Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of soothing, hearty comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, you’re going to adore this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. This soup brings together the timeless flavors of a classic Italian kitchen with the restorative qualities of a homemade broth, tender chicken, and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect remedy-like dish that not only warms you up but also nourishes your body deeply, making it a go-to for chilly days or when you simply need a little extra care. The blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and al dente pasta creates a delightfully satisfying texture and taste profile that will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the length of this dish intimidate you—the ingredients are straightforward, honest, and each one plays a crucial role in turning simple components into a soul-soothing masterpiece. From the fresh vegetables that add color and sweetness to the herbs that layer in complexity, every item is essential to balance flavor, texture, and aroma.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, silky mouthfeel and enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
• Large onion, diced: Provides a savory sweetness that’s the backbone of this soup’s depth.
• Carrots, sliced: Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue to brighten the bowl.
• Celery stalks, chopped: Offer a mild bitterness that balances the sweetness from carrots and onions.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Infuse a warm, fragrant punch that’s vital for that comforting aroma.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the tastes harmoniously.
• Chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on: Ensures tender, juicy meat and a rich broth from simmered bones.
• Bay leaves: Lend subtle herbal complexity that deepens over long cooking.
• Small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or shells): Adds heartiness and a pleasant bite to the soup.
• Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that make this soup authentically flavorful.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Deliver a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with a zesty finish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: For an optional indulgent and savory garnish.
• Crusty Italian bread: Perfect for dunking and soaking up every flavorful drop.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook these for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften while the onion turns translucent, which forms the flavor foundation for the entire soup. Once softened, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—this only takes about a minute but creates a beautifully aromatic start for this soup.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot and gently nestle the bone-in, skin-on chicken breast right in. Toss in the bay leaves, dried oregano, thyme, and if you love a hint of spice, the optional red pepper flakes. Bring everything up to a gentle boil before lowering the heat so it can simmer steadily. This step is all about patience; slow simmering allows the chicken to become tender and lets the broth soak up all those savory, herbal notes that make this soup so incredibly comforting.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Partially cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, letting the flavors deepen while the chicken cooks thoroughly. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and the vegetables have softened perfectly. The kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting scent that hints at the deliciousness to come. Carefully remove the chicken breast from the pot and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Shred and Season

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, discard the bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and take this time to season the broth with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Remember to add seasoning gradually since the broth will reduce and intensify as the soup continues cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then stir in your choice of small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or small shells. Cook until al dente, following package directions. The pasta releases starch, which thickens the broth just enough to give it that luxurious, hearty texture that makes this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe so satisfyingly rich and filling.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Elements

Remove the bay leaves from the soup, then stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. These final touches add a vibrant brightness and a lovely herbal note that perfectly balance the deep, savory flavors. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, and now your soup is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. This combo adds a luscious creaminess and a slight fruity richness that complements the herbal broth beautifully. The cheese melts slightly into the warm soup, delivering a delightful savory burst in every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your Italian Penicillin Soup alongside some crusty Italian bread or rustic focaccia for dunking. The bread soaks up the broth perfectly, making every last drop count, and provides a satisfying crunch contrast to the tender soup. For a fresh side, a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can add a crisp brightness to balance the comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into individual rustic bowls and top each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil. You can also serve the cheese on the side so guests can customize their bowls. Another fun idea is to hand-roll the soup into tiny lasagna or pasta shells for a playful twist, making the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. The soup’s vibrant taste actually deepens after sitting a day, making leftovers a treat to look forward to.

Freezing

Italian Penicillin Soup freezes well too! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding pasta, as the noodles can become mushy after thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh pasta during reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat until steaming. If you froze the soup without pasta, add freshly boiled pasta during reheating to retain the perfect texture. A final splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors nicely after warming.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add white beans or extra veggies for protein and heartiness. The soup remains just as flavorful and comforting without animal products.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or tiny shells work best because they hold onto the broth and cook quickly without overpowering the soup. For gluten-free options, rice or gluten-free pasta can be great substitutes.

Is this soup good for cold or flu recovery?

Definitely! The combination of garlic, onions, warm broth, and fresh herbs makes this soup soothing and nourishing. It helps hydrate and provides gentle immune support, which is why it’s affectionately called the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Make it up to three days ahead and store in the fridge. The flavors combine beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer a milder soup, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, feel free to increase them to taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s all about what warms you up best!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe enough for anyone seeking a delicious blend of healing and heartiness. It’s one of those rare dishes that feed both body and soul while filling your home with the most comforting aromas. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving a bowl of pure cozy goodness, this soup will quickly become your trusted kitchen companion. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start simmering; your new favorite soup awaits!

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