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Tomato Pastina Soup 7 Reasons It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food

Tomato Pastina Soup

Chef Ellie
Cozy up with this easy tomato pastina soup—quick to make, full of flavor, and the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 slices
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds richness and helps develop flavor right from the start.
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced – A savory base that adds depth and sweetness as it cooks.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – For that classic, aromatic Italian flavor.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth – A flavorful liquid base; you can use chicken broth if you prefer.
  • 1 ½ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes – Provides that vibrant hearty tomato flavor.
  • ¾ cup pastina pasta – Tiny pasta like acini di pepe stelline, or ditalini works best.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Balances and brightens the overall flavor.
  • Fresh basil or parsley optional – A sprinkle of herbs at the end adds freshness.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving – Optional, but adds a lovely savory finish.

Ingredient Notes & Tips:

  • Pasta choices: If you don’t have pastina on hand try other small pasta varieties like orzo or couscous.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end for extra richness.
  • Boost the nutrition: Toss in chopped spinach peas, or white beans to make it heartier without extra fuss.
  • Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose—simple comforting, and full of flavor. With just a handful of staples, you’re well on your way to a bowl of soup that feels like home.

Instructions
 

Sauté your aromatics

  • Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, then sauté until fragrant and translucent. This forms the flavorful base for your soup.

Add the tomato base

  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes to build richness.

Pour in the broth

  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step transforms your tomato base into a hearty, comforting soup.

Cook the pastina

  • Once the soup is bubbling, stir in the pastina. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the pasta cook until tender, usually around 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Season to taste

  • Add salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs to suit your preferences. If you like a hint of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully.

Finish with a touch of comfort

  • Stir in a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. You can also toss in a handful of grated Parmesan for a creamy finish.

Serve warm

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Serve immediately for maximum coziness.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
 • Calories: 220
 • Total Fat: 6g
 • Saturated Fat: 1g
 • Cholesterol: 0mg
 • Sodium: 620mg
 • Carbohydrates: 34g
 • Fiber: 4g
 • Sugars: 6g
 • Protein: 6g