🎉 Introduction
When you’re feeling under the weather, tired, or just need a warm hug in a bowl, this Italian Penicillin Soup is exactly what your body and soul crave. Inspired by the traditional chicken soups known as “penicillin” for their healing power, this Italian version adds a Mediterranean twist with herbs, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, creating a broth that’s light yet deeply flavorful.
This soothing soup is filled with tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered slowly in a rich broth that comforts from the inside out. A hint of garlic and lemon helps boost your immune system, while the Parmesan and herbs add Italian flair that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort.
Whether you’re fighting a cold, recovering from a long day, or just in need of something warm and restorative, this Italian Penicillin Soup will bring comfort, nourishment, and a touch of sunshine to your table. 🍋🍲🇮🇹
🧰 Equipment Needed
You’ll need:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon
- Small bowl for herbs and lemon zest
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a gentle kick
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Place the chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the broth.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the orzo (or your pasta of choice) and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until tender. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra broth.
Step 5: Brighten and Season
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast for the perfect cozy meal.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This soup is ideal for sick days, light lunches, or comforting weeknight dinners.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.
Tip: For best results, store pasta separately so it doesn’t absorb all the broth.
🥄 Variations
- Egg Drop Italian Twist: Slowly stir in two beaten eggs for a silky, protein-rich version.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Hearty Style: Add spinach, kale, or white beans for extra nutrients.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a velvety texture.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for warmth.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why is it called “Penicillin Soup”?
It’s named after the classic chicken soup’s reputation for healing — like nature’s antibiotic!
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the simmering step and add shredded rotisserie chicken near the end.
3. What’s the best pasta to use?
Small shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even pastina are perfect for this comforting soup.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then shred the chicken and add pasta at the end.
5. What makes it “Italian”?
The use of olive oil, Parmesan, herbs, and lemon adds that signature Italian brightness and flavor.
6. Can I skip the cheese?
Of course, but the Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth that enhances the broth.
7. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute cooked rice or quinoa.
8. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! It will make the broth even richer; just remove bones before shredding.
9. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it separately and add just before serving.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, spinach, or peas blend beautifully into this recipe.
🏁 Conclusion
This Italian Penicillin Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be healing. With its light broth, bright lemon notes, and Italian herbs, it delivers the perfect mix of flavor and nourishment — exactly what you need when you’re not feeling your best (or simply want a cozy bowl of love).
It’s a soothing classic reimagined with Italian flair — hearty yet refreshing, rich yet light, simple yet satisfying. From the first spoonful, you’ll feel its warmth lift your spirits and fill you with comfort.
Italian Penicillin Soup – Light, Easy & Comforting Soup When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Place the chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the broth.
- Stir in the orzo (or your pasta of choice) and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until tender. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra broth.
- Remove the bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast for the perfect cozy meal.
Notes
It’s named after the classic chicken soup’s reputation for healing — like nature’s antibiotic! 2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the simmering step and add shredded rotisserie chicken near the end. 3. What’s the best pasta to use?
Small shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even pastina are perfect for this comforting soup. 4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then shred the chicken and add pasta at the end. 5. What makes it “Italian”?
The use of olive oil, Parmesan, herbs, and lemon adds that signature Italian brightness and flavor. 6. Can I skip the cheese?
Of course, but the Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth that enhances the broth. 7. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute cooked rice or quinoa. 8. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! It will make the broth even richer; just remove bones before shredding. 9. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it separately and add just before serving. 10. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, spinach, or peas blend beautifully into this recipe. 🏁 Conclusion This Italian Penicillin Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be healing. With its light broth, bright lemon notes, and Italian herbs, it delivers the perfect mix of flavor and nourishment — exactly what you need when you’re not feeling your best (or simply want a cozy bowl of love). It’s a soothing classic reimagined with Italian flair — hearty yet refreshing, rich yet light, simple yet satisfying. From the first spoonful, you’ll feel its warmth lift your spirits and fill you with comfort.
