Pastina Soup

Pastina Soup is a comforting Italian dish often referred to as "Italian penicillin" due to its soothing properties. This simple yet flavorful soup features tiny pasta shapes, such as pastina or stelline, cooked in a savory broth with vegetables. It's a go-to remedy for colds and a nostalgic meal for many. The combination of tender pasta and aromatic broth makes it a perfect choice for cozy dinners or when you're feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery ribs, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1-inch piece of Parmesan rind (optional)

• 1½ cups pastina pasta (stelline or acini di pepe)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  
  

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer the Broth: Reduce the heat and let the broth simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove and discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pastina to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 150 kcal

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 500mg

• Cholesterol: 10mg