Pastina (A.K.A. Italian Penicillin)

If you’re feeling under the weather, this is the cure. Warm, nourishing, and pure comfort in a bowl, pastina is basically Italy’s version of chicken soup for the soul, and as with everything, Italian's do it way better.

How to Make It

🥕 Start with veggies – Throw two carrots, two celery stalks, and an onion into a pot with water and two bouillon cubes.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to avoid the stringy bits in celery? Break the stalk in half, then gently peel back the fibrous strings before throwing it in. No one wants celery floss in their soup.
🔥 Bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
🧑‍🍳 Blend the veggies – Remove the cooked veggies and a bit of broth, blend until smooth, then stir it back in for extra richness.
🍜 Cook small pasta – In another pot, cook small pasta (orzo is my fave, but any tiny pasta works) in salted water.
🫒 Drain & coat with olive oil – Keeps it from sticking together while you prep the broth.
🥣 Assemble – Add a scoop of pasta to a bowl, ladle on the golden, soul-healing broth until you reach the perfect pasta-to-broth ratio.
🧀 Top with olive oil & Parmesan shavings

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re extra sick, let someone else make this for you while you lounge dramatically under a blanket.

Why This Will Cure Whatever Ails You

💪 Hydrating & Healing – The broth keeps you hydrated while the warm steam soothes congestion.
🍜 Gentle on the Stomach – Easy-to-digest carbs + nutrients = the ultimate sick-day meal.
🥕 Packed with Vitamins – Carrots, celery, and onions bring antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamins.
🧀 Comfort Factor: 1000% – Parmesan adds protein, calcium, and the cozy taste of childhood.

Nutrient Breakdown: What You're Getting

🔹 Electrolytes – From bouillon cubes + broth to replenish lost fluids.
🔹 Carbs for Energy – Small pasta keeps you full without weighing you down.
🔹 Vitamin A & C – Carrots and celery boost your immune system and help fight off sickness.
🔹 Antioxidants – Onions and garlic (if you add it) help reduce inflammation.
🔹 Protein & Calcium – Parmesan gives a delicious boost for muscle recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: Feeling fancy? Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts: The Bowl of Pure Comfort

Whether you’re sick, tired, or just need a hug in food form, pastina has your back. It’s simple, nostalgic, and the closest thing to a warm Italian grandmother taking care of you.

Disclaimer. Listen, I took these pictures to show my mom how cool I am—not because I knew I'd be blogging about them. So no, they’re not shot in a studio with perfect lighting and props. They’re normal, just like me. I’m not a regular blogger, I’m a cool blogger. Remember that.