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!