Pastina Soup Recipe

I only learned about the pastina soup recipe when I was sick. Because my mother used to make this recipe during my sick days. The comforting pastina soup is what Italians call “penicillin soup.” Mostly, they like to eat it for dinner. Because this recipe can be made in just 30 minutes at the end of a tiring day. This soup usually uses shredded chicken and pasta. Which is very popular with kids too.

But many times you may not find pastina in the market. In that case, you can use Orzo. Cooking with it will be much easier and faster. The pasta soup recipe contains more cream. As a result, this creamy texture is more popular at late-night dinners. Many people like to make pastina soup recipes with parmesan cheese. So stay tuned to our complete article to learn about this soup recipe.

What is Pastina Soup Recipe?

Pastina is an Italian dish that is very popular with everyone. The Italians know it as “small pasta.” But pastina soup is generally a popular dish in several countries. So you can get pastina from the USA or Canada if you want. But when chicken is added to this recipe, it is called “penicillin pasta.”.

Is There Another Name for Pastina?

Most people understand pastina to mean “small pasta.” But this idea is completely wrong. It does not actually identify any specific pasta. What pasta actually means is Acini di pepe. So it’s time for those who misunderstand small pasta by pastina to correct their mistake. From now on, prestina will not mean small pasta. So from now on, pastini means acini di pepe.

Pastina is a type of pasta that is very small and dense. Which you get inside while eating soup. It should be boiled before making soup. Boil until it forms porridge. Made this way according to the Italian American recipe. Don’t forget to make this soup, especially on winter nights.

Why you’ll love the Pastina Soup Recipe

One of the biggest reasons to love this pasta soup recipe is its quick and easy preparation. Let’s check out some more reasons to love it:

Quick and easy cooking process:

It takes a total of 20–25 minutes to cook. Moreover, the soup can be made using only a handful of ingredients. The ingredients will be present in your kitchen.

Packed with nutrients:

You can have any type of vegetable soup on winter nights. But pastina soup is more nutritious than other soups

Any protein can be added to pastina soup:

Yes, you heard right. Here, you can use vegetable or animal proteins. But use proteins that taste good.

Can be customised to eat:

Its biggest advantage is that you can add different vegetables. Eggs can be used as per children’s choice.

Applies to children:

The size of this pasta is very small. So there is no doubt that it can be eaten by kids. The flavor of the vegetables blends perfectly with the pasta. So children don’t taste vegetables separately.

Usable in school lunches:

Children can take pastina soup to school as a midday meal.

Embrace the tradition: 

This recipe carries the heritage of Italy as it originated in Italy.

What Type of Pasta Can I Use for the Pastina Soup Recipe?

Pastina usually means small pasta. It is usually made of different alphabet shapes. Small star shapes are also made. But sometimes this pasta is not available on the market. In that case, you can use Orjo. It is used as a great substitute in pastrina soup recipes. Other things that can be used in this recipe are:

• tortellini,
• ravioli,
• cavatelli,
• gemelli or
• Macaroni.

Ingredients for Pastina Soup

We believe everything needed to make pastina soup is within everyone’s reach. Let’s know in detail what you need to make the soup.

• Chicken Stock: First of all, you will need chicken stock. You can make chicken stock at home if you want. If not, buy it from the store. However, this stock usually does not have salt added to it. Bring it home and add salt as needed.

• Amount of fresh vegetables: Here, add vegetables according to your and your family’s choices. Onions and carrots can be added easily. Mild, sweet, and white onions should be used here. A maximum of 3 shallots can be used here.

• Parmesan rind: Use this ingredient as a must for sprinkling broth. But it usually turns out to be a bit more expensive. So be sure to store the extra rind in the fridge.

• Kosher salt: You must use this type of salt to increase the taste of cooking several times.

• Pastina Pasta: Definitely opt for this little star-shaped pasta. But if it is not at hand, you can choose Pepe with Orzo or Acini.
• Add Parsley: Parsley must be added for more flavor.Here, you can add aroma with basil leaves if you want.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use Parmesan cheese for the best salty results. It provides a perfectly salty finish.

• Black Pepper: Be sure to use black pepper for a slightly nutty flavour.
• Egg: An egg can be used to thicken the soup. But if you don’t like this ingredient, you can skip it.

How to Make Pastina Soup

Step 1: 

Place a large pot on the stove and heat the chicken stock. While the chicken stock is boiling, pour in the pastina pasta. In this case, cook on medium heat for 4–7 minutes. Wait until the pasta is fully cooked. In this case, the cooking time will be completely determined by the size of the pasta.

Step 2: 

Crack the eggs and beat them well in a cup. Now select a perforated cup. Pour the raw eggs over the boiling soup using a slotted cup. But be careful not to mix the days completely. And while mixing the eggs, stir very quickly. If you stop stirring, the eggs will curdle.

Step 3: 

Now you have to mix the chopped onion with the soup. Add black pepper and cheese after stirring a bit. It cannot be cooked for more time at this stage. The mixture will thicken if you want to eat it later. In that case, the chicken stock will need to be added again.

Can I make pasta soup vegetarian?

Yes, it is definitely possible. In that case, you can use gluten-free pasta in this soup. Again, you can fully use Orzo. And eggs cannot be used here. Alternatively, different types of vegetables can be added here.

Storage, Reheating and Freezing

Be sure to save leftover soup without throwing it away. Let’s know the ways of its preservation;

Store: Store leftover soup for up to four days. If you don’t have a microwave, heat it in a saucepan. If you have a microwave, be sure to heat it in the microwave.

Store in deep freezer: This soup can be stored in a deep freezer for two to three months. But when you keep it in the fridge, let the soup cool down to normal temperature. And it must be stored in an airtight container as much as possible.

Reheat: Leave at normal temperature for one hour before reheating. If desired, heat it in a microwave or saucepan. In this case, you have to wait until the soup boils completely.

Some Tips and Tricks For Making Pastina Soup

Your soup will be more delicious if you adopt this method. Let’s know the ways:

Stir frequently: Pastina soup tends to curdle, so stir frequently. In this case, one cannot take the other.

Do not overcook: Pastina may melt if overcooked. So you can cook for a maximum of seven minutes. Cook longer when reheating. Because at this time, the pastina is hard.

Add Parmesan Rind: Use this ingredient to add extra flavour to soups. But discard it before adding vegetables or eggs. A maximum of two to three Parmesan rinds may be added.

What to Serve with This Pastina Soup Recipe

This soup is actually best eaten without other ingredients. Because it is already a heavy recipe. It gets heavier when mixed with any ingredients. I can eat this soup mixed with most sandwiches or bread.

History of Pastina Soup Recipe

Pastina is typically an Italian word. So this recipe was invented in Italy. At that time, these small pastas were made to feed the elderly and children. And different sizes of pasta were invented in China. 1700–1100 saw the practice of making pasta.

FAQ

1) Why is pastina called Italian penicillin?

Ans: Italians believe it is an antibiotic. Because it helps digestion and boosts immunity. Sick people recover quickly by consuming it.

2) What is pastina made of?

Ans: It is usually made of wheat flour and eggs. But not all brands use eggs here.

3) Is pasta good for you?

Ans: Pastrina is definitely good for your body. Because there is no harm or adulteration in it. Have this dish for dinner at least twice a week.