Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

If you are craving a soul-comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. This dish combines aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and delicate pasta in a shimmering broth that heals and nourishes. It’s a brilliant blend of simplicity and flavor, perfect for any day you want to feel cozy yet satisfied. Whether you’re fighting off a chill or just want to indulge your love for Italian flavors, this soup is a true kitchen treasure that turns humble ingredients into magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building deep flavor foundations to adding textural interest and vibrant color that makes the dish inviting and satisfying.

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The base for sautéing aromatics, contributing rich, fruity notes and a silky texture.
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
• 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds: Brings subtle earthiness and a touch of color.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a fragrant, herbal backbone essential for classic Italian soup.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers a punch of pungent warmth and complexity.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option): Forms the soul-soothing liquid base that carries the whole soup.
• 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound): Imparts tender meat and enriching collagen from the bones.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes that elevate the broth’s aroma.
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells): Adds delightful bite and helps turn the soup into a hearty meal.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that lends warmth and earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Enhances savory undertones with a slightly minty nuance.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle spark of heat to contrast the mild broth.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the soup with a refreshing zing.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and color pop.
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: For a savory, nutty garnish that melts gloriously into the spoonfuls.
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling: A final touch that boosts richness and shine.
• Crusty Italian bread for serving: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook gently, stirring often, until the onion softens and the vegetables become fragrant, about 7-8 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its beautiful aroma without burning it. This base sets up the flavor profile you’ll build upon.

Step 2: Create the Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot along with the bone-in chicken breast and bay leaves. Season with the dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This slow simmer allows the chicken to become tender and the broth to deepen in flavor, extracting all the goodness from the meat and bones.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breast from the pot. When it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat finely using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the simmering soup to continue melding the flavors together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the small pasta of your choice directly to the soup, stirring it in and cooking until tender but still firm to the bite—usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. This transforms the soup into a filling, satisfying meal ready to warm you from the inside out.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Brightness

Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to lift the flavors with a fresh and vibrant finish. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste at this stage to make sure every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor.

How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese melting softly on top of your bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy richness that tempts your taste buds before the first spoonful. These finishing touches make the soup feel truly special.

Side Dishes

A slice of crusty Italian bread is the ultimate companion, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and mopping up every drop. For a fuller meal, you can offer a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to echo the brightness in the soup and keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, welcoming vibe. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini loaves of bread, turning them into edible bowls. You might also garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making leftovers even more comforting. Just be sure to keep the pasta submerged in broth to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace to allow the soup to expand. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, consider freezing the broth and chicken separately from the pasta to avoid textural changes.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to your preferred consistency. Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon after reheating to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Adding white beans like cannellini can give the soup extra protein and heartiness while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or tiny shells are perfect because they cook quickly and blend well in the soup’s texture. If you prefer gluten-free, you can substitute with rice or leave out pasta entirely.

Is this soup good for cold and flu season?

Definitely. With its comforting broth, garlic, and fresh herbs, the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe has long been a go-to for soothing the body when feeling under the weather. The lemon juice’s brightness and the warming spices add to its “healing” reputation.

How do I adjust the spice level?

If you want a milder soup, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For a bit more heat, increase the flakes slightly or finish with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the vegetables first as directed, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes to prevent it from overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is a heartfelt classic that feels like a tradition in every spoonful. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this recipe delivers comfort and vibrant flavor with ease. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup for anytime you need a little extra warmth and love from the kitchen.

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