Name: The Best Comforting Pastina
Ingredients: 8 cups broth- chicken or veggie; 1 cup pastina pasta; 1/2 onion; 2 garlic cloves; 2 carrots; 2 celery; 1/2 tsp turmeric; Pinch of black pepper; Handful of parsley

When it comes to feeding kids something warm, soothing, and satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of The Best Comforting Pastina Soup. This classic Italian comfort dish is a go-to for parents everywhere, especially when kids are feeling under the weather or need a gentle, nutritious meal. Made with tiny pasta shapes known as pastina, which literally means “little pasta,” this soup is not only easy to make but also perfectly designed for little mouths and tummies. This is an excellent recipe to make on those colder winter months, incredibly soothing and healing with turmeric, onion, garlic and blended vegetables. Can be served to toddlers or kids of all ages for a cozy, yummy lunch or dinner.

Pastina soup checks all the boxes for a kid-friendly meal. The tiny pasta pieces cook quickly, have a soft texture, and are fun for kids to eat. It’s also easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for toddlers and older kids alike, especially during times when the kids are sick and need something comforting and light. The soup is also great for picky eaters since all the veggies are blended up and added back to the soup, ensuring every child can enjoy its goodness. Pastina soup isn’t just food, it’s literally a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days, sick days, or anytime kids need a little extra love at the table. I myself enjoy it with some grated parmesan cheese on top, it is absolutely delicious!

Why is The Best Comforting Pastina Soup good for Sick Kids?

Here’s why each ingredient plays an important role in supporting recovery:

1. Onion

Onions are rich in antioxidants and compounds like quercetin that support the immune system. They have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections. When cooked in soup, onions release their nutrients into the broth, making them easy for kids to digest while still benefiting from their soothing effects.

2. Garlic

Garlic is often referred to as nature’s antibiotic. It contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Garlic helps boost the immune system, making it a valuable ingredient when kids are battling colds or flu.

3. Vegetables

Adding a variety of vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or spinach, ensures the soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetables provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber, all of which are important for supporting immunity and digestion. These nutrients also help replenish the body’s reserves, especially when a child may not feel like eating much else.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful spice with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active compound, curcumin. It helps reduce inflammation in the body, which can soothe sore throats or inflamed airways. Turmeric also supports the immune system and can aid in quicker recovery from colds, coughs, or other illnesses.

5. The Broth

A warm broth provides hydration, which is crucial when kids are sick and may be losing fluids due to fever or congestion. The warmth of the soup helps soothe sore throats, clears nasal passages, and promotes relaxation.

Allergen-Friendly:

The Best Comforting Pastina Soup is allergen-friendly. Made with no eggs, no dairy and nut-free. If you want to opt for a vegan version choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips for Success:

Make sure to check liquid level throughout cook time. This recipe calls for 8 cups of liquid, can be chicken or vegetable broth or you do half broth half water, whatever you prefer. Depending on your stove stop the water might dissipate, requiring you to add more broth or water.
Some prefer pastina to have more soup and some prefer it not as much liquid, more creamy. If you want this dish more soup like, I recommend adding 1-2 more cups of liquid throughout cook time.
For pasta shape, you can use Acini di pepe, which is small balls, but even better if you find the small star-shaped pastas. The kids tend to like those better.
If you’d like, you can add pieces of shredded chicken into the soup or additional small chopped carrots or peas.

Substitutions:

Broth- Can use either vegetable or chicken broth

Pastina pasta- Can be substituted with a gluten-free option, such as brown rice pasta, whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, etc.

What you need:

Large Pot

Blender

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more you should check out:

Healing Chicken & Rice Soup

Butternut Squash Red Lentil Soup

Baby’s First Chicken Soup

Cough Remedy: Pear Soup