Mediterranean Pastina Soup
This Mediterranean-inspired Pastina Soup is a warm, nourishing bowl made with delicate star-shaped pasta, a lightly herbed tomato broth, and vegetables, all infused with olive oil and garlic. It’s the perfect fusion of rustic comfort and bright Mediterranean flavor — great for both kids and adults, and easy to make in under 30 minutes!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup crushed tomatoes
¾ cup pastina (acini di pepe or stelline pasta)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth and crushed tomatoes.
Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pastina:
Add the pastina and reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Finish the Soup:
Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan, if desired.
Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips
Cooking Tips:
Stir the pastina regularly while simmering — it’s tiny and can stick to the bottom or clump if left unattended.
If your broth reduces too much, add a splash of hot water to adjust the consistency before serving.
Cook pastina separately if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents the pasta from soaking up all the broth and becoming mushy.
Seasoning Tip:
Taste before salting — some store-bought broths are quite salty. Add salt gradually at the end if needed.
Flavor Boost:
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the soup and enhances the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Variations
Vegetable Additions:
Add chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Stir in green peas or chickpeas for texture and plant-based protein.
Protein Upgrades:
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey or beef for a heartier soup.
Stir in cooked white beans or lentils for a vegetarian protein boost.
Cheese Options:
Garnish with crumbled feta, Parmesan, or even grated Pecorino Romano.
Or swirl in a spoonful of ricotta for creaminess.
Herb Variations:
Use fresh dill or mint instead of parsley or basil for a unique twist.
Add a touch of za’atar or sumac for an earthier, more citrusy Mediterranean vibe.
Spicy Kick:
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of harissa paste to give it a subtle, warming heat.
Tomato-Free Option:
Omit the crushed tomatoes for a clear broth version — lighter and more delicate in flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of pastina?
A: Yes! You can use orzo, acini di pepe, couscous, stelline, or even broken angel hair as substitutes — just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: It can be! Simply use vegetable broth and skip any cheese toppings. The soup remains flavorful without dairy or animal products.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely — just use a gluten-free tiny pasta or substitute with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free orzo.
Q: Does this soup store well?
A: Yes, but for best texture, cook and store the pastina separately. If storing together, the pasta may absorb the broth and thicken the soup over time — just add more broth when reheating.
Q: Can I freeze Mediterranean pastina soup?
A: You can freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pastina after reheating to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate values may vary by ingredients used.
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 550mg
Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pastina Soup is a simple yet deeply comforting dish — ideal for chilly evenings, light lunches, or quick dinners. With tender vegetables, herby tomato broth, and tiny star-shaped pasta, it’s a wholesome hug in a bowl. Naturally adaptable and full of Mediterranean brightness, this soup proves that humble ingredients can deliver bold, healing flavors.