Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Quick Comfort: Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe for Cozy Healing

Let me share a comforting italian penicillin soup that feels like a warm hug from your nonna.

Generations of home cooks have passed down this magical recipe through whispered kitchen secrets.

Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup promises healing in every spoonful.

Nourishing broth simmers with fragrant ingredients that chase away winter chills and soothe tired souls.

Medical folklore suggests this classic dish can help combat seasonal sniffles and boost immunity naturally.

Rich with tradition and wholesome goodness, each ingredient tells a story of comfort and care.

Italian Penicillin Soup That Heals and Comforts

  • Comfort in a Bowl: This Italian Penicillin Soup delivers pure warmth and healing with its hearty combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this nourishing meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a speedy nutritious solution.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the simple, clean flavors and robust ingredients that make this soup both satisfying and nutritious.
  • Versatile Wellness Dish: Customize the recipe by adding different herbs, swapping proteins, or including your favorite pasta to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients to Build Rich Italian Penicillin Soup

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the soup.
  • Carrots, Celery: Fresh vegetables that add nutritional value and classic soup flavor.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the essential liquid base and additional savory depth.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking foundation.
  • Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds a warm, earthy flavor to the soup.
Optional Add-In:
  • Pasta: Adds extra texture and makes the soup more filling.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and enjoying with the soup.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Chop And Prep Vegetables

Grab a cutting board and sharp knife. Dice onions into small, uniform pieces.

Mince garlic until it’s super fine. Slice carrots and celery into bite-sized chunks that will cook evenly and look beautiful in the soup.

Step 2: Sizzle And Soften Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Pour in olive oil and let it shimmer.

Toss diced onions into the pot, stirring until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and let its fragrant aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Brown The Chicken

Place chicken thighs into the pot. Let them sear and develop a golden-brown exterior on both sides.

This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for your soup.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Introduce chopped carrots and celery to the pot.

Let them dance with the chicken and aromatics for about five minutes. Their natural sweetness will start to blend with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Create Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, completely covering all ingredients. Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently.

Step 6: Enhance And Customize

Sprinkle oregano into the soup.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want extra heartiness, add pasta during the final ten minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Accompany with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your comforting Italian Penicillin Soup!

Tips for Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup Every Time

  • Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version of this hearty soup.
  • Reduce cooking time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken thighs.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of white wine or fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain texture and taste.
  • Boost nutritional value by including additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Flavorful Spins on Italian Penicillin Soup to Try

  • Vegetarian Wellness Soup: Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu or white beans for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Skip pasta or use gluten-free quinoa or rice instead of traditional wheat noodles.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and swap oregano with za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Health Adaptation: Use homemade vegetable broth, reduce salt, and incorporate more fresh herbs for enhanced taste without sodium.

Pairings That Complement Italian Penicillin Soup

  • Pair with a light, acidic Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness and complements its herbal notes.
  • Choose a crusty sourdough or Italian ciabatta with a hearty texture to soak up the savory broth and add delightful crunch.
  • Create a simple mixed green salad with fresh parsley, basil, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warm, comforting flavors.
  • Sprinkle aged Parmigiano-Reggiano on top for an extra layer of salty, umami depth that elevates the entire dish.

How to Keep Italian Penicillin Soup Fresh and Flavorful

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding pasta before freezing to prevent texture changes.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until steaming hot and evenly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but chicken thighs provide more flavor and remain juicier during cooking.

  • Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is packed with vegetables, lean protein, and nutrients that support immune health and provide comforting warmth.

  • How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply skip the pasta or use gluten-free pasta alternatives like rice or quinoa noodles to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

  • What herbs work best in this soup?

Oregano is traditional, but you can also experiment with thyme, rosemary, or fresh parsley to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken orzo soup from Italy offers comfort and healing in a single bowl. Nonna’s traditional recipe combines simple ingredients with love, promising warmth and nourishment that brings families together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • small pasta (e.g., orzo) optional

Instructions

  1. Finely chop onions, carrots, celery, and mince garlic for a flavor-packed base.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature; sauté onions until they become translucent and softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  4. Carefully place chicken thighs into the pot, searing each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
  5. Incorporate chopped carrots and celery, stirring to distribute evenly and allow vegetables to slightly soften.
  6. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is fully submerged.
  7. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle dried oregano and taste, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Optional: Add pasta during the final ten minutes of cooking for additional texture.
  10. Remove chicken thighs, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
  11. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve alongside crusty, rustic bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Customize veggies by adding zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and color variation.
  • Swap chicken thighs with rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and simplify preparation.
  • Use gluten-free pasta or skip pasta entirely for low-carb dietary needs, ensuring soup remains hearty and satisfying.
  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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