The Comforting Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup Recipe

Cozy italian penicillin pastina soup warms souls with its comforting embrace during chilly days.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this simple yet magical dish.

Tiny pasta stars dance in a rich, velvety broth that promises healing and happiness.

Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Packed with nutrients and love, this soup becomes more than just food, it’s a remedy for the spirit.

Generations have trusted this classic recipe to soothe and restore.

You can recreate this timeless comfort in your own kitchen with just a few humble ingredients.

Grab a pot and let the magic of traditional italian comfort begin!

Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup That Warms the Soul

• Comfort in a Bowl: A heartwarming soup that wraps you in pure, nostalgic comfort with its simple yet delicious ingredients.
• Heal and Nourish: Perfect for fighting off colds, boosting immunity, and providing gentle nutrition when you're feeling under the weather.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together faster than you can order takeout, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Loved by kids and adults alike, this versatile soup pleases even picky eaters with its mild, comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup

• Pastina: A tiny, star-shaped pasta perfect for creating a comforting soup base.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that provides rich, warm flavor to the soup.

• Carrot, Celery, Onion, Garlic: A classic Italian mirepoix that builds deep, savory flavor layers for the soup.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps to sauté vegetables and add a smooth, rich undertone.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity to the soup's final taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that enhances the soup's appearance and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Egg: Creates delicate ribbons that add protein and a silky texture to the soup when whisked into the hot broth.

How to Prepare Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Broth Base

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tiny Pasta

Gently stir in pastina pasta. Cook according to package guidelines, typically 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create Silky Egg Ribbons

Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle the egg into the hot soup while stirring, creating delicate, cloud-like ribbons.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Tips to Perfect Penicillin Pastina Soup

• Swap butter for olive oil to make the recipe dairy-free and heart-healthy.
• Chop vegetables finely for a smoother texture and faster cooking time.
• Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and deeper flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pastina for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting soup.
• Let soup cool slightly before adding egg ribbons to prevent scrambling and maintain silky consistency.

Flavorful Variations on Penicillin Pastina Soup

• Gluten-Free Quinoa Soup: Replace pastina with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that maintains the comforting texture.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, add sautéed mushrooms for depth, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Greek-Inspired Orzo Adaptation: Use orzo pasta, add lemon zest, and incorporate diced feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Herb Variation: Use low-sodium broth, increase fresh herb content like thyme and rosemary, and reduce added salt for a lighter version.

Pairings That Complement Penicillin Pastina Soup

• Slice a rustic Italian baguette, toast it with garlic-infused olive oil, and serve alongside the soup for a delightful crunch and complementary flavor.
• Select a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the soup's richness and enhance its delicate herb and chicken notes.
• Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, creating a fresh and tangy counterpoint to the warm, comforting soup.
• Brew a refreshing mint or chamomile iced tea to provide a cool, soothing drink that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.

Storage Tips for Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding cheese before freezing to maintain texture.
• Microwave Reheat: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if soup appears too thick.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming but not boiling to preserve delicate egg ribbons and pastina texture.

FAQs

• Is pastina only used in Italian cuisine?

Pastina is a tiny pasta primarily associated with Italian cooking, especially in comfort food dishes like soups and broths. While it originated in Italy, it’s now used in various cuisines worldwide.

• Can I make this soup if I'm feeling sick?

Absolutely! This soup is often called “Italian Penicillin” because it’s traditionally used to comfort and nourish people when they’re under the weather. Its warm broth and simple ingredients make it perfect for recovering from illness.

• Do I need any special skills to make this soup?

Not at all! This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. If you can chop vegetables and boil water, you can make this comforting soup. It requires minimal cooking techniques and basic kitchen tools.

Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Italian penicillin pastina soup delivers healing warmth through generations of nonna’s kitchen wisdom. Nourishing broth with delicate pasta brings wellness and love to anyone seeking culinary solace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1/2 small onion, finely minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing chopped carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing mixture to reach a robust boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes to develop rich, harmonious flavors.
3. Add pastina to the simmering broth, stirring periodically and cooking according to package directions until pasta reaches an al dente consistency, typically 6-8 minutes.
4. For egg enhancement, vigorously whisk egg in a separate bowl, then delicately stream into hot soup while continuously stirring, creating delicate, silky egg ribbons throughout the liquid.
5. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Transform this soup into a healing, comforting meal by choosing organic vegetables for maximum nutrient density.
• Use homemade chicken broth to enhance flavor and create a richer, more authentic Italian comfort experience.
• Customize the protein by substituting shredded rotisserie chicken or adding leftover roasted chicken pieces for extra heartiness.
• Adapt for dietary needs by using gluten-free pastina or replacing with quinoa for a low-carb alternative that maintains the soup’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 212 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg