This Italian Penicillin Soup, also known as Pastina Soup, is the ultimate comfort food for when you’re feeling under the weather—or simply craving a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness. Its smooth, creamy texture comes from blended carrots and celery, while sautéed onions and garlic create a rich, flavorful broth without the need for any dairy or meat. The tiny pastina adds a delightful texture, making each spoonful both satisfying and soothing. Not just for sick days, this vibrant soup is packed with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and fresh vegetables. Its light yet hearty consistency makes it perfect for any time of year. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a bowl of cozy, feel-good nourishment.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small head garlic, cloves peeled (about 11 cloves)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 3 large celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 8 cups filtered water
- Optional: ¼ inch fresh ginger root, peeled
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Optional: ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup dry pastina (gluten-free if desired, such as Jovial Stelline brown rice star pasta)
- Garnish: finely diced parsley leaves and/or vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
- Add the garlic and continue to sauté on low heat for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, sautéing for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Add ginger, turmeric, and thyme if using. Cover and simmer until the carrots are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pastina in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a blender along with 3 cups of the broth. Blend until smooth.
- Return the blended mixture to the pot with the remaining broth. Stir well to combine.
- To serve, add ¼ cup of cooked pastina to a bowl and ladle the hot broth over it. Garnish with parsley and vegan parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Italian Penicillin Soup (Pastina Soup)
When you’re feeling under the weather, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, nourishing bowl of soup. Enter Italian Penicillin Soup, affectionately known as Pastina Soup—a beloved staple in Italian households for generations. This soothing dish isn’t just comfort food; it’s a time-honored remedy believed to have healing powers, much like its nickname suggests. But what makes this humble soup so special? Let’s explore its rich background, incredible health benefits, and why it deserves a spot in your go-to recipe collection.
A Brief History of Pastina Soup
Pastina Soup is deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition. The word pastina literally means “tiny pasta,” which refers to the small star-shaped or dot-like pasta that’s the hallmark of this dish. In many Italian families, Pastina Soup is the first solid food given to babies, thanks to its easy-to-digest texture and mild, comforting flavor.
Often referred to as “Italian Penicillin,” this soup gained its nickname because of its role as a go-to remedy when someone is sick. Much like how chicken soup is revered in many cultures as a natural cold remedy, Pastina Soup is Italy’s answer to the ultimate feel-better food. It’s not just about nostalgia—its ingredients are packed with nutrients that support the immune system, making it a practical and delicious option for recovery.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
While traditional Pastina Soup is typically made with chicken broth and sometimes even includes a parmesan rind for added flavor, this version is a plant-based powerhouse. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free (when using gluten-free pastina), and still delivers that rich, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
Here’s what makes this recipe exceptional:
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, it’s a vitamin and mineral-rich dish that supports immune health.
- Creamy Without Cream: Blending the cooked veggies creates a luxuriously smooth texture—no dairy required.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit dietary needs or what you have on hand. Add ginger and turmeric for an extra immunity boost, or keep it simple for picky eaters.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this soup comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re too tired to cook an elaborate meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Its mild flavor and tiny pasta make it a hit with kids, even those who are fussy eaters.
Health Benefits of Italian Penicillin Soup
Beyond its comforting qualities, this soup is packed with ingredients that offer real health benefits:
🧄 Garlic – Nature’s Antibiotic
Garlic is renowned for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, thanks to a compound called allicin. It’s believed to help reduce the severity of colds and flu symptoms, making it a star ingredient in any immune-boosting dish.
🧅 Onions – Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and reduce cholesterol levels—all of which may lower heart disease risk. Their natural sweetness, especially when sautéed, adds depth to the soup without overpowering it.
🥕 Carrots – Rich in Beta-Carotene
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting immune function, skin health, and vision. They also provide natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the broth.
🌿 Celery – Hydrating & Anti-Oxidant Rich
Celery adds an earthy balance to the soup while delivering hydration and antioxidants. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful when your body needs a little extra support.
🌱 Optional Add-Ins: Ginger & Turmeric
- Ginger has natural anti-nausea effects and strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Turmeric, rich in curcumin, helps fight inflammation and boosts the body’s antioxidant capacity. When combined with black pepper, its absorption is significantly increased.
🍝 Pastina – Gentle & Comforting
The tiny pasta stars (or dots) not only make the dish fun for kids but also provide a light, easily digestible carbohydrate source, giving you a bit of energy when you might not feel like eating much else.
Perfect for More Than Just Sick Days
While Italian Penicillin Soup shines as a sick-day remedy, it’s also a fantastic dish for:
- Busy Weeknights: Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
- Comfort Cravings: Perfect for cozy evenings when you need a warm, nourishing hug in a bowl.
- Family Dinners: Its simple, wholesome ingredients make it suitable for kids and adults alike.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Pastina Soup
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding water enhances the soup’s flavor significantly. This caramelization step brings out their natural sweetness.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending the veggies with some of the broth creates that velvety texture without needing cream.
- Cook Pastina Separately: Cooking the pastina separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth and getting mushy in leftovers.
- Make It Heartier: Add white beans or lentils if you’d like more protein.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or vegan parmesan adds a fresh, savory finish to the dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the broth (without the pastina) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked pastina before serving.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Common Questions About Pastina Soup
1. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! If you’re not vegan, you can add shredded chicken. For plant-based options, try white beans, lentils, or even tofu cubes.
2. What if I don’t have pastina?
No worries! You can substitute with orzo, couscous, small quinoa, or even rice.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pastina, like Jovial’s brown rice stelline, or swap for quinoa.
4. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream for an extra rich texture.
Conclusion
Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just food—it’s comfort, tradition, and nourishment all in one bowl. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, craving something cozy, or simply need a quick, healthy meal, this soup delivers every time. Its simplicity is its strength, proving that the best recipes often come from the humblest ingredients.
