Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1 — Sauté the aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2 — Add broth
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add salt and black pepper.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 3 — Add pastina
- Once the broth is gently boiling, add the pastina.
- Cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes soft and tender.
Step 4 — Brighten the soup
- Turn heat to low.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
- Allow flavors to meld for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5 — Add Parmesan
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- It melts into the broth, creating a silky, comforting texture.
Step 6 — Taste & adjust
- Add more salt, pepper, lemon, or Parmesan depending on your preferred flavor.
Step 7 — Serve warm
- Serve with:
- Extra Parmesan
- Black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- This finishing touch elevates the soup from simple to spectacular.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Keeps 3–4 days Pastina absorbs broth and thickens the soup—add extra broth when reheating Freezer Best when frozen before adding pastina Add pasta fresh when reheating Reheating Warm over low heat Add broth or water to restore consistency 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Italian Penicillin Add 2 cups shredded chicken for protein. 2. Creamy Version Add ½ cup heavy cream after simmering. 3. Lemon-Lovers Version Add extra lemon zest + juice for a brighter finish. 4. Immune-Boosting Version Add ginger and turmeric for added wellness benefits. 5. Vegetarian Version Use vegetable broth and skip chicken. 6. Vegan Friendly Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast. 7. Spinach or Kale Boost Stir in greens during the last 2 minutes. 8. Extra Garlic Version Double the garlic for stronger healing properties. 9. Low-Carb Replace pastina with cauliflower rice. 10. Rich Italian Version Simmer with a Parmesan rind for deeper flavor. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why is it called Italian Penicillin Soup? Because Italian families use this combination of garlic, lemon, pasta, and broth as a soothing natural remedy. 2. Can I use any pasta? Yes, but tiny pasta like pastina, orzo, or acini di pepe works best. 3. Can I add chicken? Yes—it's a great protein addition. 4. Is this soup good for colds? Yes—garlic, lemon, broth, and warmth help soothe symptoms. 5. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes—omit Parmesan. 6. Can I freeze it? Freeze before adding pasta. 7. How do I prevent mushy pastina? Add it near the end and avoid overcooking. 8. Can I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. 9. Can I use canned vegetables? Fresh works best but canned carrots/celery can be used. 10. Can kids eat this? Absolutely—it's mild, comforting, and kid-friendly. 🏁 Conclusion This Italian Penicillin Soup is warm, healing, simple, and deeply comforting—a bowl that nourishes both the body and the soul. The soothing broth, tender vegetables, bright lemon, aromatic garlic, soft pastina, and savory Parmesan create a perfect harmony of Italian flavors meant to comfort you on sick days, cold nights, or whenever you crave a wholesome homemade meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is ideal for families, busy weeknights, or soothing seasonal meals. Light yet satisfying, bright yet cozy—this is the Italian comfort soup you’ll return to again and again.
Refrigerator Keeps 3–4 days Pastina absorbs broth and thickens the soup—add extra broth when reheating Freezer Best when frozen before adding pastina Add pasta fresh when reheating Reheating Warm over low heat Add broth or water to restore consistency 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Italian Penicillin Add 2 cups shredded chicken for protein. 2. Creamy Version Add ½ cup heavy cream after simmering. 3. Lemon-Lovers Version Add extra lemon zest + juice for a brighter finish. 4. Immune-Boosting Version Add ginger and turmeric for added wellness benefits. 5. Vegetarian Version Use vegetable broth and skip chicken. 6. Vegan Friendly Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast. 7. Spinach or Kale Boost Stir in greens during the last 2 minutes. 8. Extra Garlic Version Double the garlic for stronger healing properties. 9. Low-Carb Replace pastina with cauliflower rice. 10. Rich Italian Version Simmer with a Parmesan rind for deeper flavor. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why is it called Italian Penicillin Soup? Because Italian families use this combination of garlic, lemon, pasta, and broth as a soothing natural remedy. 2. Can I use any pasta? Yes, but tiny pasta like pastina, orzo, or acini di pepe works best. 3. Can I add chicken? Yes—it's a great protein addition. 4. Is this soup good for colds? Yes—garlic, lemon, broth, and warmth help soothe symptoms. 5. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes—omit Parmesan. 6. Can I freeze it? Freeze before adding pasta. 7. How do I prevent mushy pastina? Add it near the end and avoid overcooking. 8. Can I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. 9. Can I use canned vegetables? Fresh works best but canned carrots/celery can be used. 10. Can kids eat this? Absolutely—it's mild, comforting, and kid-friendly. 🏁 Conclusion This Italian Penicillin Soup is warm, healing, simple, and deeply comforting—a bowl that nourishes both the body and the soul. The soothing broth, tender vegetables, bright lemon, aromatic garlic, soft pastina, and savory Parmesan create a perfect harmony of Italian flavors meant to comfort you on sick days, cold nights, or whenever you crave a wholesome homemade meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is ideal for families, busy weeknights, or soothing seasonal meals. Light yet satisfying, bright yet cozy—this is the Italian comfort soup you’ll return to again and again.