There are few dishes as comforting and soul-soothing as a warm bowl of Italian Pastina Soup. Often called “Italian Penicillin,” this simple soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or whenever you need a taste of home. Made with tiny pasta simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a classic recipe passed down through generations. This guide will walk you through creating the perfect bowl, with tips and variations to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pastina Soup Recipe
This isn’t just soup; it’s a remedy and a tradition. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up this soup in under 20 minutes.
- Deeply Comforting: The combination of delicate pasta, savory broth, and rich Parmesan cheese is fundamentally nourishing.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a favorite among both kids and adults, making it a perfect easy meal for the whole family.
- Easily Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding an egg, more vegetables, or different seasonings.
What Is Pastina?
“Pastina” is the Italian word for “tiny pasta.” It refers to a variety of small pasta shapes, often used in soups or as a first food for babies. The most common shapes include stelline (little stars), acini di pepe (peppercorns), and ditalini. Any of these will work beautifully for this Italian Pastina Soup, cooking quickly and creating a wonderfully thick, porridge-like consistency in the broth.
The Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You only need a few high-quality ingredients to create a memorable dish.
- Chicken Broth: A high-quality chicken broth or stock is the foundation of this soup. Homemade is fantastic, but a good store-bought version works well.
- Pastina: Any tiny pasta shape like stelline or acini di pepe.
- Butter: Adds a touch of richness that complements the Parmesan.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano will provide the best flavor and melt beautifully into the soup.
- Garlic & Onion: Finely minced to build a simple, aromatic flavor base.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the soup to your taste.
How to Make Italian Pastina Soup Step-by-Step
Making this soup is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan. Bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is boiling, add the pastina. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to the package directions, typically for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted completely into the soup. The soup will thicken as it sits. Serve immediately in warm bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper on top.
Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Use Quality Broth: Since the broth is the primary flavor, using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth makes a significant difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pastina cooks very quickly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy. Remember it will continue to cook and absorb liquid in the hot broth.
- Serve Immediately: This soup is best enjoyed fresh. The pastina will continue to soak up the broth as it sits, making it much thicker over time.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and melting texture, always use a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself.
Popular Pastina Soup Variations
While the classic recipe is wonderful on its own, here are a few popular ways to customize your Italian Pastina Soup.
Creamy Pastina with Egg (Pastina con l’uovo)
For an even richer, creamier soup, try adding an egg. To do this, whisk one egg and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Once the pastina is cooked, slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the hot soup while stirring continuously. The egg will cook gently in the residual heat, creating a silky, creamy texture.
Vegetarian Pastina Soup
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. The result is just as comforting and delicious.
Adding More Vegetables
For a more nutrient-dense soup, feel free to add finely diced vegetables like carrots and celery along with the onion and garlic. Sauté them until tender before adding the broth.
Storing and Reheating
Italian Pastina Soup is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the pasta will absorb most of the broth, resulting in a much thicker, porridge-like consistency. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup and heat gently on the stovetop until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
To add an egg for extra richness (a variation called ‘pastina con l’uovo’), whisk one egg in a separate bowl. Once the soup is cooked and you’ve turned off the heat, slowly pour the whisked egg into the hot soup while stirring continuously. The residual heat will cook the egg, making the soup creamy and silky.
The key to preventing mushy pastina is to avoid overcooking it and to serve the soup immediately. The tiny pasta cooks very quickly and will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Cook it just until al dente, and serve it right away for the best texture.
If you can’t find pasta specifically labeled ‘pastina,’ you can use any other very small pasta shape. Orzo, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta will work as a substitute. Just be sure to cook it until al dente.
At its simplest, classic Italian pastina soup is made of three main ingredients: a flavorful broth (usually chicken), tiny pastina pasta, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Often, aromatics like onion and garlic are sautéed in butter or olive oil to build a deeper flavor base.
Pastina soup earned the nickname ‘Italian Penicillin’ because it is a go-to comfort food for when someone is feeling unwell. It’s warm, easy to digest, hydrating, and feels incredibly nourishing, making it a beloved remedy for colds and other ailments in Italian households.
More Comforting Recipes To Try
If you love this simple and comforting soup, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup. For another easy Italian-inspired meal, try this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our simple Tuscan Butter Beans. For a hearty and flavorful dish, give our Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta a try.
The Best Italian Pastina Soup
Italian Pastina Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.
- Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan. Bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the pastina. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to the package directions, typically for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted completely. Serve immediately in warm bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
Storage: Soup is best fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; pasta will absorb the broth. Reheat with a splash of extra broth to loosen.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this classic Italian Pastina Soup recipe as much as we do. It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks!
