Easy Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight Recipe for Cozy Nights

Pastina brings comfort and warmth to your dining experience with its delightful blend of miniature pasta and vibrant vegetables.

Imagine a soul-satisfying dish that elevates simple ingredients into something magical and nourishing.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this tiny pasta’s versatility and charm.

Nutritious vegetables dance alongside delicate pasta pearls, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Each spoonful promises a cozy embrace of wholesome goodness that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal produce can elevate this classic recipe into a personalized masterpiece that speaks directly to your taste buds.

Explore this delectable journey and let your kitchen become a playground of delicious creativity.

Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight Ingredient List

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base, providing foundational flavor.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing nutritional value.
• Celery: Offers a mild, fresh flavor and helps build the vegetable broth's aromatic profile.
• Garlic: Provides robust, intense flavor and contributes to the soup's overall depth.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the rich, flavorful liquid base for the soup, supporting all other ingredients.
• Water: Used for blending vegetables and adjusting soup consistency.

• Pastina Pasta: Small, delicate pasta that adds texture and substance to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Provides a sharp, salty finish and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Parmesan Rind: Deepens the broth's complexity with a rich, umami undertone.

• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes and complexity to the vegetable broth.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and sharpness to the soup.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parsley (Optional Garnish): Brings fresh, bright color and a light herbal finish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich drizzle that adds depth and shine to the soup.

Cooking Instructions for Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Roughly chop the vegetables into chunks. Don’t worry about perfect cuts since they’ll be blended later. The goal is to break them down into manageable pieces that will cook evenly.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetable Base

• Bay leaf
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking helps develop deep, rich flavors in the broth.

Step 3: Blend the Vegetable Mixture

Use a fork to test the vegetables’ tenderness. They should be soft enough to mash easily. Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind. Transfer the vegetables to a blender, adding ½ cup of water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pastina

Return the blended vegetable mixture to the pot with the reserved broth. Stir thoroughly and bring to a rolling boil. Add pastina pasta and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 5-6 minutes until pasta is tender and the soup reaches a perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Olive oil drizzle

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this vegetable-packed soup.

Helpful Hints for Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• Chop with Confidence: Cut vegetables roughly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Broth Boosting Technique: Save the parmesan rind while simmering to infuse extra depth and richness into the vegetable broth.
• Blend for Smoothness: Strain vegetables completely before blending to create a silky, creamy base without unwanted chunks.
• Pasta Prevention Hack: Stir pastina frequently during cooking to stop it from sticking to the pot and clumping together.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Add fresh parsley and grated parmesan just before serving to enhance flavor and provide a beautiful, aromatic finish.

Saving and Reheating Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
• Reheat: Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup appears too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the vegetable-rich pastina with a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the soup's creamy texture and enhances its delicate flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the flavorful broth and provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a bright, zesty side salad with mixed greens, fresh parsley, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to balance the soup's warmth and add a crisp, fresh element.
• Finish with Light Dessert: Round out the meal with a simple lemon sorbet or a delicate panna cotta to cleanse the palate and provide a sweet, light ending to the comforting vegetable pastina dish.

Variations to Try with Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• Protein Power Boost: Replace pastina with quinoa or barley for added protein. Incorporate diced chicken or tofu to create a heartier meal packed with nutrients.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap vegetables with zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Sprinkle feta cheese and fresh oregano on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during cooking. Top with cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Edition: Sauté mushrooms before adding to the broth. Stir in a splash of cream and fresh thyme for an earthy, rich flavor profile.

FAQs About Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• What is pastina, and can I substitute it with another pasta?

Pastina is a tiny star-shaped pasta popular in Italian cuisine. If unavailable, you can substitute with small orzo, acini di pepe, or even small alphabet pasta.

• How long can I store this vegetable pastina soup?

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this vegetable pastina soup is completely vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and has no meat ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarian diets.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Simply omit the parmesan rind and cheese garnish. The soup remains flavorful and can easily be adapted for dairy-free diets by skipping those ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight

• This vegetable pastina soup delivers a wholesome meal packed with vegetables, offering a nutritious and satisfying dining experience in under 30 minutes.
• The unique blending technique transforms chunky vegetables into a creamy, velvety soup base that coats every pastina pasta pearl with rich, concentrated vegetable flavors.
• With simple chopping, simmering, and blending steps, this recipe provides maximum taste and nutrition without requiring complex cooking skills or extensive kitchen time.
• The smooth texture and mild flavor profile make this soup an excellent way to sneak nutritious vegetables into meals for picky eaters, ensuring children enjoy a healthy dish without realizing they're eating multiple vegetables.

Hearty Vegetable Pastina Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm Italian pastina soup nestles comforting vegetables and delicate pasta in a luscious broth. Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-soothing meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred, or chicken broth)
• 1 cup pastina pasta (preferably stelline shape)
• 1 brown onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery sticks
• 4 cloves garlic

Seasoning and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 parmesan rind (optional)

Garnish (optional):

• Chopped parsley
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of olive oil

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Instructions

1. Gather and chop onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into rustic, uneven pieces, focusing on releasing their aromatic essence rather than achieving perfect uniformity.
2. Transfer vegetable broth into a spacious cooking vessel, introducing the roughly chopped vegetables, fragrant bay leaf, and optional parmesan rind to infuse depth and complexity.
3. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing rich flavors over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes, ensuring vegetables become supremely tender.
4. Delicately remove bay leaf and parmesan rind, then carefully strain the cooked vegetables while preserving the flavorful broth.
5. Transform the tender vegetables into a silky, smooth puree using a blender, incorporating a splash of water to achieve an optimal consistency.
6. Reunite the velvety vegetable puree with the reserved broth, whisking to create a harmonious liquid base.
7. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce pastina pasta, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
8. Allow pasta to simmer for 5-6 minutes until perfectly al dente, absorbing the vegetable-infused liquid.
9. Elegantly ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, delicate parmesan cheese shavings, and a graceful drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Versatile Meal Perfect for Chilly Days: This hearty vegetable pastina soup warms you up and provides a comforting, nutritious meal packed with vegetables and delicate pasta.
• Blending Magic Transforms Texture: Pureeing the cooked vegetables creates a smooth, creamy base without adding heavy cream, making it a lighter yet satisfying option.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: From chopping to serving, this recipe takes under 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Flexible Ingredient Swaps: Substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo or stelline if unavailable, and use vegetable or chicken broth based on preference.
• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: The combination of mixed vegetables offers a rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a wholesome one-pot meal.
• Smart Storage Solution: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, and the soup reheats beautifully, maintaining its creamy consistency and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg