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Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin)

This soup is perfect for those days when you are feeling a little under the weather. It's simple to make and packed with veggies.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Blender, Food Processor, or Immersion Blender optional

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup carrots roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion roughly chopped
  • 1 cup celery roughly chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 6-8 cups chicken stock or broth depending on your desired consistency
  • 1 cup pastina
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano plus more to top
  • 1 parmesan rind optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley optional for garnish
  • fresh lemon juice optional for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat a medium pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil, carrots, onion, celery, salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened. Add the garlic. Sauté for another minute.
  • Add chicken stock*, water, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional) and a parmesan rind if you have it, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Optional: Remove veggies from the pot. Add to a blender or food processor with 1/3 cup chicken stock(You can also use an immersion blender if you don't mind small pieces of veggies in your soup). Blend until smooth. Pour pureed veggies back into the pot.
  • Add 1 cup of your favorite pastina. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Remove from the heat. Stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 to 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Garnish with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and a little bit of fresh lemon juice (optional).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*Adjust the amount of liquid based on your desired consistency. 6 cups of liquid will give you a very thick soup, while 8 cups will give it more of a traditional soup-like consistency. 
Keyword healthy meals, italian penicillin, soup recipes