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nourishing pastina soup

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Nourishing Pastina Soup (Italian Penicillin for the Soul)

There’s a reason pastina soup is lovingly known as Italian penicillin. This simple, nourishing bowl has been passed down through generations as the go-to meal when someone is sick, tired, or just needs comfort. Light yet deeply satisfying, this nourishing pastina soup is warm, soothing, and packed with nutrients. It’s gentle on the stomach, incredibly kid-friendly, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. In fact, it’s so good even my three-year-old happily ate two bowls.

This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian version but made extra nourishing with bone broth, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken. It’s the kind of soup you make when you want something that truly feels like care in a bowl. The authentic version includes eggs as well. I am sharing my un-authentic, easy and nourishing version with you. You can add as much parmesan cheese as your heart desires. For a little kick, add some chili flakes and serve with a warm baguette. You might still be sick after eating a bowl but you’ll feel so warm and cozy on the inside!

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Perfect when you’re sick or run down

  • Kid approved with soft textures and mild flavors

  • Packed with protein, minerals, and vitamins

  • Simple ingredients and minimal prep

  • Comforting, cozy, and deeply nourishing

The vegetables simmer gently in water and broth, creating a light but flavorful base. I love blending them until smooth meaning hiding all those delicious vegetables creating a smooth nutrient broth. The chicken breast cooks right in the pot, infusing the soup with richness while staying tender and easy to shred. Pastina is added near the end, thickening the soup slightly and giving it that classic comforting texture. Finished with parmesan and lemon, the result is simple, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

This nourishing pastina soup is everything you want when you need comfort food that still supports your body. It’s easy to digest, naturally high in protein, and full of gentle flavors that both kids and adults love. Whether you’re fighting a cold, feeding a picky toddler, or just craving something warm and familiar, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Serve it hot with extra parmesan on top and a pinch of black pepper, curl up on the couch, and let this Italian classic do what it does best: make you feel better.

How To Make nourishing pastina soup

The Ingredients

Onion
Onion creates the savory base of the soup and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
Substitute: Shallot or leek.

Garlic
Garlic brings warmth and immune-supporting benefits, especially helpful when you’re feeling under the weather.
Substitute: Garlic powder in a pinch.

Celery
Celery adds classic soup flavor and gentle crunch before simmering soft.
Substitute: Fennel stalk or omit if needed.

Carrots
Baby carrots or one large carrot add color, sweetness, and vitamin A.
Substitute: Parsnip or sweet potato for a different flavor.

Chicken Breast
Lean protein that becomes tender as it gently poaches in the soup.
Substitute: Chicken thighs for more richness or shredded rotisserie chicken added at the end.

Pastina
Tiny pasta is what makes this soup so comforting and kid-friendly.
Substitute: Orzo, acini di pepe, or even small gluten-free pasta.

Parmesan Rind (Optional)
Adds deep umami flavor while simmering.
Substitute: Extra grated parmesan stirred in at the end.

Chicken Bone Broth
Bone broth boosts protein, minerals, and overall nourishment. My favorite broth is Kettle & Fire. Use code happyandfull for 20% off your purchase. They even have a turmeric ginger flavoured one that would add even more nutrients to this soup!
Substitute: Regular chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Grated Parmesan Cheese
Melts into the soup, adding richness and saltiness.
Substitute: Pecorino Romano or dairy-free parmesan.

Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon brightens the soup and balances the savory flavors.
Substitute: White wine vinegar or omit for a milder soup.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Peel onion and cut in half, roughly chop celery
  • Add onion, celery, carrots and peeled garlic to a large pot, cover with enough water (roughly 4 cups) and bring to a boil
  • Once boiling add raw chicken breast, cover and cook for 25 minutes
  • Remove chicken and shred
  • Remove vegetables and add to a blender with 1/2 cup of the liquid, blend until smooth
  • Add vegetable mixture back into pot along with bone broth, pastina and parmesan rind if using
  • Let simmer for 15 minutes
  • Add shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes
  • Remove parmesan rind
  • Serve with lots of shredded parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and lots of black pepper

Recipe Tips

  • You can use cooked chicken and then lower the cooking time by 10 minutes.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge, if the mixture becomes too dense, add a splash of water when reheating it.
  • The bone broth and parmesan cheese add a good amount of protein while the vegetables and lemon give you all the cozy healing vibes.

 

nourishing pastina soup

Print Recipe
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 270

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 celery stock
  • 10 baby carrots or 1 large regular size carrot
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 large chicken breast
  • 3/4 cup pastina
  • 1 parmesan cheese rind optional
  • 2 cups chicken bone broth
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Black pepper and chili flakes for serving

Instructions

  • Peel onion and cut in half, roughly chop celery
  • Add onion, celery, carrots and peeled garlic to a large pot, cover with enough water (roughly 4 cups) and bring to a boil
  • Once boiling add raw chicken breast, cover and cook for 25 minutes
  • Remove chicken and shred
  • Remove vegetables and add to a blender with 1/2 cup of the liquid, blend until smooth
  • Add vegetable mixture back into pot along with bone broth, pastina and parmesan rind if using
  • Let simmer for 15 minutes
  • Add shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes
  • Remove parmesan rind
  • Serve with lots of shredded parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and lots of black pepper

Notes

  • You can use cooked chicken and then lower the cooking time by 10 minutes.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge, if the mixture becomes too dense, add a splash of water when reheating it.
  • The bone broth and parmesan cheese add a good amount of protein while the vegetables and lemon give you all the cozy healing vibes.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 26gFat: 7gFiber: 4g

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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