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Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup with Pastina

Close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant italian penicillin soup, featuring small pasta pearls and diced carrots in a rich broth.

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Make this comforting, healing Italian Penicillin Soup. It combines simple vegetables, aromatic broth, and small pastina pasta for a soothing meal perfect for cold days or when you feel unwell.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (pastina or ditalini)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
  5. If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until al dente.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. Serve immediately. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

  • For an extra healing boost, add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If you want a creamier texture without dairy, blend the entire soup mixture before adding the pasta.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it good for meal prep.

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