Classic Italian Pastina Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish for Every Occasion

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Are you craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup that captures the essence of Italian cuisine? Look no further than Classic Italian Pastina Soup. This timeless dish is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting option during the chilly winter months, this soup is a perfect choice.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. History of Pastina Soup
3. Ingredients
   • Chicken
   • Water
   • Celery
   • Onions
   • Carrots
   • Salt and Pepper
   • Olive Oil
   • Garlic
   • Chicken Base
   • Pastina
   • Parsley
   • Parmesan Cheese
4. Directions
   • Cooking the Chicken
   • Preparing the Stock
   • Sautéing the Vegetables
   • Combining the Ingredients
   • Adding the Pastina and Chicken
   • Serving and Garnishing
5. Nutrition Facts
6. Reviews
7. Variations and Tips
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Classic Italian Pastina Soup is a beloved dish that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cooking. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield impressive results.

2. History of Pastina Soup

The history of Pastina Soup can be traced back to Italy, where it has been a staple in Italian households for generations. Pastina refers to small pasta shapes, such as stars or tiny shells, which are added to the soup to create a hearty and satisfying dish. This soup has been cherished by Italian families as a comforting and nourishing meal, especially during colder months.

3. Ingredients

To create a flavorful Classic Italian Pastina Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4. Directions

Follow these step-by-step directions to create a delicious Classic Italian Pastina Soup:

Cooking the Chicken

1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot and pour water over it to cover.
2. Roughly chop 2 stalks of celery, 1 1/2 onions, and 2 carrots, and add them to the pot with the chicken.
3. Season the pot with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 1 hour, covered.

Preparing the Stock

1. Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool before removing and shredding the meat.
2. Strain the stock and discard the solids, reserving the liquid.
3. If necessary, add water to the stock to measure 12 cups of liquid.
4. Wipe the pot clean.

Sautéing the Vegetables

1. Finely chop the remaining celery, onion, and carrot.
2. Place the pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
3. Add the chopped vegetables, remaining salt and pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Cook the vegetables until they are tender and the onion is translucent, taking care not to brown them.
5. Add the reserved stock and chicken base to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients

1. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
2. Add the pastina to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken to the soup.
4. Season the soup with additional salt and pepper if desired.
5. Cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley, if using.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Ladle the Classic Italian Pastina Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

5. Nutrition Facts

One serving of Classic Italian Pastina Soup (approximately 1 cup) contains the following nutritional information:

• Calories: 486
• Fat: 27g
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 48g
• Sodium: 849mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g

Please note that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

6. Reviews

Check out what others have to say about Classic Italian Pastina Soup:

1. “Well, to the girl that’s half Italian, I’m 100% Italian, and it’s exactly how my mom makes it. Minus the Parmesan. 😊” – denise dandrea
2. “Simple and delicious! Made it tonight, and my husband declared it’s the best soup he’s ever had (and he makes some yummy homemade soups himself)!” – Belinda
3. “Loved this.” – annetteyoubet
4. “This was by far the best chicken soup I have ever made or tasted! I will be making it regularly.” – Allrecipes Member

7. Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can use other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
• Cheese Options: While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for garnishing, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as pecorino romano or asiago.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of making my own stock? A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought chicken broth as a substitute for homemade stock. However, making your own stock will enhance the flavor of the soup.

Q: Can I freeze Classic Italian Pastina Soup? A: Yes, you can freeze this soup for future enjoyment. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in this soup? A: Absolutely! While pastina is traditional for this soup, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.