Pastina Soup Recipe (Italian Penicillin Soup)

Indulge in a soul-warming bowl of comfort with our Pastina Soup, affectionately known as “Italian Penicillin Soup.” This heartening dish is not just a meal but a remedy for cold days or those moments when you need a little TLC. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this soup captures the essence of Italian home cooking, bringing warmth and nourishment to your table.

At the heart of this recipe lies a rich broth, simmered to perfection, providing a comforting base that soothes the soul. The addition of pastina pasta, small and delicate, adds a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of childhood and family gatherings around the kitchen table.

But it’s not just about the pasta; the soup bursts with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, their vibrant flavor enhancing each spoonful. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness, elevating the taste and texture of the soup to new heights.

As you savor each spoonful, you’ll find yourself transported to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, where food is love, and every meal is a celebration of life’s simple joys.

So whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or looking to nurture your loved ones back to health, our Pastina Soup is here to provide warmth, comfort, and a taste of Italian tradition. Mangia bene! (Eat well!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting and Nourishing: Our Pastina Soup, known as “Italian Penicillin Soup,” is a warm embrace on cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Its comforting nature makes it a go-to choice for those seeking solace and nourishment.

Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this soup bursts with flavor, thanks to the combination of basic ingredients like broth, pastina pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and delicious dish.

Nostalgic Appeal: The delicate pastina pasta and sweet cherry tomatoes evoke memories of childhood and family gatherings, transporting you back to simpler times around the kitchen table. It’s a taste of tradition and home in every spoonful.

Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe provides a solid foundation, there’s ample room for customization. Whether you want to add fresh herbs for extra flavor or experiment with different pasta shapes, you have the freedom to tailor the soup to your preferences.

Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with wholesome ingredients like broth, vegetables, and protein-rich Parmesan cheese, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, our Pastina Soup is a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you can whip up this comforting dish with ease and confidence.

Culinary Escape: As you savor each spoonful of this soul-warming soup, you’ll feel transported to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, where food is love, and every meal is a celebration of life’s simple joys. It’s a culinary escape that nourishes both body and soul.

How to make Pastina Soup Recipe (Italian Penicillin Soup)

Ingredients:

6 cups Broth

1.5 cups Pastina pasta (small pasta shapes)

6 Cherry tomatoes

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Bring the broth of choice to boil at high heat in a large pot.

Wash the cherry tomatoes and make an X-shaped incision at the bottom. Heat some water in the kettle. Transfer hot water to a bowl and soak cherry tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes.

Using a knife, remove the skin from the cherry tomatoes.

Add the chopped cherry tomatoes to the broth.

When the broth is boiling, add the pastina. Cook at medium heat and follow the cooking times given in the package.

When the pasta is ready, turn off the heat add Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of oil, and mix well with a wooden spoon.

Also, add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and some salt, if any is needed.

Serve this soul-warming soup piping hot in a soup bowl.

Notes:

To make an even tastier pasta in broth, add fresh herbs like rosemary, basil or bay leaf.

Comforting and Nourishing: Pastina soup, often referred to as “Italian Penicillin Soup,” is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for cold days or when feeling under the weather.

Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients like broth, pastina pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this soup is easy to prepare yet full of flavor.

Peeling Cherry Tomatoes: Soaking cherry tomatoes in hot water before peeling them helps remove the skin easily, but blanching them in boiling water for a short time is an alternative method.

Customization with Herbs: Enhance the flavor of the soup by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or bay leaf, providing aromatic complexity to the broth.

Proper Broth-to-Pasta Ratio: Maintaining the correct ratio of broth to pasta is crucial for achieving the desired consistency. The recommended proportion is 40 grams of pasta to 250 ml of broth.

Utilizing Parmesan Rind: Don’t discard leftover Parmesan rind; it can be added while cooking the pastina to infuse the soup with rich umami flavor.

Preparation for Immediate Consumption: It’s advisable to cook only the amount of pastina soup intended for immediate consumption to preserve its freshness and texture.

Freezing for Later Use: Leftover soup can be frozen for future meals. Ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for convenient reheating later.

Variations with Pasta Shapes: While pastina is the traditional choice for this soup, other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo can be used interchangeably to suit personal preference.

Storage and Reheating: Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to enjoy its comforting warmth.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 2 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Pro Tips:

Use homemade broth; it will give the pastina more flavor.

The right proportion of broth to pasta: The basic rule is 40 grams of pasta to 250 ml of broth.

If you have leftover parmesan rind, don’t throw it away; add it while cooking the pastina.

It’s best to cook only the pastina soup you plan to consume immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this soup?

Absolutely, you can use any small pasta shapes of your choice.

Acini di pepe, orzo, or small shells are good alternatives to pastina.

Is it necessary to soak the cherry tomatoes in hot water?

Soaking the cherry tomatoes in hot water makes it easier to peel off the skin.

If you prefer, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds instead.

Can I use homemade broth instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade broth can be a wonderful addition, providing a richer flavor to the soup.

Feel free to use your preferred broth, whether store-bought or homemade.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you find the soup too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Adjusting the broth quantity allows you to tailor the soup to your liking.

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Can I use vegetable broth for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for the broth mentioned in the recipe.

It will impart a delicious and lighter flavor to the soup.

Is it necessary to peel the cherry tomatoes?

Peeling the cherry tomatoes is optional.

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them, but leaving the skins on adds a rustic touch to the soup.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added flavor and nutritional value.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While fresh Parmesan is recommended for optimal flavor, pre-grated Parmesan can be used as a convenient alternative.

However, freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the overall taste.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving leftovers.