle in a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to brighten the entire pot with a burst of freshness.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as desired. Serve it warm in your favorite bowls. Every spoonful delivers a harmony of textures and flavors that feels cozy and indulgent, yet light and fresh.

How to Serve Quick Pastina Soup Recipe

A white pan filled with a mixture of small round yellow grains soaked in broth, with visible small bright green peas and tiny orange carrot pieces scattered evenly throughout. The texture looks soft and wet, with a warm, light yellow color dominating the dish. The pan has a golden handle resting on a white marbled surface, with the food filling the pan almost to the top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this soup, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top or add a few torn fresh basil or parsley leaves. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also give each serving a silky sheen and boost the flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Quick Pastina Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. For a heartier meal, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the gentle warmth of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in pretty soup mugs or mini bowls for a charming appetizer at your next gathering. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a fun and rustic touch that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Quick Pastina Soup Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the pastina will continue to soften, so it might be a bit thicker the next day but still delicious.

Freezing

This soup doesn’t freeze as well because the pasta can become mushy and lose its texture during freezing and thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for quick next-day meals.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the pastina from sticking and to ensure even warming. You can thin it slightly with a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works beautifully in this Quick Pastina Soup Recipe for a vegetarian version without sacrificing depth of flavor.

What can I substitute for pastina if I can’t find it?

Fine small pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or tiny elbow macaroni make great substitutes and will cook in roughly the same time.

Is there a way to make this soup vegan?

You can use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep this soup vegan-friendly while still delicious.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta just until tender and serve the soup promptly. If storing leftovers, the pasta will absorb more liquid and soften over time, so it’s best eaten fresh.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Diced zucchini, spinach, or finely chopped bell peppers can add more color and nutrition; just add them early enough to cook through before the pasta is done.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Pastina Soup Recipe is a delightful and fuss-free way to bring warmth and comfort to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a soup lover or just in need of a cozy meal, this recipe is a wonderful go-to that always hits the spot. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this bowl of simple goodness as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!

Quick Pastina Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need