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Healing Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin Soup)

Healing Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin Soup)

A soothing, nourishing Italian soup made with tiny pastina pasta, broth, vegetables, and Parmesan—often called ‘Italian Penicillin’ for its comforting, healing qualities.

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
  • 3/4 cup pastina (or any tiny pasta like stelline or acini di pepe)
  • 1 egg (optional, for added richness)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the pastina directly into the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
  4. (Optional) Beat the egg in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a lovely finishing touch.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Adjust the pasta-to-broth ratio depending on how thick or brothy you like your soup.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness when serving.
  • This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta will continue to absorb broth, so add extra broth when reheating.
  • Author: Mateo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pastina soup, Italian penicillin, comfort food, healing soup