Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
This classic Italian Pastina Soup, affectionately known as Italian Penicillin, is a cozy, nourishing dish made with tiny pasta and homemade chicken broth. Perfect for sick days or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Ingredients
Pastina Soup Ingredients
- 1 ½- 2 cups pastina pasta depends on the ratio you like for pasta to the broth
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock vegetable broth or stock
- Freshly ground pepper optional, for serving
- Extra-virgin olive oil optional, for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese for serving
Homemade Chicken Broth
- 1 cooked whole chicken carcass skin and meat removed
- 1 whole onion cut in half outer layer removed
- 1 large large carrot whole or cut in half
- 2 celery ribs with leaves cut in half
- 1 clove garlic peeled (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary add other favorite fresh herbs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- water
Instructions
Homemade Chicken Broth
- Place all chicken broth ingredients in a large pot, soup kettle, or Dutch oven. Cover with water just enough so all ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil on high heat. Let boil for a few minutes then reduce heat until it is just at a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, skimming foam from top as necessary.
- Strain broth through a colander, or sieve. Discard the vegetables and herbs.
Pastina Soup
- Bring 6 cups of homemade chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the pastina pasta and boil for 3-4 minutes or until al dente (according to package instructions).
- Serve with freshly grated parmigano cheese and freshly ground black pepper, and/or a good drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Make homemade broth, it’s worth the effort! Homemade broth adds rich flavor and more nutrition than store-bought and creates the perfect base for this comforting soup.
- For best results, freeze just the broth. When you're ready to serve, reheat the broth and cook the pastina fresh for the best texture.
- Cooking times can vary by pastina shape, so check your package instructions. Be careful not to overcook—aim for al dente for the perfect bite.
Nutrition
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 1308mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 2mg
