Stracciatella alla Romana

Stracciatella alla Romana

Golden broth with soft egg strands and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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Warm, cozy Stracciatella alla Romana made with eggs, Parmesan, chicken broth, and spinach — a simple Roman soup that feels like home.

You know how some recipes sneak up on you when you least expect it? That’s what Stracciatella alla Romana did to me.

It was one of those damp, gray days in Rome — the kind where your hair frizzes no matter what, and you’re just trying to survive until your next espresso. I ducked into this little trattoria (because honestly, anywhere that smells like garlic and bread is home to me), and the owner — this older woman with a laugh that could shake the walls — insisted I try their soup of the day.

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I almost said no because, let’s be real, who gets soup in Rome when there’s carbonara and pizza al taglio? But I caved. And when that steaming bowl of Stracciatella alla Romana landed in front of me — this golden broth with tiny ribbons of egg and cheese drifting through it like soft clouds — I was done for. It didn’t look fancy. But one spoonful and it was like… peace. Comfort. Everything good about being human in one bite.

Now every time I make this Italian soup, I think about that moment — the clatter of dishes, the smell of Parmesan, the rain tapping against the window. It’s funny how food can time travel you, right? One taste and you’re back in that place, feeling things you didn’t realize you’d missed.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

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Why You’ll Love This Stracciatella alla Romana Recipe?

I love this soup for the same reason I love messy Sunday mornings and handwritten recipes — it’s real. No pretension. Just warmth.

You’ll love Stracciatella alla Romana because:

  • It’s stupidly simple — like, 10 minutes and you’re done.

  • It’s light, but it somehow fills that emotional hunger, too.

  • It’s affordable — eggs, broth, Parmesan… that’s practically pantry poetry.

  • It feels like a Roman grandma’s hug — even if you’ve never had one.

This soup doesn’t try to impress anyone. It just is. Honest, cozy, a little humble — kind of like the Italian countryside in a bowl. And that’s what makes it perfect.

Golden broth with soft egg strands and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Ingredient Notes:

The secret to a great Stracciatella alla Romana isn’t fancy ingredients — it’s how you treat the simple ones.

  • Chicken stock: Homemade is dreamy, but let’s be honest — I use store-bought all the time. Just pick a good one (low-sodium).

  • Egg: One large egg turns into these soft little “rags” in the broth (that’s literally what stracciatella means in Italian).

  • Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated — not the pre-shredded stuff in a plastic tub, please. You want it fine enough to melt and enrich the broth.

  • Breadcrumbs or semolina (optional): This is your texture insurance. Just a tablespoon. Toasted panko makes it extra nutty, but if you’re gluten-free, crushed puffed rice works surprisingly well.

  • Spinach: I use baby spinach, sliced into ribbons. But chard, arugula, or even parsley works if that’s what’s hanging around your fridge.

  • Black pepper: Freshly ground. Not optional. It’s that tiny detail that makes the whole kitchen smell like you know what you’re doing.

When you lay it all out, it’s the kind of ingredient list that makes you sigh with relief — no fuss, no shopping trip required, just good, honest food.

Rustic Italian soup served hot, perfect with slices of crusty bread.

How To Make Stracciatella alla Romana?

You’re going to laugh at how easy this is. Really. It feels like cooking magic — one of those moments where you do almost nothing, but it looks like you worked for hours.

Step 1: Simmer the broth.
Pour 4 cups of chicken stock into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Not a rolling boil — we’re not making pasta here. Just that calm, lazy simmer where tiny bubbles say, “Hey, I’m ready.”

Step 2: Whisk the egg mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together your egg, Parmesan, a pinch of pepper, and breadcrumbs (if using). It’ll look kind of clumpy and weird — that’s fine. It’s supposed to.

Step 3: Add the greens.
Once your broth’s simmering, toss in the sliced spinach. Watch it wilt down in seconds — it’s like the soup giving itself a little green scarf.

Step 4: Add the egg mixture.
Now, pour that egg mixture slowly into the broth. Don’t stir yet! Let it float and form those delicate ribbons for a few seconds, then give it one soft swirl. And just like that — you’ve got Stracciatella alla Romana.

Step 5: Taste and adjust.
A pinch more salt? Maybe another crack of black pepper? Go for it. Ladle into bowls and add a dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy (and honestly, when are we not?).

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Serve it immediately — this soup is not the waiting type. It’s meant to be enjoyed right off the stove, when the steam still fogs your glasses and everything smells like home.

Warm bowl of egg-drop soup topped with fresh parsley.

Storage Options:

Alright, so let’s say you didn’t finish it all (which, honestly, would be shocking). You can stash leftovers in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat it gently — low heat, no boiling, or the eggs will toughen up.

Freezing? Don’t. The texture won’t forgive you. It’s quick enough to make fresh anyway. I mean, it takes less time than scrolling through dinner ideas you’ll never actually make.

Variations and Substitutions:

One of the fun things about Stracciatella alla Romana is that it’s like jazz — you can improvise. The base is always eggs and broth, but beyond that, it’s all fair game.

  • Vegetarian version: Use veggie stock instead of chicken.

  • Brighten it up: Add lemon zest — it makes the whole thing taste like spring.

  • Herby twist: Toss in fresh basil or a little nutmeg if you’re feeling creative.

  • Make it a meal: Add cooked rice, orzo, or small pasta. Suddenly, it’s dinner.

  • Different greens: Arugula, chard, or even leftover herbs work beautifully.

This recipe is like a forgiving friend — it doesn’t judge you for using what you have.

Close-up of creamy Italian-style broth with egg ribbons and herbs.

What to Serve with Stracciatella alla Romana?

I’ll be honest — I’ve had Stracciatella alla Romana with everything from a hunk of bread to leftover pizza. But here are my actual favorite pairings:

  • Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping. Get that buttery broth on every bite.

  • A glass of crisp white wine: Pinot Grigio, maybe? The kind that makes you sigh after the first sip.

  • Simple salad: A little arugula with lemon and olive oil balances the warmth.

  • Cheese toast or garlic crostini: Because cheese on cheese is a mood.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does “Stracciatella” mean?
It means “little rags” or “shreds.” When the egg hits the hot broth, it creates soft ribbons that look like little torn pieces — delicate and beautiful.

Can I make this ahead?
You can whisk the egg mixture early, but cook it fresh. It takes ten minutes — worth every second.

Is it the same as Stracciatella gelato?
Ha! No, though both are Italian classics. The gelato has chocolate shards. This one? Warm, savory, and soul-soothing. Totally different, equally lovable.

Two white ramekins filled with comforting homemade soup.

There’s something honest about Stracciatella alla Romana. It’s not trying to be fancy — it’s just pure comfort, the kind of dish that reminds you life doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.

Sometimes I think that’s why I love Italian food so much. It’s patient. It’s emotional. It’s okay with being imperfect — a little too salty, a little messy, but always full of heart.

So go make a pot. Pour yourself a glass of wine while it simmers. Maybe put on a little Dean Martin if you’re feeling dramatic. And when you sit down to that first spoonful — just pause. Because that’s the taste of simple joy right there.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin this recipe!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin this recipe!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Close-up of creamy Italian-style broth with egg ribbons and herbs.

Stracciatella alla Romana

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
A classic Stracciatella alla Romana — a traditional Italian egg drop soup made with Parmesan, eggs, and spinach gently simmered in rich chicken broth for a light yet comforting meal.
3 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tsp finely grated Parmesan cheese lightly packed; grind if coarsely grated
  • 1 tbsp panko breadcrumbs or semolina flour optional
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • A handful of spinach leaves sliced into ½-inch ribbons (alternatively, chard, arugula, or sorrel)

Instructions
 

Simmer the broth

  1. Place the chicken stock in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to boil vigorously, as this can cloud the broth and affect the texture of the final soup.

Prepare the egg mixture

  1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, finely grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs or semolina (if using), and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should be well blended and slightly thickened.

Add the greens

  1. Once the stock is simmering, stir in the sliced spinach. Allow the greens to cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until wilted.

Incorporate the egg mixture

  1. Pour the egg and cheese mixture into the simmering broth in a slow, steady stream. Allow the mixture to set for several seconds before stirring gently. This will create delicate ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup.

Final seasoning

  1. Continue to simmer gently for another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper as needed.

Serve immediately

  1. Ladle the Stracciatella alla Romana into warm bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

To make Stracciatella alla Romana gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs or replace them with ground puffed rice or a small amount of certified gluten-free flour. This modification preserves the soup’s delicate texture and traditional flavor while ensuring it remains suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Bitty

 

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Hi, I'm Bitty!

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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