Print

Italian Penicillin Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

Print Recipe

Warm, hearty, and comforting, this Italian Penicillin Soup is inspired by traditional chicken soup, enhanced with herbs, lemon, and pasta for a flavor-packed dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion (diced, about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots (sliced into rounds)
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 whole chicken breast (bone-in, skin-on, about 1 pound)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, orzo, or shells)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated, optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Crusty Italian bread (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, around 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the broth: Add the 8 cups of broth along with the whole chicken breast and bay leaves. Stir gently.
  5. Season it right: Sprinkle in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Let it simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
  7. Cook the pasta: Remove the chicken, stir in the pasta, and cook according to package instructions, about 7-10 minutes.
  8. Shred the chicken: Once cool enough, shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
  9. Stir in the lemon juice: Adjust seasonings and remove the bay leaves before serving.
  10. Plate it up: Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or pastas. This soup tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition

Keywords: soup, comfort food, Italian, chicken soup, healthy

Find it online: https://mapleladle.com/minute-italian-penicillin-soup-for-immune-support/