Pastina Soup
Description:
Pastina Soup, lovingly referred to as “Italian Penicillin,” is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for soothing colds or simply warming your soul. Made with delicate pastina (tiny pasta) in a savory broth, this simple soup embodies traditional Italian comfort food.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pastina (tiny star-shaped pasta or other small pasta)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional for extra heartiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Pastina:
- Stir in the pastina and cook for 6-8 minutes (or according to package instructions) until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Chicken and Season:
- If using, stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Total Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 200 (without chicken) / 300 (with chicken)
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg (without chicken) / 65mg (with chicken)
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 8g (without chicken) / 20g (with chicken)
Notes:
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some broth, so add more broth when reheating.
- Variations: Add spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra vegetables.
This Pastina Soup is the ultimate remedy for cold days, comfort food cravings, or when you need a taste of Italian tradition. Buon appetito!
