Description
Italian Penicillin: Pastina Soup is a comforting and nourishing Italian-inspired soup featuring tiny pastina pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with sautéed vegetables, enriched optionally with an egg for creaminess, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a warm, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. This builds the soup’s flavorful base.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Optional Egg Mixture: If using the egg, whisk it in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons that enrich the texture.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using homemade chicken broth intensifies the soup’s flavor, but store-bought broth works well too.
- The egg is optional but adds a rich, silky texture similar to egg drop soup.
- Pastina cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking it to mush.
- You can substitute butter for olive oil as per preference for a richer taste.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the egg if desired.
