Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort dish? Italian Pastina Penicillin Soup is the warm, nourishing answer to cold nights, sniffles, or a simple craving for something wholesome. This quick and easy recipe uses tiny pastina pasta, buttery broth, and a touch of cheese to create a creamy, soothing soup that’s ideal for all ages. Whether you need a quick breakfast, easy dinner, or comforting food idea, this healthy snack doubles as Italian soul food at its finest. It’s one of those breakfast ideas or dinner ideas that warms your heart just as much as your belly.
Ingredients
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup pastina pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small carrot, finely grated
1 small celery stalk, finely minced (optional)
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, whole or minced (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2. Pour in the chicken broth. If using, add Parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the pastina and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until tender.
4. Remove Parmesan rind. Lower heat and stir in grated cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using, slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring constantly.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and texture—it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
For a richer broth, simmer with a Parmesan rind or use bone broth.
Stir continuously after adding pastina to prevent sticking or clumping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy recipe, comfort food, pastina soup, Italian penicillin, quick dinner, healthy soup