Easy Vegan Italian Pastina Soup (Star Pasta "Penicillin" Comfort Food)

il y a 1 mois

Inspired by: @iszy

Discover the heartwarming magic of this Easy Vegan Italian Pastina Soup, a delightful "penicillin" style remedy that's perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra comfort. This simple, flavorful soup is a plant-based twist on a classic, featuring tiny, adorable star-shaped pasta (pastina or stelline) that brings a touch of childhood nostalgia to every spoonful.

Originally inspired by abillion user @iszy, who spotted these charming little star pasta at the store and immediately thought of "Italian Penicillin Soup," this recipe is designed for ultimate coziness. As @iszy noted, these stelline are "perfect for this," and the soup even thickens beautifully as leftovers, reminding them of "childhood Campbell's classics like Spaghettios." It’s truly a hug in a bowl!

Are you looking for a quick, wholesome, and budget-friendly meal that soothes the soul? This vegan pastina soup is your answer. It's a fantastic option for families, busy weeknights, or anyone craving a simple, dairy-free, and egg-free comfort food experience.

What is Italian Penicillin Soup?

"Italian Penicillin Soup" is a popular nickname for a simple, restorative pasta soup, often made with small pasta (pastina) and clear broth. It's cherished for its comforting, mild flavors and its reputation as a soothing remedy for colds and flu, much like chicken noodle soup but with an Italian flair. Our vegan version captures all the warmth and healing vibes without any animal products.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 cups vegetable broth
1 cup durum wheat semolina pasta (stelline or other pastina)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Stir in the pastina (stelline) and cook according to package directions, typically 7-9 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as pastina can absorb a lot of liquid.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy depth.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Image Gallery

Ingredients for Vegan Italian Pastina Soup laid out

Fresh ingredients ready for a comforting vegan soup.

Close-up of star-shaped pastina in Vegan Italian Soup

The adorable stelline (star-shaped pasta) that makes this soup special.

Serving of Vegan Italian Pastina Soup garnished with fresh herbs

A warm bowl of vegan pastina soup, ready to comfort.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pastina or small pasta shape to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding finely chopped zucchini, spinach (stir in at the very end), or even small florets of broccoli.
Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial meal, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
Creamier Texture: For a richer, creamier soup, blend about 1/2 cup of cooked cannellini beans or a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk (like cashew or soy milk) into a portion of the broth before combining.
Extra Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle warmth.

Tips & Hacks

Prevent Mushy Pasta: If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the pastina separately and adding it to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents the pasta from over-absorbing the broth and becoming too soft. If you do cook it in the soup, know that it will thicken significantly, as @iszy noted about their "Spaghettios" experience!
Flavor Boost: For an even deeper savory flavor, sauté your vegetables in a little vegan butter before adding the broth.
Meal Prep Friendly: This soup is great for meal prep! Make a large batch of the broth and vegetables, then cook fresh pastina daily to add to your portion, ensuring perfect texture every time.
Storing Leftovers: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash more vegetable broth or water if it's too thick.

Ready to whip up this incredibly comforting soup? Give this Easy Vegan Italian Pastina Soup a try tonight and let it bring a smile to your face. We'd love to see your creations! Share your photos and thoughts on abillion – your review could even earn you donation credits!