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Italian Penicillin: Pastina Soup

  • Author: Chef Sara

Description

A comforting and simple Italian classic,Pastina Soup(often called “Italian Penicillin”) is the ultimate remedy for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. With tiny star-shaped pasta, a velvety egg finish, and a touch of Parmesan, this quick and satisfying soup warms the soul.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cupschicken broth (homemade or store-bought)1 cuppastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or pearl-shaped pasta)1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cuppastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or pearl-shaped pasta)1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
  • 1egg, beaten¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoonbutterSalt and pepper, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1️⃣Heat the Broth:In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.2️⃣Cook the Pastina:Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
  2. 2️⃣Cook the Pastina:Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
  3. 3️⃣Create Creamy Richness:Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while whisking continuously to form silky strands.
  4. 4️⃣Finish with Butter & Cheese:Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.
  5. 5️⃣Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, toss in fresh herbs like parsley or a pinch of nutmeg.Customize by adding shredded chicken or diced vegetables for a heartier meal.
Customize by adding shredded chicken or diced vegetables for a heartier meal.