Description
Italian Penicillin: Pastina Soup is a comforting, simple, and nourishing Italian soup made with tiny pastina pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth with sautéed vegetables. Enriched optionally with egg and Parmesan cheese, this soup offers a warm, soothing meal perfect for chilly days or when you need a gentle, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrot, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, which builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors of the vegetables and broth to meld deeply.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to the package instructions, generally about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly to a tender texture.
- Optional Egg Mixture: If using the egg for extra richness, whisk it well in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle the egg into the hot soup while stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons dispersed throughout the soup for added texture and richness.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup until melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the overall flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adding the egg is optional but adds a creamy texture and additional protein.
- Pastina cooks quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread for a fuller meal.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor, and add more at the table if desired.
