Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe That Heals with Comfort and Flavor

If you’ve ever needed a big, cozy hug in a bowl, this Italian Penicillin Soup is just the remedy. Often referred to as “Italian chicken soup” or pastina, this comforting classic gets a flavorful vegan upgrade without compromising the warmth and healing vibes it’s known for. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something light yet hearty, or simply need a soul-soothing bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered. Made with delicate pastina pasta, aromatic herbs, a rich umami miso broth, and plenty of nourishing veggies, it’s a feel-good favorite for both body and soul.

Looking for more comforting soup recipes? Don’t miss our Italian Wedding Soup Recipe for another hearty Italian classic you’ll love.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

What Is Italian Penicillin Soup and Why It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food

Origins of Italian Penicillin and Pastina Traditions

Italian Penicillin Soup, lovingly known as pastina soup, holds a special place in Italian kitchens. Traditionally made with tiny pasta stars (pastina), garlic, broth, and sometimes chicken, it’s the Italian version of chicken noodle soup—often served when someone’s sick or in need of TLC. The dish traces its roots back generations, where nonnas would whip it up to soothe colds, boost immunity, or simply nurture with love. This plant-based version preserves that tradition, replacing chicken with hearty vegetables and broth full of umami depth.

Why It’s Called “Penicillin” Soup

The nickname “Italian Penicillin” wasn’t coined lightly. Much like the real thing, this soup is praised for its soothing, almost medicinal effects. With ingredients like garlic (a known natural antibacterial), lemon juice (rich in vitamin C), and warm broth (great for hydration and congestion), it has all the hallmarks of a natural remedy. The pastina makes it easy to digest and comforting—ideal for those down days when nothing else feels right.

Health and Healing Properties of Traditional Ingredients

This modern take on Italian penicillin soup is loaded with immune-supporting ingredients. Carrots, celery, and parsnips provide antioxidants and fiber. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are packed with anti-inflammatory benefits. And white miso paste not only adds umami flavor but also contributes gut-friendly probiotics. It’s dairy-free, plant-based, and made with clean, whole-food ingredients your body will thank you for.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Italian Penicillin Soup at Home

The Classic Mirepoix and Its Italian Twist

This soup starts with a traditional French mirepoix—onion, celery, and carrots—but then adds a distinctly Italian flair with yellow bell pepper and parsnip. These ingredients bring sweetness, depth, and texture, forming the flavorful base of the soup. Cutting them to a similar size ensures even cooking and a balanced bite in every spoonful.

Plant-Based Substitutes: Miso, Broth, and More

To keep this version vegan, the recipe swaps Parmesan cheese for white miso paste. Miso is rich in umami and helps recreate the depth typically offered by meat-based broths. Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while keeping the flavors rich. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the savory tones with a fresh zing.

Pasta Shapes: Why Pastina Is the Star of the Show

The word pastina means “little pasta,” and it’s essential to this dish. You’ll want to use tiny pasta shapes like stars or dots, which cook quickly and absorb the broth beautifully. If you can’t find pastina, other options like orzo or acini di pepe work great too. The pasta gives the soup body and transforms it from a simple broth into a hearty meal.

Looking for more pasta-based comfort food? Check out our Chicken and Noodles Recipe Treat—a warm, satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Nourishing Italian Penicillin Soup

Prepping the Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

Start by finely dicing your vegetables—onion, carrots, celery, yellow bell pepper, and parsnip. Uniform cuts are key to even cooking and the overall smoothness of the soup. Use fresh garlic cloves, and don’t skimp—garlic is a key player here. Strip the leaves from fresh thyme and rosemary for maximum flavor infusion.

Cooking Tips: Timing, Sautéing, and Simmering Secrets

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté your veggies until they’re soft but not browned (about 7 minutes). Add in the garlic and herbs, letting them release their aromas for about 2 minutes. Then, pour in the broth, miso, and bay leaf. Let everything simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Blending and Finishing Touches: Lemon Juice and Fresh Herbs

Once simmered, remove half the vegetables and blend the rest directly in the pot using an immersion blender. This creates a creamy base without needing cream. Add the reserved veggies and cooked pastina, letting everything meld together. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

Craving more cozy soup ideas? Discover great ideas like this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup that’s both creamy and dairy-free.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips for Meal Prep

How Long Does It Last in the Fridge or Freezer?

Italian Penicillin Soup holds up well for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep or sick-day stockpiling. Once fully cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to eat it all that quickly, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave space in your container for expansion when freezing.

Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Texture

To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm it gently over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or extra broth if it’s too thick—pasta tends to absorb liquid while stored. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each. Avoid overcooking to keep the pastina from turning mushy.

Tips for Scaling the Recipe for Bigger Batches

Want to feed a crowd or stock up for later? Simply double the ingredients and divide the batch between servings for now and some to freeze. For best texture, consider storing the pasta separately if freezing. This prevents it from becoming overly soft. Just stir in freshly cooked pastina when reheating for the perfect bowl every time.

Don’t miss our freezer-friendly Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup—a bold and zesty option that stores beautifully.

Easy Variations and Ingredient Swaps to Make It Your Own

Add-ins Like Spinach, Kale, or Potatoes

This soup is extremely versatile. Toward the end of cooking, you can toss in baby spinach or chopped kale for extra nutrients and a vibrant green touch. Want it even heartier? Add small diced potatoes when simmering the broth. They’ll soak up flavor and boost the comfort factor even further.

Make It Gluten-Free with Pasta Alternatives

Can’t have gluten? Swap pastina with gluten-free pasta shapes like tiny quinoa stars, brown rice pasta, or even cauliflower rice. Just monitor cooking times carefully to avoid over-softening. A gluten-free version of this soup keeps all the healing vibes, without sacrificing taste or texture.

Boost the Flavor with Homemade Veggie Broth

Using homemade broth is a game-changer. You can build it from leftover vegetable scraps—onion skins, carrot tops, celery ends—and simmer them into a flavorful base. This gives the soup a richer, deeper taste and lets you control salt content. Miso paste already adds umami, but pairing it with homemade broth elevates the result.

Looking for inspiration? Try this deeply comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe that offers hearty richness and cozy vibes in every spoonful.

Serving Ideas: What to Pair with Italian Penicillin Soup

Best Breads for Dipping and Sopping Up Broth

What’s soup without something to dip in it? Italian Penicillin Soup pairs perfectly with a crusty artisan bread, garlic focaccia, or soft vegan dinner rolls. Toasted sourdough also makes a great option—especially when brushed with olive oil and rubbed with fresh garlic. Don’t be afraid to go carb-heavy here—your soup deserves a worthy companion.

Light Salad Options That Complement the Soup

Balance the warmth of the soup with a cool, refreshing salad. A chickpea panzanella, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or cucumber tomato salad can all offer a contrasting texture and temperature. These salads also echo the Italian origins of the soup, creating a cohesive yet varied meal.

Kid-Friendly Serving Tips

To win over picky eaters, serve this soup with grated vegan cheese or a few tiny pasta animal shapes. You can also skip the lemon juice and herbs if they prefer simpler flavors. Serve with a slice of buttered toast and you’ve got a kid-approved dinner that sneaks in plenty of veggies.

Check out our fun twist on Stuffed Shells Dinner Recipe—another Italian-inspired favorite kids will love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Why This Italian Penicillin Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Plan

Whether you’re under the weather, recovering from a long day, or simply craving a warm, healing dish, Italian Penicillin Soup delivers every time. With its nourishing broth, delicate pastina, vibrant vegetables, and rich umami depth from white miso, it’s a comfort food classic reimagined for modern, plant-based lifestyles. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and ideal for meal prep. One spoonful, and you’ll see why generations have turned to this beloved Italian soup as their go-to home remedy.

Looking for more cozy recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl? Don’t miss our Roasted Acorn Squash Treat—a sweet and savory fall favorite.

Print