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Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin Soup)


  • Author: Sarah White
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A cozy Italian classic made with tiny pasta and flavorful broth. Perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or when you need a comforting boost.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1.5 cups pastina pasta (or acini di pepe, orzo, or tiny stars)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a large pot.

  2. Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

  3. Add olive oil or butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

This soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating. For variety, add shredded chicken, diced vegetables, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian