Italian Sick Day Soup (Pastina)
Italian Sick Day Soup (Pastina) is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $6.87 total, $1.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 2 pieces Celery Stalks (roughly chopped)
- 1 medium Sweet Onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (smashed, skin removed)
- 2 pieces Bay Leaves (whole)
- 8 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium, preferably homemade)
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken (shredded; can use rotisserie or leftover boiled chicken)
- 0.5 cup Pastina (uncooked small pasta stars)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- to taste Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Peel the carrots, trim and chop the celery, peel and roughly chop the onion, smash and peel the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Start the Soup Base
Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves and 8 cups of chicken broth to the large pot. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer Vegetables
Let the broth simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: medium heat
Blend the Veggies
Remove the bay leaves. Transfer the cooked vegetables and about 1 cup of the hot broth into a blender. Crack the lid slightly to allow steam to escape and blend until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Return Puree to Pot
Pour the vegetable puree back into the pot, stir, and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high heat
Cook Pastina
Add the pastina to the boiling soup and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and heat through for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Serve
Season the soup with salt to taste, then stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Low fat
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel
- Instead of Sweet Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Thyme
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: Cooked turkey
- Instead of Pastina: Orzo, Acini di pepe
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Blender
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups
- Grater
- Wooden Spoon
- Soup Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer vegetables until tender
- Blend vegetables safely to avoid steam burns
- Cook pastina until al dente
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality low‑sodium chicken broth for a cleaner flavor
- Grate Parmesan fresh at the end for the best melt and aroma
- A small knob of butter stirred in at the end adds silkiness
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin
Blend more vegetables or add a splash of cream to thicken.
Pastina is mushy
Cook pastina al dente and remove the pot from heat a minute earlier; add extra broth if needed.
Flavor is bland
Add more salt, a pinch of black pepper, or a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months, but pasta may become soft; reheat and add fresh pasta if needed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Puree the vegetables and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat and add fresh pastina and chicken before serving
- Cook the chicken ahead of time and shred for quick addition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pastina Soup in Italian cuisine?
Pastina soup, often called "penicillin soup," is a traditional Italian comfort food served to the sick or on chilly days. Small pasta shapes like pastina symbolize nourishment, and the simple broth with vegetables reflects the rustic, home‑cooked roots of Italian family meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pastina Soup in Italy?
In northern Italy, the soup may include butter and cream for richness, while southern versions often add tomatoes or a splash of olive oil. Some regions substitute tiny pasta like acini di pepe for pastina, and a handful of leafy greens such as spinach may be added for extra nutrition.
How is Pastina Soup traditionally served in Italy?
It is typically served hot in shallow bowls, topped with a generous grate of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil is common, and it is often accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
On what occasions is Pastina Soup traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Pastina soup is most commonly associated with convalescence—served to those recovering from illness—as well as a quick, comforting meal during cold winter evenings or after a long day of work.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Pastina Soup?
A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, bruschetta with tomatoes and basil, or a light grilled chicken breast complement the mild flavors of Pastina Soup without overwhelming the palate.
What makes Pastina Soup special or unique in Italian cuisine?
Its simplicity, the use of tiny pasta that cooks quickly, and the blend of pureed vegetables create a silky, nourishing broth that feels both homey and elegant—a hallmark of Italian comfort cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pastina Soup?
Overcooking the vegetables before blending, blending without venting the lid (which can cause steam burns), and cooking the pastina too long so it becomes mushy are the top pitfalls. Follow the timing cues in the recipe to prevent these issues.
Why does this Pastina Soup recipe use a blender for the vegetables instead of leaving them whole?
Blending creates a smooth, velvety base that coats the tiny pasta and chicken, giving the soup a comforting, soup‑like texture that is easier to eat when feeling under the weather. It also concentrates the flavors of the vegetables.
Can I make Pastina Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can puree the vegetables and keep the broth in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the pastina and chicken only when reheating to keep the pasta from becoming overly soft. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes specializes in easy‑to‑follow home cooking videos that cover a wide range of cuisines, focusing on everyday meals, quick weeknight dishes, and comfort foods that are accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes presents Italian recipes with clear, step‑by‑step visuals and emphasizes ingredient accessibility, often using pantry staples and simple techniques rather than elaborate traditional methods, making Italian cooking approachable for the home cook.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
