The Ultimate Comfort Recipe: Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of pastina soup, a cherished Italian penicillin recipe that warms hearts and soothes souls.

Generations of Italian families have relied on this simple yet magical dish to comfort loved ones during chilly days and moments of illness.

Delicate pasta pearls swim in a golden, nourishing broth that carries memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

The soup’s pure ingredients blend into a gentle, healing embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds a delightful depth of flavor that elevates this humble soup from basic to extraordinary.

Each spoonful connects you to traditional Italian home cooking and its inherent healing power.

This recipe promises to become your go-to remedy for comfort and wellness.

Why Pastina Soup Feels Like a Healing Bowl

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into the ultimate soul-warming soup that wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for chasing away chills and boosting your mood.
• Foolproof Preparation: Whip up this incredibly simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it a go-to option for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Healing Potential
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to all ages, from picky children to adults seeking a nostalgic taste of home cooking, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that brings everyone together.

What You’ll Need for Italian Penicillin Soup

• Chicken Broth: Liquid gold for comfort and flavor.
• Pastina: Tiny pasta stars that make soups extra cozy.
• Egg: Magical ingredient that adds creamy texture.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy companions that bring richness to the soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Simple enhancers that wake up the soup's flavor.

How to Make Italian-Style Pastina Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Broth

Pour chicken broth into a medium pot and heat over medium flame until it reaches a gentle boil.

The broth will create a flavorful base for your soul-warming soup.

Step 2: Cook the Tiny Pasta

Sprinkle pastina into the bubbling broth.

Stir the delicate pasta occasionally while cooking for 6-8 minutes.

Watch for the pasta to become tender and soft, absorbing the rich chicken flavor.

Step 3: Create Silky Egg Ribbons

Lower the heat to a soft simmer.

Gently pour the beaten egg into the soup while whisking vigorously.

This technique will transform the egg into delicate, cloud-like strands that float through the broth.

Step 4: Enrich with Creamy Goodness

• Butter
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until both melt completely, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top and dust with a light layer of black pepper.

Serve immediately while the soup is at its most comforting temperature.

Smart Tips for a Cozy and Nourishing Dish

• Choose tiny pastina shapes like stelline or orzo for a more delicate soup texture that's perfect for children or those feeling under the weather.
• Shred leftover rotisserie chicken or poach a chicken breast directly in the broth for extra protein without overwhelming the delicate soup.
• Temper the beaten egg by slowly adding hot broth before incorporating it into the soup to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap traditional wheat-based pastina with gluten-free alternatives like rice pasta or quinoa pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the comforting essence.
• Add a small pinch of dried herbs like thyme or a dash of garlic powder to elevate the soup's flavor profile while maintaining its classic, soothing character.

How to Store and Heat This Comfort Soup

• Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore the original creamy consistency if the soup has thickened.
• Skip freezing this soup, as the delicate pasta and egg mixture can separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the best flavor and prevent repeated reheating, which can degrade the soup's quality.

Best Pairings for Italian Pastina

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light Pinot Grigio or Soave to complement the soup's delicate flavors, cutting through its creamy richness while enhancing the subtle chicken broth.
• Serve Fresh Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough to soak up the silky soup, adding a delightful textural contrast and extra comfort to each spoonful.
• Match Herbal Side Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of the warm, creamy pastina.
• Add Comfort Beverage Pairing: Brew a soothing chamomile or mild green tea that echoes the soup's healing, nurturing qualities and provides a gentle warmth to complete the meal.

New Twists for Classic Pastina Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pastina with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa shells to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the soup's comforting texture.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken broth for rich vegetable broth and add extra protein with soft tofu cubes or white beans for a plant-based alternative that preserves the soup's creamy consistency.
• Low-Sodium Remix: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce cheese quantity, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to create a heart-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative, perfect for those avoiding dairy products while keeping the soup's warmth and richness.

FAQs

• What is pastina?

Pastina is a tiny, star-shaped pasta popular in Italian cuisine, often used in soups and as a comforting first food for children. It’s smaller than most pasta shapes and cooks quickly.

• Is this soup good when you're sick?

Yes, this soup is known as “Italian Penicillin” because it’s traditionally made to comfort and nourish people when they’re feeling unwell, similar to how chicken soup is viewed in other cultures.

• Can I use a different type of pasta if I don't have pastina?

While pastina is traditional, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like orzo, stelline, or even broken spaghetti pieces that are similar in size and cooking time.

• Why do you add egg to this soup?

The egg adds a creamy, silky texture to the soup and provides extra protein and richness. When whisked continuously, it creates delicate strands that enhance the overall flavor and consistency of the dish.

Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this heartwarming Italian penicillin pastina soup, a soul-soothing remedy passed down through generations. Grandma’s simple yet magical recipe wraps you in warmth, promising healing and happiness with each spoonful of liquid love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (236 ml) pastina pasta
• 1 egg

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

Herbs and Spices:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pour chicken broth into a medium pot and heat over medium flame until it reaches a gentle bubbling state.
2. Carefully introduce pastina into the simmering liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta becomes delicately soft.
3. Transition the heat to its lowest setting, creating a calm surface for the upcoming egg integration.
4. Gradually stream the beaten egg into the soup while continuously whisking, allowing delicate, feathery egg strands to form throughout the broth.
5. Introduce cold butter, gently swirling until it melts completely and blends seamlessly with the soup’s velvety texture.
6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the pot, stirring methodically to distribute the rich, nutty flavor and create a harmonious consistency.
7. Carefully sample the soup, adjusting seasoning with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with an additional generous dusting of Parmesan and a light crack of black pepper for visual appeal and extra flavor dimension.
9. Serve immediately while the soup maintains its optimal temperature and silky smoothness.

Notes

• Customize the pasta size by choosing different small pasta shapes like orzo or stelline to match your texture preference.
• Whisk the egg gently and steadily to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, velvety soup texture.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains the comforting, creamy consistency.
• Control salt levels by using low-sodium broth and adding seasoning gradually to suit individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg