Italian Pastina Soup (Classic Comfort in 15 Minutes)
Italian Pastina Soup is a cozy, comforting classic made with tiny pasta, savory broth, and simple seasonings. Often referred to as “Italian penicillin,” this light yet nourishing soup is perfect for chilly days, sick days, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. Quick to make and loved by both kids and adults, it’s a timeless family favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
3/4 cup pastina pasta (such as stelline or acini di pepe)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the pastina and cook according to package directions, usually 5–7 minutes, until tender.
2. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, whisk the egg and Parmesan cheese together until fully combined.
3. Once the pastina is cooked, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the egg mixture, whisking constantly so it forms delicate egg ribbons in the hot broth.
4. Add the butter and stir until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can add cooked shredded chicken or sautéed vegetables like carrots and celery for a heartier version.
If you don’t have pastina, orzo or other small pasta shapes can be used as substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/italian-pastina-soup/