Italian Chicken Pastina Soup (aka Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion
diced small
- 1 large shallot
finely chopped
- 4 stalks celery
diced small
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
diced small
- 4 medium cloves garlic
minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
maybe more
- 1 pound carrots
diced small
- 1 parmesan rind
optional
- more to taste1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅓ cup uncooked pastina
tiny pasta, double if you like a lot of pasta
- 2½ -3 cups rotisserie or leftover chicken
- grated Parmesan
for serving
- finely chopped fresh rosemary and/or fresh thyme leaves
Directions
- 1
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot or medium heat. Add the oil, butter, onion, shallot, celery and bell pepper and stir to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the broth, carrots, parmesan rind (if using) and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes (uncovered) or until the veggies are nice and tender.
- 3
With a slotted spoon, removed 2 cups of the diced veggies and set aside.
- 4
With an immersion blender (or a regular blender) puree the broth/veggie mixture in the pot until smooth.
- 5
****NOTE: If you use a regular blender, be sure to let the mixture cool down a bit before blending. Also, remove the center cap on the blender top and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or several thicknesses of paper towels. This will allow the heat to vent and prevent it from building up.
- 6
Add the pasta, bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook, uncovered for whatever the time on your bag or box of pastina instructs. (Acini de pepe takes 9 minutes.)
- 7
Add the rotisserie (or leftover) chicken and the reserved veggies. Stir to combine. Cover and allow the soup to rest for 20 minutes.
- 8
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
- 9
Serve with grated parmesan, a scatter of finely chopped fresh rosemary or fresh thyme leaves (or both) and fresh ground black pepper. Enjoy!
Italian Chicken Pastina Soup (aka Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup)
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About this Recipe
When you're craving a bowl of pure comfort, look no further than this Italian Chicken Pastina Soup, affectionately known as Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup. This recipe delivers that soul-warming feeling with every spoonful, reminiscent of childhood and comforting home cooking.
Why does this soup work so well? It starts with building a deep flavor base, slowly sautéing aromatic onion, shallot, celery, and a vibrant yellow bell pepper alongside minced garlic in a combination of olive oil and butter. This foundational step unlocks rich flavors before the low-sodium chicken broth and diced carrots are introduced. The optional Parmesan rind adds a remarkable depth and savory complexity that truly elevates the broth, while tender rotisserie or leftover chicken makes assembly a breeze.
What you'll discover is a light yet deeply satisfying soup, brimming with tender pieces of chicken, a colorful array of finely diced vegetables, and delicate pastina. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of savory broth, the subtle sweetness of carrots, and the aromatic notes of fresh rosemary and/or thyme. It's a truly comforting experience, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little culinary hug in a bowl.
This versatile Italian Chicken Pastina Soup allows for simple adjustments to suit your preferences. Feel free to double the pastina if you prefer a heartier, pasta-forward soup. While the recipe uses rotisserie or leftover chicken, you can easily adjust the amount to your liking, from 2½ to 3 cups. Don't be shy about adding more fresh rosemary or thyme for an extra fragrant touch. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can always add more low-sodium chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve this cozy pastina soup steaming hot, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of those bright, finely chopped fresh herbs. It's a complete, comforting meal on its own, perfect for any occasion that calls for warmth and a taste of home.