Recipes

Creamy Parmesan Pastina Soup – The 15-Minute, One-Pot Dinner You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

AQBy Avery QuinnNovember 6, 20268 min read

The Secret to Perfect Creamy Pastina

The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require heavy cream.

As the pasta cooks directly in the broth, it releases starch into the liquid.

This naturally thickens the soup.

When butter and Parmesan are added, they create a smooth, rich texture.

For the best results, stir the pasta occasionally while cooking.

Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible because it generally melts more smoothly than some pre-shredded varieties.

Also, avoid boiling the soup aggressively after adding the cheese.

Excessive heat can cause the cheese to clump or separate.

Several small pasta shapes work beautifully in this recipe.

Ditalini: Small, short tubes that hold their shape and create a satisfying texture.

Stelline: Tiny star-shaped pasta commonly used in Italian soups.

Acini di pepe: Very small round pasta that produces a delicate, comforting consistency.

Orzo: Rice-shaped pasta that creates a slightly heartier dish.

Traditional pastina: Tiny pasta shapes that soften quickly and are especially popular in simple broth-based meals.

The image accompanying this recipe appears to feature ditalini, which is an excellent choice.

If using larger pasta shapes, you may need additional broth and a longer cooking time.

If you prefer a thicker, more luxurious consistency, there are several simple adjustments you can make.

Reduce the broth slightly for a pasta dish with less liquid.

Add a little extra Parmesan for a richer flavor.

You can also stir in a small spoonful of cream cheese after removing the saucepan from the heat.

For a lighter version, use the original recipe and avoid additional dairy.

Remember that the pasta continues absorbing broth after cooking, so the soup naturally thickens as it cools.

Although the five-ingredient version is wonderful on its own, this recipe can easily be customized.

Add a handful of cooked, shredded chicken during the final few minutes.

This turns the soup into a more substantial meal and adds protein.

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