This is easy Italian pastina soup recipe is sometimes known as Italian Penicillin or Italian Sick Soup- it’s basically Chicken Noodle Soups cousin from the old world. Just like my creamy pastina, it is super simple to make, but the ultimate comfort food in a bowl.
What You’ll Need
The ingredients needed to make this Italian pastina soup are simple and easy to find. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth- You can use just water, but chicken stock gives this dish a little more flavor, body and nutritional value. some folk have even used bone broth. I like low-sodium so I can control the saltiness better. The hard cheese will likely also have salt, so taste test it before adding. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Pastina pasta – Or similar quick cooking small pasta shape. Pastina is fun because it’s a tiny star-shaped pasta. We used Ronzoni pastina– I like the taste and tender texture the best. Barilla pastina is also great, but harder to find. Orzo is a great option too.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Parsnip
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh thyme
- Parmesan
- Chicken
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Coarse kosher salt
- Black pepper
Perfect Pairings
Any time I’m having chicken soup for dinner, I like to pair it with some salad and crusty bread. A cobb salad, fried halloumi salad, wedge salad or even a simple side salad are all perfect with this italian pastina soup.
When picking a bread to soak up that flavorful broth, I like to use things like garlic bread, dinner rolls or even garlic knots.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – Because I use unsalted butter and low sodium broth, I like to use coarse sea salt to bring out the other flavors of this italian pastina soup.
- Seasonings – In addition to the fresh thyme, try adding other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Swaps – Veggies can easily be increased or decreased in volume- clean out the crisper using odds and ends like rutabagas, squash or other root veggies. Broth can be swapped for bone broth or vegetable broth. Omit chicken and use veggie broth for a vegetarian option.
- Senses – Comforting and delicate, Italian pastina soup steams with a savory broth, tiny pasta pearls that melt on the tongue, and a cozy aroma that feels like home.
Italian Pastina Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup yellow onion , minced
- 1/2 cup carrot , peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup celery , minced
- 1/2 cup parsnip , peeled and minced
- 1-2 cloves fresh garlic , minced
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth*
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 parmesan rind**
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken , shredded or chopped
- 1 cup dry pastina (acini di pepe)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat.
- When melted stir in the chopped 1/2 cup yellow onion, minced 1/2 cup carrot, minced 1/2 cup celery and minced 1/2 cup parsnip. Saute for 2-3 minutes and then add the minced 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, sauteing for 1 minute.
- Pour in the 6 cups low sodium chicken broth* and add the 1 sprig fresh thyme and 1 parmesan rind**, bring to a low simmer.
- When simmering, add the 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken and 1 cup dry pastina (acini di pepe), stirring to prevent clumps. Pasta will only take 1 minute to cook. Remove from the heat.
- Remove the parmesan rind and thyme sprig. Stir in the 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, add more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let me know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
- Broth can be swapped for a low sodium vegetable broth or bone broth.
- Parmesan ring is optional. Some grocery stores will sell just the rind. Alternatively, you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese.
- Chicken is optional. Grab a can of chicken, use a precooked rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
- Adding a small amount of acid right before serving brightens soup- the lemon juice is optional and can be substituted with apple cider or champagne vinegar.
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftover italian pastina soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Technically, yes you can. However, it becomes quite soggy once thawing. If you can I would recommend separating the pasta from the broth before freezing.
More Easy Soup Recipes
Whether winter or summer, it’s always soup season to me! Here are some of my favorites.
