Italian Penicillin: Pastina Soup
A comforting and simple Italian classic,Pastina Soup(often called “Italian Penicillin”) is the ultimate remedy for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. With tiny star-shaped pasta, a velvety egg finish, and a touch of Parmesan, this quick and satisfying soup warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cupschicken broth (homemade or store-bought)1 cuppastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or pearl-shaped pasta)1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cuppastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or pearl-shaped pasta)1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
- 1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1️⃣Heat the Broth:In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.2️⃣Cook the Pastina:Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
- 2️⃣Cook the Pastina:Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
- 3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.
- 4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
- 5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, toss in fresh herbs like parsley or a pinch of nutmeg.Customize by adding shredded chicken or diced vegetables for a heartier meal.
Customize by adding shredded chicken or diced vegetables for a heartier meal.