1 . Can You Freeze Pastina Soup for Later?

It’s not the best idea. Since pastina absorbs liquid like a sponge, freezing it can make the pasta turn mushy when reheated. If you do freeze it, store the broth separately and cook fresh pastina when serving.

2 . What’s the Best Type of Broth to Use?

Homemade broth is always the best choice because it’s rich in flavor and nutrients. However, a high-quality store-bought broth works well too. For a deeper taste, use low-sodium broth and season it yourself.

3 . How Can I Make This Soup More Filling?

If you want a heartier meal, consider these additions: Protein: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage. Beans: White beans or chickpeas add fiber and protein. Egg: Stir in a whisked egg for a creamy texture.

4 . How Do I Keep Pastina from Getting Too Thick?

Since pastina absorbs broth as it sits, add extra broth when reheating. If you plan to store it, consider cooking the pasta separately and combining it with fresh broth when serving.

5 . Can I Make a Dairy-Free or Vegan Version?

Absolutely! Here’s how: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap out butter for olive oil. Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Add plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils.

Pastina Soup: The Best One-Pot Recipe for Quick Comfort

Name: Pastina Soup: The Best One-Pot Recipe for Quick Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable); ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra umami); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 2 cups pasta (penne, elbow, or rotini) or 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 cup frozen peas or corn; ½ cup shredded carrots (optional); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Description

This One-Pot Comfort Meal is the perfect quick and hearty dish when you need a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. Packed with tender protein, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, comforting sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a go-to recipe for comfort food lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce & Liquid:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra umami)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For the Carbs & Veggies:

2 cups pasta (penne, elbow, or rotini) or 1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup frozen peas or corn
½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Protein:
- Add ground beef (or protein of choice) and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add Liquids & Simmer:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook the Pasta or Rice:
- Stir in pasta or uncooked rice, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the starch is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese & Veggies:
- Add frozen peas/corn and shredded carrots.
- Stir in cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Make It Healthier: Swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken and use whole wheat pasta or brown rice.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with chickpeas, black beans, or mushrooms.
More Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Side Pairings: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Comfort Food, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximate
Calories: ~480 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg