Weight Watchers Pastina Soup – Cozy, Low-Point Italian Comfort Bowl

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of pastina soup on a chilly evening — the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making a simple version of this whenever someone in the family was under the weather. She’d stand over the stove, stirring that tiny star-shaped pasta in golden broth, humming softly. It wasn’t fancy, but somehow it always made everything better.

Today, I’ve taken that same comforting classic and given it a Weight Watchers twist — a cozy, low-point Italian comfort bowl you can enjoy without a hint of guilt. This Weight Watchers Pastina Soup is rich in flavor yet surprisingly light, thanks to clever swaps and balanced ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that satisfies both your cravings and your SmartPoints budget.

If you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy pasta soup without derailing your progress, this is it. With just 3 SmartPoints per serving, it’s perfect for cozy lunches, light dinners, or even a gentle post-workout meal that fills you up without weighing you down.

Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply eating more mindfully, this low-point soup proves that comfort food can absolutely fit into a healthy lifestyle.

---

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍲 Low in SmartPoints: Only 3 SmartPoints per serving — so you can enjoy seconds guilt-free.
• ⏱️ Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
• 🥕 Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with veggies, protein, and cozy broth.
• 💧 Hydrating & Light: Perfect for a reset day or when you want something soothing.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike — it’s pure comfort in a bowl.

---

WW SmartPoints Info

• Estimated SmartPoints (per serving): 3
• Estimated SmartPoints (whole recipe): 12
• How SmartPoints were calculated: Estimated using Weight Watchers SmartPoints principles based on ingredients like fat-free broth, whole-grain pastina, and lean chicken.

(Note: Values may vary slightly depending on specific brands and portion sizes.)

---

My Personal Experience

When I first started following Weight Watchers, I missed one thing most — pasta. The creamy, cozy bowls of noodles that made bad days better suddenly felt off-limits. One rainy afternoon, I decided to experiment. I found a tiny half-empty box of pastina in my pantry and thought, why not try making it lighter?

The result was this Weight Watchers Pastina Soup. The aroma of simmering broth, garlic, and parsley filled my kitchen just like my grandma’s soup used to. But this time, I could enjoy it knowing it was completely aligned with my goals.

The best part? My husband (who doesn’t count points) loved it too. He even went back for seconds! That’s when I knew I’d struck the perfect balance — flavor meets wellness.

---

🧂 Required Equipment

🥣 Saucepan or Soup Pot

You’ll need a medium-sized soup pot to simmer the broth and cook the pastina evenly. Nonstick or stainless steel both work great — just make sure it’s deep enough to hold 5–6 cups of broth without splashing.

🔪 Cutting Board & Knife

For chopping onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. A sharp knife ensures uniform cuts — which helps the veggies cook evenly and look beautiful in your soup.

🥄 Wooden Spoon or Ladle

A sturdy spoon helps stir the pastina gently so it doesn’t clump together.

🧽 Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)

If you want an extra-clear broth, you can strain it before adding the pasta. This is totally optional, but it gives that clean, restaurant-quality finish.

---

🥕 Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Amount	Notes & Substitutions
Olive oil	1 tsp	Just enough to sauté veggies. You can use cooking spray to save 1 SmartPoint.
Onion	½ medium, finely chopped	Adds depth and aroma.
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	For that signature Italian comfort flavor.
Carrot	1 medium, diced	Adds color, sweetness, and fiber.
Celery	1 stalk, diced	Classic soup base — adds freshness.
Fat-free chicken broth	5 cups	Zero-point base. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Pastina (tiny star pasta)	½ cup uncooked	The heart of the soup. Swap for whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.
Cooked shredded chicken breast	1 cup	Lean protein, zero-point on most WW plans.
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Adjust to your liking.
Italian seasoning	½ tsp	Optional but adds beautiful flavor.
Fresh parsley	1 tbsp chopped	For a bright finish.
Lemon juice	1 tsp	Optional — adds a light, refreshing twist.

Substitution Tips

• Swap chicken for white beans if you prefer a vegetarian version (adds fiber, slightly higher points).
• Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pastina for a near-zero point twist.
• To make it richer, stir in 1 tsp of Parmesan cheese (+1 SmartPoint per serving).

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make Weight Watchers Pastina Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a medium soup pot, heat 1 tsp olive oil (or use nonstick spray for zero points). Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds — your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Pro tip: Don’t rush this step — the slow sauté builds the foundation of flavor that makes this soup taste rich without needing butter or heavy cream.

Step 2: Add Broth & Seasonings

Pour in 5 cups of fat-free chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

If you’re using vegetable broth, taste and adjust salt later — veggie broth tends to be slightly saltier.

Step 3: Cook the Pastina

Once the broth is simmering, add ½ cup of pastina. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t clump. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until tender.

Tip: Don’t overcook the pastina — it can turn mushy fast!

Step 4: Add Chicken

Stir in shredded chicken breast. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.

You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (skin removed) to save time — just double-check points if it’s seasoned.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste for salt and adjust if needed.

Serve hot and enjoy the pure comfort of a low-point Italian soup that tastes like it came straight from your grandmother’s kitchen.

---

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pastina: It can become too thick and gummy. Keep an eye on it!
2. Adding too much oil: Even a teaspoon more can change the SmartPoints balance.
3. Not tasting the broth: Always season as you go for a perfect flavor balance.
4. Using high-sodium broth: It can overwhelm the delicate flavors — choose reduced-sodium.
5. Skipping lemon juice: That tiny bit of acidity brightens everything!

---

💡 Pro Tips for Best Results

• Add a few spinach leaves at the end for color and extra nutrients (0 points).
• For a richer flavor, simmer the broth for an extra 10 minutes before adding pastina.
• Store leftovers with a little extra broth since pastina continues to absorb liquid.
• Sprinkle chili flakes for a cozy spicy kick (+0 points).

---

🧠 WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy

Pastina on its own isn’t typically low in points, but by keeping portions small and balancing it with zero-point ingredients like chicken and broth, you create a satisfying, point-friendly meal.

This soup fits beautifully into any daily WW plan — perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies or a small green salad for a balanced, full meal under 6 points total.

---

🌈 Variations You Can Try

• 🧀 Cheesy Pastina Soup: Add 1 tsp grated Parmesan per bowl (+1 SmartPoint).
• 🌿 Spinach & Lemon Version: Stir in 1 cup baby spinach and extra lemon zest (0 points).
• 🍗 Chicken Meatball Version: Add mini turkey meatballs (+2 SmartPoints per serving).
• 🥦 Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or peas (0 points).

---

🥄 Tips for This Recipe

• Always store soup separately from pastina if meal prepping — it prevents sogginess.
• Use leftover chicken from another meal to make this even faster.
• Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the silky texture.

---

🧅 Storage Recommendations

• Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore texture.

Note: Points remain the same after reheating unless extra ingredients are added.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the chicken and chicken broth for vegetable broth and white beans.

2. What can I use instead of pastina?
You can use orzo or couscous, but adjust the SmartPoints slightly (usually +1 per serving).

3. Can I add cheese?
Absolutely — 1 tsp Parmesan adds a creamy touch (+1 SmartPoint).

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep broth and pasta separate if storing overnight — it prevents the soup from thickening too much.

5. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, just cool completely before freezing. Thaw and reheat slowly.

6. Can I use air fryer chicken?
Yes, air fryer chicken breast works beautifully — still 0 points if skinless.

7. How can I reduce points even further?
Skip olive oil and use cooking spray, or replace pastina with zucchini noodles for nearly 0-point soup!

---

🧮 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Estimated)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Protein	14 g
Fat	2 g
Total Carbs	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Net Carbs	16 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	480 mg
SmartPoints	3 (Estimated)

---

📋 Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Soup / Light Meal
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Calories (per serving): 145
SmartPoints (per serving): 3