Italian Penicillin (Pastina Soup)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pastina Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. With its light yet rich chicken broth base and tender pastina pasta, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. The enrichment of a beaten egg and Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and depth, making it both nourishing and satisfying. This simple yet heartwarming soup is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick meal, and can even serve as a restorative dish when you need a little extra comfort.

Ingredients

Base

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup pastina pasta

Enrichment

• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Seasoning

• Salt
• Black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Pastina: Add the pastina pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions, typically about 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
3. Enrich the Soup: While the pasta is cooking, beat the egg in a small bowl. Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to low and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring continuously. This will create silky strands of egg throughout the broth.
4. Add the Parmesan and Butter: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and butter until fully incorporated. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding richness and depth of flavor.
5. Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting warmth.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan if needed.
• Herbed Twist: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to elevate the flavor.
• Extra Protein: Add cooked shredded chicken to the soup for a heartier meal, especially if you’re looking for more protein.
• Lemon Zest: For a bright, refreshing note, add a little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can add additional chicken broth or water to thin the soup if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

You can substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or tiny shells, but pastina is traditionally used for this soup due to its small size and texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of the soup and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the pasta and egg right before serving to keep the pasta from becoming too soft or soggy.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make the soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta, such as gluten-free orzo or rice pasta, and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

How do I know when the egg is fully incorporated into the soup?

The egg should be added slowly while stirring continuously to avoid clumps. It will cook gently in the hot broth and form silky strands, which is the desired texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the soup without the pasta and egg. When reheating, cook the pasta and add the beaten egg and cheese at the end for the best texture.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add finely chopped carrots, celery, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them to the broth before cooking the pasta so they have time to soften.

Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or another hard, aged cheese. However, the flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the soup while cooking the pasta.

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make the soup vegan, use a plant-based broth, skip the egg and butter, and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add cooked chicken, tofu, or a handful of beans to increase the protein content and make the soup more substantial.

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin, or Pastina Soup, is a perfect dish for when you need comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something light yet nourishing, this simple yet satisfying soup offers warmth and flavor with minimal effort. With its delicious combination of chicken broth, pastina pasta, egg, Parmesan cheese, and butter, it’s a timeless recipe that delivers heartwarming goodness every time.

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