Easy Pastina Recipe

This Easy Pastina Recipe, often lovingly referred to as “Italian Penicillin,” is a bowl of pure comfort. With tender pastina pasta and a rich vegetable broth, it’s a warming, healing dish perfect for sick days, cold nights, or when you simply need something nourishing and cozy. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an Italian classic known for its simplicity and soul-soothing goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep.

• Nutritious and light: Packed with veggies and perfect for recovery.

• Kid-friendly: Mild flavor and soft texture that kids love.

• Great for cold and flu: Nicknamed “Italian Penicillin” for a reason.

• Customizable: Adjust thickness, flavor, or add protein as needed.

• No fancy ingredients: Made with kitchen staples.

• Budget-friendly: Affordable and filling.

• Vegetarian-friendly: Uses vegetable bouillon and fresh produce.

• Make-ahead meal: Stores and reheats well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 cups water

• 1 vegetable bouillon cube

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 1 large carrot, chopped

• 2 celery sticks, chopped

• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled

• ½ cup pastina pasta

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the broth: In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine water, vegetable bouillon, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic cloves. Stir well and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer the vegetables: Cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. Blend the vegetables: Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the pot. Place them in a blender along with 1 cup of the broth, and blend until smooth.

4. Return to pot: Pour the blended vegetable mixture back into the pot. Stir well to combine.

5. Add pastina: Bring the soup back to a boil. Add the pastina pasta and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pastina is tender.

6. Season and serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Stir in shredded chicken, turkey, or a beaten egg (for stracciatella-style).

• Creamy version: Add a splash of cream or a pat of butter before serving.

• Lemon twist: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for brightness.

• Broth-based: Skip blending and keep the soup brothy with whole veggie chunks.

• Add cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.

• Use chicken broth: Swap vegetable bouillon with chicken for a heartier base.

• Include herbs: Add bay leaf or thyme during cooking for aromatic depth.

• Use orzo or acini di pepe: If pastina isn’t available, other tiny pasta types work just as well.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth, as the pastina continues to absorb liquid over time.

Freezing:
Not recommended once pastina is added, as the pasta can become mushy. Freeze the broth separately before adding pasta if planning ahead.

FAQs

What is pastina?

Pastina is a tiny star-shaped pasta traditionally used in Italian soups, especially for children or comfort meals.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, acini di pepe, orzo, or even tiny elbow macaroni work well as substitutes.

Is this soup good for when you’re sick?

Yes, it’s light, hydrating, and nutrient-rich—earning the nickname “Italian Penicillin.”

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Just use a vegan-friendly bouillon cube and skip any optional cheese toppings.

Do I have to blend the vegetables?

No. You can leave them chunky if you prefer a more rustic, brothy soup.

How can I prevent the pastina from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook it, and avoid adding more than directed. It expands quickly and continues to soak up liquid even after cooking.

Can I add meat?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even tiny meatballs make it heartier.

What if I don’t have bouillon?

Substitute with 6 cups of prepared vegetable or chicken broth.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Only the broth portion is. Add fresh pastina when reheating from frozen for best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just use a larger pot and increase ingredients proportionally.

Conclusion

This Easy Pastina Recipe is the definition of Italian comfort food—simple, nourishing, and soul-soothing. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving a warm bowl of something cozy, this “Italian Penicillin” is your go-to. With basic ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and healing meal on the table in under 40 minutes.