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Authentic Italian Pastina Soup (The ‘Italian Penicillin’)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with pastina soup italian penicillin, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
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Make this simple, traditional Italian Pastina Soup. It uses basic ingredients to create a comforting, healing broth perfect for sick days or any time you need quick comfort food.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups high-quality chicken broth (brodo)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta (or acini di pepe, stelline)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pour the chicken broth and water into a medium saucepan. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You want it hot but not a rolling boil.
  2. Add the pastina pasta to the simmering broth. Stir immediately to prevent the small pasta shapes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Cook the pastina according to package directions, usually about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape (al dente). Do not overcook, as the pasta will continue to soften once removed from the heat.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the tablespoon of olive oil. This adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Remember that the broth and cheese already contain salt.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth (brodo) if you have it.
  • If you are making this for someone who is very ill, keep the seasoning light and add the cheese only to the serving bowl.
  • This soup is best eaten right away. If you have leftovers, the pasta will absorb much of the liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/pastina-soup-italian-penicillin/