Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe to Heal Your Soul

My quest for comfort led me to discover italian penicillin soup, a magical remedy that warms souls instantly.

Healing broth bubbles with ancient wisdom passed through generations of italian kitchens.

Nonna’s secret recipe whispers stories of wellness and nurturing care.

Garlic and herbs dance together, creating a liquid embrace that soothes weary spirits.

Fragrant vegetables mingle with tender chicken, promising restoration with every spoonful.

Wellness flows through this simple yet profound culinary tradition.

Trust this recipe to wrap you in delicious healing and bring renewed energy to your day.

Cooking Directions for a Comforting Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your comforting soup.

Step 2: Chop and Saute Veggies

Dice and add:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Saute for 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, releasing their delicious aromas.

Step 3: Sprinkle in Flavor Boosters

Stir in a blend of seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

These spices will give your soup a robust and warming taste.

Step 4: Pour in Liquid Gold

Add chicken broth to the pot, creating a rich and soothing base for the soup.

Step 5: Introduce Chicken

Gently place shredded or diced chicken into the bubbling broth, allowing it to simmer and become incredibly tender.

Step 6: Pasta Party

Drop in small pasta like orzo or small shells, which will soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture.

Step 7: Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and create a healing, comforting meal.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 9: Serve and Soothe

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Tips to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Extra Healing

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast herbs in olive oil before adding vegetables to unlock their full aromatic potential and enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Customize Protein Choices: Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a personalized protein boost that suits different dietary needs.
  • Control Sodium Wisely: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt gradually to manage the soup's saltiness, allowing you to fine-tune the seasoning to your preference.
  • Maximize Vegetable Nutrition: Chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and preserve their nutrients, creating a more balanced and wholesome soup.
  • Enhance Texture Variation: Add cooked pasta or rice directly into individual serving bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain the ideal pasta or grain consistency.

Store and Reheat This Soup with Care

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating throughout.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Pair This Soup with Something Just Right

  • Choose a crisp pinot grigio or light-bodied chardonnay that complements the soup's delicate herbal notes and vegetable richness.
  • Serve a fresh lemon wedge on the side, allowing guests to squeeze a hint of brightness into the soup for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Select a rustic Italian ciabatta or crusty sourdough bread to dip and soak up the savory broth, creating a perfect textural contrast.
  • Prepare a light rosemary-infused sparkling water or herbal tea that echoes the soup's aromatic herbs and provides a cleansing palate experience.

Flavor Variations for Italian Penicillin Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the soup's hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken broth with robust vegetable stock and replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans for protein-rich alternative that keeps the soup's comforting essence.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley and basil to create a heart-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Keto-Friendly Modification: Eliminate pasta completely, increase vegetable quantity, and add cauliflower rice or additional chicken to maintain a satisfying, low-carb nutritional profile.

FAQs for Italian Penicillin Soup

The name comes from its reputation as a healing soup that boosts immunity and helps fight off colds, similar to how antibiotics work.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken with vegetable broth and add extra protein like white beans or chickpeas.

  • Is this soup good for sick people?

Absolutely! The combination of warm broth, vegetables, and herbs provides nutrients and helps clear congestion, making it a natural remedy for illness.

  • How nutritious is this soup?

It’s packed with vitamins from vegetables, protein from chicken, and immune-boosting herbs, making it a highly nutritious and healing meal.

Why Italian Penicillin Soup Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl

  • This soup tackles cold and flu symptoms with its powerful blend of immune-boosting ingredients, acting like a delicious medical remedy straight from an Italian kitchen.
  • Chop vegetables, toss everything into one pot, and let the magic happen- no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required for this straightforward recipe.
  • Kids and adults will love the hearty, warming flavors while unknowingly consuming nutrients that support overall health and strengthen immune systems.
  • Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this soup an effortless solution for unexpected illness or chilly evenings without extra grocery shopping.

What You’ll Need for Italian Penicillin Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A classic cooking fat that adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking in the pot.
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor-packed base for the soup, known as a traditional mirepoix.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the taste of the soup.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
  • Oregano, Thyme: Herbal seasonings that provide classic Italian flavor and earthy undertones.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle spicy kick to the soup.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: A traditional Italian cheese that can be sprinkled on top for extra richness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish like parsley or basil for added freshness and visual appeal.
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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian penicillin soup warms souls with its rich, comforting blend of chicken, vegetables, and healing herbs. Nonna’s secret recipe delivers a nurturing bowl of wellness that hugs you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breast)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Parmesan rind (for extra flavor, optional)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf

Liquids, Grains, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup small pasta (orzo, ditalini, or pastina)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Drizzle olive oil into a spacious stockpot and warm it over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Tumble chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery into the pot, gently sautéing the aromatic vegetables until they become tender and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, crumbled oregano, fragrant thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the softened vegetables, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly and awaken their robust flavors.
  4. Pour rich chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to cascade over the seasoned vegetables and create a flavorful base for the soup.
  5. Introduce shredded chicken into the simmering broth, ensuring the meat is well-distributed and begins to absorb the surrounding herbal notes.
  6. Cover the pot and let the soup gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together and intensify their collective taste profile.
  7. Carefully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of comfort and flavor.

Notes

  • Toast dried herbs briefly in the oil before adding vegetables to enhance their aromatic flavors and release deeper, richer taste profiles.
  • Consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for a more robust, fresher soup with authentic Italian warmth and depth.
  • Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to save cooking time and add extra layers of flavor, making this recipe perfect for quick weeknight meals.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, ensuring the soup remains comforting and healing without overwhelming heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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