Pastina Soup (aka Italian Penicillin)

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

pastina

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: small pasta shapes

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while small pasta is often more affordable.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits while being versatile.

To a large soup pot or Dutch oven add the chicken stock or bone broth, carrots, celery, onion/shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaf, parmesan cheese rind, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place a lid on top then turn the heat to high to bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low then simmer with the lid on for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are very tender.

Remove the thyme stems, bay leaf, and parmesan cheese rind then transfer the cooked vegetables into a blender. Add a ladleful of broth then blend until the vegetables are very, very smooth. Note: be sure to crack the lid of the blender open to allow steam to escape. Pour some or all of the pureed vegetables back into the soup then stir to combine. Alternatively you can use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables in the pot.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice — the soup shouldn’t taste lemony, just brightened — then taste and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Place a lid on top to keep the soup warm while you cook the pasta.

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water according to package directions then drain and divide between bowls. Scoop the soup over the cooked pasta then serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens