Italian Pastina Soup Recipe (Italian Penicillin Soup)

Sometimes, in my mom’s words, you feel like something that will ‘warm the cockles of your heart.’ I define this ‘something’ as a food that nourishes both my body and soul. This delicious Italian Pastina Soup, sometimes known as Italian Penicillin Soup, does just that.

This hearty soup combines tender, tiny pasta with a flavorful broth and nutritious vegetables, creating a comforting meal in just 45 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, when suffering from the flu or cold, or just when you need a bowl of pure comfort, Italian Pastina Soup is a versatile and nourishing option that will become a family favorite.

What is Pastina

Pastina is a category of tiny, star-like, or granular pasta shapes traditionally used in Italian cooking. The word “pastina” literally means “little pasta” in Italian. Due to its light, easy-to-digest nature, pastina is often considered a staple comfort food, especially for children and people feeling under the weather. In Italy, it’s usually the first solid food for babies or a soothing meal for someone under the weather, earning its reputation as “Italian penicillin.”

I first became acquainted with pastina when I babysat a small boy whose favorite meal was eggs and pastina.

The most common tiny pasta shapes of pastina are the star-shaped stelline and the tiny and round acini di pepe. Orzo, risoni (similar to orzo, shaped like rice grains), fideo cut spaghetti (thin spaghetti cut into small pieces), and quadrettini (tiny square-shaped pasta) are some other pastina styles, but are harder to find outside of Italy. Alphabet pasta is another great pastina!

Italian Pastina Soup vs. American Chicken Soup vs. Jewish Penicillin Soup

Like its cousins, North America’s Chicken Noodle Soup and Jewish Chicken Penicillin Soup, Italian Pastina (Italian Penicillin) Soup is primarily made of chicken broth and vegetables. They share more similarities than differences; the most significant similarity is that they all will heal both body and mind.

The difference is primarily the starches included (egg noodles in North America, matzo balls in Jewish, and pastina in Italian). You will often find additional root vegetables like turnips and herbs like dill in Jewish Matzo ball soup. The Italian version is frequently enhanced with a squeeze of lemon, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and sometimes a parmesan rind for extra umami.

Most American and Jewish chicken soups are made with clear broth, while some Italian Chicken Pastina soups puree the vegetables for a creamier base.

But, Can It Cure My Cold?

Technically, no. I think we’ve all come to accept that nothing but time will cure the common cold.

That said, this easy pastina soup can make you feel better while time does its thing. Research has shown that the ingredients in chicken soup can temporarily slow the movement of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation), which might explain its mild anti-inflammatory effects. While this won’t cure a cold, it can reduce symptoms like congestion and throat discomfort.

Additionally, the warm chicken broth helps keep you hydrated, which is essential for recovering from a cold, and the steam from hot chicken soup can loosen mucus and soothe nasal congestion.

Ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and herbs provide essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins (like C and A), and minerals (like zinc), which support the immune system.

Finally, the warmth of the soup can soothe a sore throat and provide a sense of well-being, which is vital during recovery. Chicken soup is also easy to digest, making it a gentle meal when your appetite is suppressed.

The Healthy Ingredients of Italian Pastina Soup

• Chicken Broth forms the base of the soup, delivering a rich, savory flavor. Chicken broth provides protein, collagen, and amino acids that support joint health, digestion, and immune function. Homemade broth contains additional nutrients and fewer additives compared to store-bought, and a low-sodium broth will always be the healthiest option.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onion (Soffrito) add natural sweetness and depth to the broth. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and onions contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
• Garlic adds aromatic depth, enhances the soup’s flavor, and has immune-boosting properties due to its allicin content.
• Herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, and Bay Leaf give the broth a fragrant Mediterranean flavor.
• While optional, I highly encourage you to use a Parmesan Rind, which adds a savory, umami flavor to the soup as it simmers.
• Squeeze a lemon into the soup right before serving to brighten it and balance the richness.
• Pastina is the star of the soup, making it hearty and comforting. The pasta also provides carbohydrates for energy. Cook the pasta separately and add to the bowls of soup when serving to keep it from getting overcooked and mushy.
• If your chicken stock is a little bland, consider adding a teaspoon or two (to your taste) of Chicken Bouillon to add a little oomph.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Chicken meat (leftover, rotisserie, or just cooked) adds protein to the soup.

Make It Your Own: Customizing Italian Pastina Soup

• Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, kale, or diced zucchini for added nutrients and color.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. Consider Harissa, Sambal Oelek, or Sriracha to spice up your soup.
• Low-Carb Version: Use carb-free pasta, reduce the amount of pastina and increase vegetables for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock for the base of the soup.

Remember, the best Italian pastina soup is the one that suits your taste and dietary needs and makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Enjoying Your Italian Pastina Soup Later: Storage and Reheating

Storage

 Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. Italian Pastina soup can be stored in the freezer for up to two to three months. For best results, freeze the broth and vegetables separately from the pastina.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to reach desired consistency. Alternately, heat it in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.

Worth Repeating

If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pastina separately and add it to individual bowls upon serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft when reheated.

Looking for Other Nourishing Soups?

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is a simple yet flavorful soup combining tender chicken with a medley of vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.

There is nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to comfort and nourish the soul. This Vegetable and Barley Soup is the perfect recipe for those chilly evenings when you crave something satisfying and wholesome.

An easy-to-make slow cooker soup featuring a blend of 15 Beans and Smoked Turkey, providing a smoky and protein-packed one-bowl meal.

This White Bean and Cabbage Soup is a lighter, broth-based soup featuring white beans, ham, and vegetables, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Bookmark this page or pin the following image to return to this Italian Pastina Soup recipe in the future.

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!