Description
Pastina Soup, often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” is a comforting and nourishing dish cherished for its simplicity and warmth. This classic Italian soup features tiny star-shaped pasta, known as pastina, enveloped in a delicate chicken broth infused with tender vegetables and a hint of Parmesan. It’s the perfect remedy for chilly days or when you need a bowl of soothing, homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Vegetables:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into large pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into large pieces
- 2 celery ribs, sliced into large pieces
- 1 Parmesan rind (about 2 inches long)
- Pinch of kosher salt
Pasta:
- 1½ cups pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta)
Garnish:
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, Parmesan rind, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the vegetables are very tender, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Blend the Vegetables: Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender or food processor, adding a couple of ladles of the broth. Blend until smooth, then return the pureed mixture to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Cook the Pastina: Increase the heat to high to bring the soup back to a boil. Add the pastina and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind to the broth enriches the soup with a deep, umami flavor. If you don’t have a rind, a small chunk of Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Pasta Variations: While pastina is traditional, other small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe can be used if pastina is unavailable.
- Storage: For best results, store the broth and pasta separately. When combined and stored, the pasta can absorb too much liquid and become mushy. Reheat the broth and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 146
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 849mg
- Fat: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9.7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pastina Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Chicken Broth Soup, Easy Soup Recipe.