Italian Penicillin: Pastina Soup

🇮🇹 What Is Pastina Soup?

Pastina literally means “little pasta” in Italian. It refers to tiny pasta shapes — stars, dots, or small shells — that cook quickly and soak up flavor beautifully.

For Italian families, Pastina Soup isn’t just food; it’s an emotion. It’s what Nonna (grandma) made when you were sick, sad, or simply in need of a little extra comfort.

This dish is gentle, warm, and nurturing — often one of the first meals Italian children eat, and one of the last comforts adults crave when they need to feel cared for.

🥕 Ingredients: Simple Yet Nourishing

You don’t need much to make this soul-soothing soup:

• 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
• ¾ cup pastina (tiny pasta, like stelline or acini di pepe)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

👩‍🍳 How to Make Italian Pastina Soup

1. Heat the broth

In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2. Cook the pastina

Add the pastina and cook according to package directions until tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Add richness

Stir in the butter until melted.

4. Whisk in the egg and cheese

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the grated Parmesan. Then slowly drizzle it into the hot soup while stirring continuously. The heat will gently cook the egg, giving the broth a silky, rich texture.

5. Season and serve

Add salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or olive oil. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and enjoy the comfort of a warm, healing meal.

💚 Why It’s Called “Italian Penicillin”

Just like the classic chicken soup, Pastina Soup is considered a natural remedy for colds, flu, or simply the blues. The warm broth soothes the throat, the pasta provides gentle nourishment, and the combination of egg and cheese offers protein and richness — the ultimate comfort when you’re under the weather.

But even when you’re perfectly healthy, there’s something about this soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.