Comforting Italian Pastina Soup (The Italian Penicillin)

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Italian pastina soup, isn’t there? It’s more than just a simple meal; it’s a warm hug in liquid form, a gentle whisper of comfort that settles deep within your soul. The tiny, star-shaped pasta swirling in a savory broth, kissed with a hint of Parmesan, creates a texture and flavor that’s both classic and profoundly reassuring, bringing a taste of home to any table.

I remember my nonna in her sunny kitchen, always with a pot simmering on the stove, ready to offer a spoonful of something restorative. Whether it was a sniffle or just a gloomy day, her homemade broths and tiny pasta always did the trick. It’s those precious memories that inspired me to recreate and share recipes that carry such a heartfelt legacy.

This recipe for Italian pastina soup is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also a beautiful way to bring warmth and nourishment to your family with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or whenever you need a little culinary embrace. My top tip? Don’t rush the simmering; those rich flavors need a moment to truly bloom!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful soup requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. The heart of this dish lies in a good quality chicken or vegetable broth, which forms the comforting base, perfectly complemented by the tiny pastina and a generous finish of Parmesan cheese. These elements come together to create a nourishing and flavorful bowl of Italian pastina soup that truly feels like a hug from the inside. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Italian pastina soup

Making this comforting Italian pastina soup is a wonderfully straightforward process. You’ll begin by gently sautéing aromatic garlic in olive oil, building a foundational layer of flavor. Then, the broth simmers to perfection, ready to welcome the tiny pastina for just a few minutes until al dente. A final swirl of whisked egg and a sprinkle of Parmesan bring everything together for a truly heartwarming bowl.

Classic Italian Pastina Soup (Pastina in Brodo)

A comforting and quick Italian staple, perfect for a light meal or when you need a simple, warming dish. This delicate soup features tiny pastina pasta simmered in savory chicken or vegetable broth, often with a hint of Parmesan and egg ribbons.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 clove Garlic minced (optional)
• 6 cups Chicken or vegetable broth low sodium
• 1 cup Pastina stelline, acini di pepe, or similar tiny pasta
• 1 large Egg whisked (optional, for stracciatella style)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Preparation

1. If using garlic, mince it. If making stracciatella, whisk the egg in a small bowl. Grate the Parmesan cheese.

Cooking the Soup

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil.
3. Once boiling, add the pastina. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until the pastina is al dente. Stir occasionally.
4. If making stracciatella: While the pastina simmers, slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the simmering broth in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a whisk to create delicate ribbons of egg. Cook for another minute.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use homemade broth. If you don't have pastina, tiny orzo or acini di pepe can be substituted. This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the pastina can absorb a lot of liquid and become mushy if stored for too long. If making ahead, cook the pastina separately and add just before serving, or add extra broth when reheating.

Pro Tips for Making This Italian pastina soup

For a truly exceptional bowl of Italian pastina soup, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that I’m thrilled to share with you, just as my nonna shared hers with me. These little touches make all the difference!

Always use a high-quality broth, whether homemade or store-bought. It forms the very foundation of your soup, and a rich, flavorful broth will elevate your pastina soup to new heights. It’s the secret to that deep, comforting taste.

My Secret Trick: I always reserve a splash of cold broth to whisk with the egg before slowly drizzling it into the hot soup. This gentle tempering prevents the egg from scrambling instantly, allowing it to create those beautiful, silky ribbons we all adore in a good Italian pastina soup.

Don’t overcook the pastina! Those tiny pasta pieces can go from al dente to mushy in a blink. Keep a close eye on them and cook them only until they are tender with a slight bite, usually just 3-5 minutes, ensuring your Italian pastina soup has the perfect texture.

Always season gradually. Taste your soup before adding more salt, especially since broths and Parmesan cheese already contribute a lot of flavor. A little fresh black pepper at the end is a wonderful touch to brighten the flavors.

Fun Variations for Italian pastina soup

One of the joys of simple, beloved recipes like this Italian pastina soup is how beautifully they lend themselves to a little creative tweaking. It’s like adding your own special touch to a cherished family heirloom!

Flavor Boosters

For an extra layer of richness, consider stirring in a tablespoon of pesto or a dollop of soft goat cheese just before serving. My friend Sarah always loves a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, especially on a chilly evening. These small additions can transform the classic Italian pastina soup into something new and exciting.

Veggie Delights

While this soup shines in its simplicity, feel free to toss in some finely diced vegetables. A handful of fresh spinach, tender green peas, or grated carrots added in the last few minutes of cooking would be lovely. My mom sometimes adds tiny florets of broccoli, making it a complete meal that little ones often adore.

Herbaceous Twists

Beyond parsley, experiment with other fresh herbs. A sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf simmered with the broth can add a delightful aromatic note. A fresh basil chiffonade at the very end would also be a fragrant complement to your Italian pastina soup.

What to Serve With Italian pastina soup

This heartwarming Italian pastina soup is a meal in itself, but sometimes you want just a little something extra to complete the experience. Think of it as rounding out a comforting culinary embrace!

I love serving a simple, crusty piece of artisan bread alongside a bowl of this soup. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. A light green salad with a bright vinaigrette also provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the Italian pastina soup, offering a refreshing balance to your meal. For a truly Italian touch, a small side of bruschetta would be absolutely divine. My nonna always said that a good meal isn’t just about the main dish, but about the delightful accompaniments that make it special.

How to Store Italian pastina soup

Making a big batch of Italian pastina soup is always a good idea, as it’s such a wonderful comfort to have on hand. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy that warmth and flavor for days to come!

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your leftover Italian pastina soup to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pastina can absorb more liquid as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it thickens a bit.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, I always recommend adding a splash or two of extra broth or water to thin the soup back to your desired consistency. Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. My personal tip? A fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of chopped parsley after reheating brings it back to life, making it taste freshly made!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful soup, while incredibly comforting, also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. The chicken or vegetable broth provides essential hydration and electrolytes, while the pastina contributes carbohydrates for energy. Finished with Parmesan cheese, your Italian pastina soup becomes a satisfying and nourishing treat that’s both light and incredibly fulfilling.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth to make a delicious and equally comforting vegetarian Italian pastina soup. It’s just as delightful and nourishing.

Faq 2

What if my pastina absorbs too much liquid?
It’s common for pastina to expand and absorb more liquid over time. If your Italian pastina soup becomes too thick, simply stir in a bit more hot broth or water when reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Faq 3

Can I add other proteins to this soup?
Yes, for a heartier meal, you can certainly add cooked shredded chicken or tiny meatballs. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through, enhancing your Italian pastina soup.

Faq 4

Is this soup suitable for children?
This gentle and flavorful Italian pastina soup is often a favorite among children! Its mild taste and tiny pasta are usually very appealing to little ones, making it a wonderful family-friendly option.

Conclusion

There’s something truly irreplaceable about a bowl of homemade soup, especially one as comforting and simple as this Italian pastina soup. It’s a reminder that the best things in life, much like the most delicious desserts, are often crafted with love from the simplest ingredients. I encourage you to whip up a batch, gather your loved ones around the table, and savor not just the warmth of the broth, but the joy of creating sweet (or in this case, savory!) memories together. Happy cooking, my dear friends!