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Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup for Cozy Comfort on Cold Days

A warm and comforting Italian Penicillin Soup filled with chicken, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for chilly days and wellness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil feel free to substitute with a neutral cooking oil
  • 1 large onion chopped; shallots can be used
  • 2 medium carrots diced; can swap in any similar root vegetable
  • 2 stalks celery diced; leeks can offer a different flavor profile
  • 4 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder works if fresh isn’t available
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth homemade or store-bought works
  • 1 whole chicken breast bone-in, skin-on; bone-in thighs or rotisserie chicken can be alternatives
  • 2 leaves bay leaves introduces an earthy note
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano offers traditional Italian flavor; Italian seasoning makes a great substitute
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme you can swap it for fresh thyme if desired
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional for a hint of heat
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Finish
  • 1 cup small pasta e.g., ditalini, orzo, shells; quinoa or rice can be gluten-free substitutes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice brightens flavors; vinegar can also work
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped; basil or cilantro can be used
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano optional; nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative
For Serving
  • 1 loaf crusty Italian bread gluten-free bread can be offered for dietary constraints

Equipment

  • large soup pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Next, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, add 1 whole chicken breast (skin-on), 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken breast and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken, discarding skin and bones, then return it to the pot.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then add 1 cup of small pasta and cook according to package directions for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Remove the bay leaves, stir in the juice of 1 fresh lemon and a handful of chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Ladle into bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and serve with crusty Italian bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This soup is adaptable and can be made vegetarian and gluten-free based on ingredient choices. It freezes well without pasta for meal prep.

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