Name: Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487259H4M51S
Total time: PT-487259H4M51S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 zucchini, chopped (optional); 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 1/2 cups small pasta (like elbow macaroni, orzo, or ditalini); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful soup inspired by the healing qualities of a classic Italian chicken soup. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and pasta, this soup is the ultimate remedy for cold days, sore throats, or simply when you need a nourishing, soul-warming meal. It’s easy to make and full of bright, wholesome flavors, making it a perfect dish to enjoy with family or friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup is not only comforting but incredibly satisfying. The tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta are simmered together in a rich, herbed broth that’s both savory and aromatic. The addition of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs adds layers of flavor, while the warmth of the soup makes it ideal for chilly nights or when you need a little extra TLC. It’s like a big bowl of love in a pot, offering nourishment and comfort in every spoonful.

Italian Penicillin Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 1/2 cups small pasta (like elbow macaroni, orzo, or ditalini)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Shred the Chicken:

While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with the lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine.

5. Cook the Pasta:

Add the pasta to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
If the soup thickens too much, add more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. The soup should have a fresh, zesty flavor from the lemon, with savory notes from the herbs.

7. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes about 40-45 minutes to prepare and cook, including the time to simmer the chicken and cook the pasta.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a bit of heat.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Herb Variations: You can add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fresh herbaceous flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding more broth if the soup has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to freeze it before adding the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, so if using boneless chicken, consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.

Can I use a slow cooker for this soup?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add the chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked, then add the pasta and cook for another 30-40 minutes on high until the pasta is tender.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check all ingredients (like the chicken broth) for any hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin Soup is a nourishing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth makes it the ultimate comfort food. With the added brightness of lemon and the perfect balance of herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also a great way to fuel your body and spirit. Whether you’re sick, cold, or just in need of something comforting, this Italian-inspired soup will warm you up from the inside out!