What is Pastina Soup?
Pastina soup, often lovingly called “Italian penicillin soup,” has been a treasured remedy and comfort food across generations. This healing bowl features tiny star-shaped pasta simmered in a flavorful broth, creating not just a nostalgic childhood favorite but a quick, nourishing meal that’s ready in minutes.
Whether you’re craving a hearty chicken pastina soup or looking for a vegetarian-friendly pastina soup variation, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need that soothing bowl of warmth, homemade pastina soup combines simplicity with satisfaction in every spoonful.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pastina Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this classic pastina soup recipe:
- 1 cup pastina pasta (star-shaped pasta, or substitute with orzo, stelline, or acini di pepe)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian pastina soup)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme for enhanced aroma)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg (optional, for traditional stracciatella-style pastina soup)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tip: For a richer pastina soup, add shredded rotisserie chicken or a swirl of butter just before serving.
Quick Pastina Soup Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (That’s 40% faster than most homemade soups!)
How to Make Pastina Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build Your Pastina Soup Base
Warm the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes). This aromatic base creates the foundation of flavor for your pastina soup.
Step 2: Create the Pastina Soup Broth
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, then add thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together into a comforting broth.
Step 3: Cook the Star of Your Pastina Soup
Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent the tiny pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Optional Egg Addition for Authentic Pastina Soup
For a traditional Italian touch, whisk 1 egg in a separate bowl and slowly drizzle it into the hot pastina soup while stirring continuously. This creates delicate egg ribbons throughout your soup—a classic enhancement to basic pastina soup!
Step 5: Serve Your Comforting Pastina Soup
Ladle the steaming pastina soup into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, and enjoy immediately while the soup is at its most comforting temperature.
Pastina Soup Nutrition Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Note: Adding chicken or egg to your pastina soup increases the protein content significantly.
Healthier Pastina Soup Variations
- Whole Grain Pastina Soup: Use whole wheat pastina for extra fiber and nutrients
- Low-Sodium Pastina Soup: Choose reduced-sodium broth without sacrificing flavor
- Veggie-Packed Pastina Soup: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra vitamins
- Dairy-Free Pastina Soup: Skip the Parmesan or substitute nutritional yeast
Serving Your Pastina Soup
- Pair with crusty Italian bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal
- Serve as a warming first course before a main Italian dish
- Top with red pepper flakes for a spicy pastina soup variation
- Offer lemon wedges on the side for a brightening squeeze of citrus
Common Pastina Soup Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the pastina → It becomes mushy. Cook just until al dente for perfect pastina soup texture. ❌ Skipping the aromatics → Onion, garlic, and vegetables add essential depth to your pastina soup. ❌ Using low-quality broth → A high-quality broth makes all the difference in pastina soup flavor!
Storing Your Pastina Soup
- Refrigeration: Store your pastina soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the perfect pastina soup consistency.
- Freezing Note: Freezing pastina soup is not recommended as the tiny pasta absorbs liquid and becomes soggy.
Why Pastina Soup Should Be Your Go-To Comfort Food
This pastina soup recipe represents the ultimate quick comfort food—ready in just 20 minutes and endlessly customizable to your preferences. Whether you know it as Italian penicillin soup or simply as a cozy bowl of childhood nostalgia, pastina soup delivers warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.
The tiny star-shaped pasta swimming in flavorful broth creates a texture that’s uniquely comforting, making pastina soup the perfect choice when you need a hug in a bowl. Its simplicity belies its depth of flavor, proving that the most soothing foods often come from the simplest ingredients.
Try this pastina soup recipe tonight and discover why generations of Italian families have relied on this humble dish to nourish body and soul!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pastina Soup
1. What pasta can I substitute in pastina soup?
While traditional pastina soup uses star-shaped pasta, you can substitute orzo, stelline, acini di pepe, or any other tiny pasta shape with excellent results.
2. How do I make a heartier chicken pastina soup?
For chicken pastina soup, simply add 1-2 cups of shredded cooked chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
3. Is pastina soup gluten-free?
Traditional pastina soup contains wheat pasta. For gluten-free pastina soup, use certified gluten-free tiny pasta and ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
4. Can I prepare pastina soup in advance?
Yes! For make-ahead pastina soup, prepare the broth and vegetables, then cook and add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
5. Why is pastina soup called “Italian penicillin”?
Pastina soup earned this nickname because its warm, soothing properties are believed to help with colds and provide comfort during illness—much like grandmother’s traditional remedy!
