Italian Penicillin

Italian Penicillin is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by The Cooking Mawma on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $5.20 total, $1.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Water (tap water)
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium, store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 pieces Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 pieces Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 1 piece Onion (medium, diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (optional, freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon (optional for extra depth)
  • 1 cup Pastina (any tiny pasta shape, such as star or alphabet)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Peel and dice the carrots, dice the celery stalks, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Combine Base Liquids and Veggies

    In a stock pot, add water, chicken broth, the diced vegetables, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat to high and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Simmer Vegetables

    Cover the pot, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 45 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 95°C

  4. Blend Vegetables into Puree

    Transfer the cooked vegetables and about 1 cup of the broth to a blender. Add the chicken bouillon and blend until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Return Puree to Pot

    Pour the blended mixture back into the pot, stirring to combine with the remaining broth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cook Pastina

    Add the pastina to the soup and cook for 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  7. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Optional Rest for Deeper Flavor

    Allow the soup to cool, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten (contains), Low‑Fat, High‑Protein, Kid‑Friendly, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Wheat, Chicken

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Italian Penicillin

Recipe by The Cooking Mawma

A soothing Italian‑style chicken broth soup packed with tender vegetables and tiny pastina pasta, perfect for comforting sick kids or anyone needing a warm, healing bowl.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.20
Total cost
$1.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Simmer vegetables for 45 minutes until tender.
  • Blend vegetables with broth to achieve a creamy texture.
  • Cook pastina just until al dente to avoid mushiness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot broth with care to avoid burns.
  • When blending hot liquids, vent the blender lid and blend in small batches.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the hot pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Italian Penicillin Soup in Italian home cooking?

A

Italian Penicillin Soup, often called "pastina al brodo," is a traditional comfort dish that Italian families serve to children and the ill. The tiny pasta and soothing broth are believed to help restore strength, much like a home‑made remedy.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pastina soup in Italy?

A

In northern Italy, butter and Parmesan are sometimes added, while southern versions may feature tomato‑based broth or a touch of chili. Some families also add small meatballs or shredded chicken for extra protein.

cultural
Q

How is Italian Penicillin Soup traditionally served in Italian households?

A

It is typically served hot in shallow bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. A side of crusty bread is common, and the soup is often eaten as a first course or a light dinner.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Italian Penicillin Soup associated with in Italian culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, it is a staple during cold weather, after illness, and at family gatherings where a gentle, nourishing dish is needed for children and elders.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and small pasta like pastina. Substitutes can be vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, parsnips for carrots, or orzo in place of pastina.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Italian Penicillin Soup?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy, and not blending the vegetables enough, resulting in a grainy texture. Also, seasoning too early can lead to a bland final soup.

technical
Q

Why does this Italian Penicillin Soup recipe blend the vegetables instead of leaving them whole?

A

Blending creates a creamy, soothing texture that coats the tiny pasta and mimics the smoothness of a classic chicken broth, making it easier for sick children to eat and digest.

technical
Q

Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the broth and vegetable puree up to two days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Add the pastina and reheat just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Italian Penicillin Soup?

A

The soup should be slightly creamy from the pureed vegetables, with the pastina floating gently. The broth should be clear to light‑gold, not cloudy, and the vegetables should be fully softened.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pastina is done cooking in Italian Penicillin Soup?

A

Taste a piece; it should be tender but still have a very slight bite (al dente). Overcooked pastina will become mushy and absorb too much broth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma specialize in?

A

The Cooking Mawma focuses on family‑friendly, comfort‑food recipes that blend traditional home cooking with easy‑to‑follow techniques, often featuring dishes that soothe and nourish.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Cooking Mawma's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

The Cooking Mawma emphasizes simplicity and health‑conscious tweaks, using readily available ingredients and minimal equipment, whereas many Italian channels focus on more elaborate regional specialties.

channel

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