Pastina Soup (Italian Comfort Soup)
Pastina soup is a classic Italian comfort dish, often called “Italian penicillin” because of its soothing qualities. Made with tiny pasta (pastina), a rich homemade broth, and sometimes eggs or cheese, this simple yet nourishing soup is perfect for cold days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or just craving a warm, nostalgic meal.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Soup:
6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
¾ cup pastina pasta (such as Acini di Pepe, Stelline, or Orzo)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
1 large egg (optional, for a silkier texture)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese
Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Broth
1. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Pastina
1. Add the pastina pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Enrich the Soup (Optional Additions)
1. If using butter, stir it in for extra richness.
2. If using an egg, whisk it in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring continuously to create a silky, egg-drop texture.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
1. Stir in Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, extra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings, without optional ingredients)
Calories: ~180
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Notes & Tips
Make it heartier: Add cooked shredded chicken, carrots, or celery.
Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pastina or small rice instead.
Dairy-free option: Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: What is pastina?
A: Pastina means “little pasta” in Italian and refers to tiny pasta shapes like Stelline (stars) or Acini di Pepe.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but the pasta absorbs broth as it sits. Add more broth when reheating.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes! Any small pasta like Orzo, Ditalini, or even broken spaghetti works well.
Q: What’s the best broth to use?
A: Homemade chicken broth is ideal, but store-bought works too. Low-sodium broth is best to control salt levels.