Description
Italian Penicillin, or Pastina Soup, is a comforting and nourishing Italian dish featuring tiny pasta in a flavorful chicken broth, enriched with sautéed vegetables, optional egg ribbons, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is quick to prepare and delivers soothing warmth with every spoonful.
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 finely diced carrot, celery, onion, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, building the flavor base for the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pastina: Stir in the pastina and cook according to package instructions, typically 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the tiny pasta.
- Optional Egg Mixture: If using the egg, whisk it thoroughly in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the hot soup while stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons that add richness and texture.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the finished soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the pastina cooking time to avoid overcooking; the pasta should remain tender but not mushy.
- The addition of egg is optional but adds extra creaminess and protein.
- Homemade chicken broth will provide the best flavor, but good-quality store-bought broth works well too.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley just before serving to enhance aroma and presentation.
