Nonna’s Hearty Pastina in Chicken Broth

Known in our family as “Italian Penicillin,” this recipe was my grandmother ‘s remedy for colds and cold days.

Filled with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and the beloved star pasta, this soup is not just a meal: it’s a hug in a bowl.

The aroma of rosemary, onions and simmering chicken brings back childhood memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where love and care were the secret ingredients of her cooking.

This traditional Italian soup is easy to make, incredibly relaxing and perfect for when you need something light but satisfying.

Whether you are underwhelmed or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe will warm you up inside and out.

Let’s dive into the recipe dear to my grandmother ‘s heart and find out why it’s such a cure-all.

 

In Italy, the term “pastina ” refers to a wide variety of very small pasta shapes , ideal for being cooked directly in broth or used in simple, comforting dishes.

These formats are very common in Italian cuisine, especially in homes, and are often associated with traditional recipes that evoke warmth and affection.

Some of the most popular formats of pastina include:

• Stelline: small stars, perfect for children and much loved for their cute shape.
• Fili d’angelo: very thin broken noodles, perfect for a more velvety texture in broth.
• Risoni (or barley): small grains shaped like rice.
• Anellini: small circles of pasta, also often used for soups or timbale.
• Farfalline: tiny butterflies.
• Alphabet: small letters, especially loved by toddlers.

Pastina is not just a food, but a real tradition: it is often prepared for children, the elderly or people who need a light, easy-to-digest meal. It is considered one of the ultimate “culinary pampering” recipes.

Moreover, every family has its own favorite type of pastina, and the format chosen may vary according to region or family tradition. Simple and versatile, pastina is a symbol of the most authentic and domestic Italian cuisine.

 

 

SERVINGS:4

Total Time Estimate:

• Active prep time: ~20 minutes.
• Simmering the broth: ~1 hour.
• Cooking the pastina: ~10 minutes.
• Straining and serving: ~5 minutes.

Overall total: 1.5 hours to prepare and serve this comforting soup!

INGREDIENTS:

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 cups of star-shaped noodles
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes , peeled and cut into small cubes
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 7 cups of water (increase slightly to balance the addition of pasta)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional, for serving)

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preparing the Broth
   • In a large pot, add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and rosemary sprigs .
   • Cover everything with about 2 liters of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Skim the Broth
   • When the water starts to boil, a foam will form on the surface. Using a skimmer, gently remove it to keep the broth clear.
   • Add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Slow Cooking
   • Turn down the heat and let the broth simmer on a low flame for about 1 hour. This time will allow the chicken and vegetables to release all their flavor.
4. Cook the Pastina
   • In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the star-shaped noodles according to the times indicated on the package.
5. Strain the Broth
   • When cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth. If you prefer a completely clear broth, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer.
6. Serving the Pastina in  Broth
   • Place the cooked pastina in a soup plate. Pour over the hot strained broth.
   • If desired, add a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano cheese and a drizzle of raw olive oil.

Grandmother’s Tip

Vegetables and chicken cooked in broth are never thrown away! You can serve them as a main course accompanied by a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt, or use them for other recipes.

This traditional method gives the broth unparalleled clarity and flavor. Enjoy your meal and happy recovery! 🌟

Nutritional Component	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (based on a 2000-calorie diet)
Calories	280 kcal	14%
Total Fat	9 g	12%
– Saturated Fat	2.5 g	13%
Cholesterol	60 mg	20%
Sodium	550 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrates	30 g	11%
– Dietary Fiber	3 g	11%
– Sugars	3 g	—
Protein	18 g	36%
Vitamin A	35%	—
Vitamin C	15%	—
Calcium	4%	—
Iron	8%	—

Nonna's Pastina Chicken Soup

Known in our family as “Italian Penicillin,” this recipe was my grandmother 's remedy for colds and cold days.

Filled with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and the beloved star pasta, this soup is not just a meal: it's a hug in a bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Italian Soups

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Notes

INGREDIENTS:

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 cups of star-shaped noodles
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes , peeled and cut into small cubes
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 7 cups of water (increase slightly to balance the addition of pasta)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional, for serving)

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preparing the Broth
   • In a large pot, add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and rosemary sprigs .
   • Cover everything with about 2 liters of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Skim the Broth
   • When the water starts to boil, a foam will form on the surface. Using a skimmer, gently remove it to keep the broth clear.
   • Add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Slow Cooking
   • Turn down the heat and let the broth simmer on a low flame for about 1 hour. This time will allow the chicken and vegetables to release all their flavor.
4. Cook the Pastina
   • In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the star-shaped noodles according to the times indicated on the package.
5. Strain the Broth
   • When cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth. If you prefer a completely clear broth, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer.
6. Serving the Pastina in  Broth
   • Place the cooked pastina in a soup plate. Pour over the hot strained broth.
   • If desired, add a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano cheese and a drizzle of raw olive oil.

Keyword pastina, pastina soup, italian pastina

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