Description
Craving the coziest soup ever? This Traditional Italian Pastina Soup is the ultimate quick comfort meal, perfect for easy dinner ideas, a healthy snack, or simple breakfast. Made with tiny pasta, a savory broth, beans, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s a nourishing and budget-friendly classic the whole family will love. Great for busy nights, sick days, or anyone needing a taste of Italian tradition! Try this easy recipe—one of the best food ideas for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 cup pastina (or acini di pepe, orzo, or other tiny pasta)
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add pastina and cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Stir in cannellini beans and spinach. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and beans are heated through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan and herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shapes.
Add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approximate)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick breakfast, dinner ideas, healthy snack, comfort food, traditional Italian soup, pastina, food ideas