Protein-Boosted Pastina Soup
This pastina soup is pure Italian comfort food. Tiny (and adorable!) pastina noodles are cooked in rich bone broth and finished with butter, Parmesan, and whisked eggs for extra creaminess and protein. It’s sick-day meal perfection, but delicious anytime you want something cozy and comforting.
Italian comfort, with some extra nutrition.
Italian pastina soup (aka Italian penicillin) is a comforting and simple pasta/soup that is a staple in Italian households. Some versions are made simply with tiny pasta stars (pastina) and homemade chicken broth. Other versions are more similar to a chicken noodle soup with chicken and mirepoix veggies (onion, celery, and carrots). Giada adds frozen peas to her version!
Like any traditional dish, there are many varieties, and in this protein-boosted pastina, we’re cooking the pastina in bone broth, which adds incredibly rich and creamy flavor and a nice boost of protein. Then, right after it’s done cooking, we stir in whisked eggs to add in another dose of protein and nutrients. It’s…
🍝 Ultra-comforting and cozy: Tiny pasta in rich broth with butter and cheese – pure comfort food magic.
💪 Double protein boost: Bone broth plus whisked eggs add serious protein without changing the classic flavor.
⏰ Ready in 15 minutes: From start to finish, this is one of the quickest homemade soups you’ll make.
🧀 Rich and creamy: The eggs create a silky, luxurious consistency without any cream.
🤒 Perfect sick day meal: Gentle on the stomach, easy to eat, and incredibly nourishing when you’re under the weather.
👶 Kid-approved classic: The tiny pasta and mild flavors make this a hit with even picky eaters.
🛒 Just 5 simple ingredients: Bone broth, pastina, butter, eggs, and Parmesan – that’s it.
You’ll also want to try my creamy chicken noodle soup, dumpling soup, or lasagna soup next time.
This was super easy and delicious! Thank you! –Stacey
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring this bone broth pastina to the table: chicken bone broth, pastina pasta, butter, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pastina: Pastina is a tiny pasta that can come in many different shapes, often times little tiny stars. It is the smallest pasta variety and is also sometimes called stelline. You can find it in Italian specialty markets or order it online, or if you live in an area with an Italian population, you might be able to find it in your local grocery store (I couldn’t find it at my conventional grocery stores in Minneapolis).
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: The key to perfect pastina is removing it from heat before stirring in the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling and creates that silky, creamy texture instead. Stir continuously as you slowly pour in the whisked eggs, and the residual heat will cook them just right, creating a beautiful creamy consistency throughout the soup.
- Feeding kids without pressure: I would recommend serving the pastina in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter. Soup can be tricky for younger eaters, but this one stays relatively thick, thanks to the bone broth. You can also scoop out a dish that has mostly pasta so that it’s a bit easier to eat.
- Variations: Use chicken broth instead of bone broth for a lighter version. Add cooked shredded chicken for even more protein and heartiness. Try different tiny pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo if you can’t find pastina. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the eggs or keep them for protein.
- Additions: If you’d like to add in some veggies, frozen peas are a classic addition. You could also add in some quick-cooking greens like spinach or shredded kale. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to perk everything up.
Protein-Boosted Pastina Soup Recipe
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This pastina soup recipe has a delicious boost of protein (x2!) while keeping its cozy, comfort-food vibes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 cup pastina
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1–2 eggs, whisked
- Grated Parmesan cheese, flaky salt, fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Bring bone broth to a boil and stir in pastina.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until pastina is cooked to al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- While stirring pastina, slowly stir in whisked eggs and mix until incorporated.
- Remove from heat and divide into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover pastina soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the soup will thicken considerably. Add a splash of broth when reheating to thin it back out. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Ingredients: Pastina can be hard to find at conventional grocery stores, but it is usually available at Italian specialty markets or online. If you can’t find pastina at your local stores, you can order pastina here or use acini di pepe, orzo, or any tiny soup pasta as a substitute. Use high-quality bone broth for best results – homemade is best, but store-bought certainly works.
- Serve with: Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping is traditional. For kids or sick days, keep it simple or stir in some frozen peas for a bit of color.
Serving Suggestions
This easy pastina recipe is enough on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal a bit, try one of these sides:
- Garlic Bread or baguette slices
- 5-Minute Frozen Peas
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Raw veggies with veggie dip
- Fresh fruit
More Easy Soup Recipes
If you like this pastina soup recipe, you might also like some of these other easy soup recipes:
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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This was super easy and delicious! Thank you!
YAY! Thanks for letting me know, Stacey. Glad you enjoyed.