When the sniffles start and a chill sets in, many of us instinctively reach for a comforting bowl of chicken soup. For generations, this simple meal has been a go-to remedy for whatever ails us. But what if you could elevate that classic comfort into something even more flavorful and soul-soothing? Enter the magnificent Italian Penicillin Soup, a robust and aromatic version of the classic that is packed with herbs, wholesome vegetables, and tender pasta. Consequently, it’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, healing hug in a bowl.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this incredible dish. First, we will explore what makes this soup so special. Then, we will break down the powerful ingredients that give it its comforting reputation. Finally, we provide a detailed, step-by-step recipe to help you create the perfect pot of Italian Penicillin Soup right in your own kitchen. As a result, you’ll be ready to fight off any seasonal cold with the most delicious remedy you’ve ever tasted.
What Exactly Is Italian Penicillin Soup?
The name “Italian Penicillin Soup” is a loving nod to the traditional Jewish chicken soup, often nicknamed “Jewish Penicillin” for its legendary cold-fighting properties. This Italian-American variation takes that same core concept—a nourishing chicken and vegetable broth—and infuses it with the signature flavors of Italy. Therefore, it delivers both comfort and an incredible depth of flavor that sets it apart.
The primary difference lies in the seasoning. While a traditional chicken noodle soup might rely on simple salt, pepper, and dill, this version uses a robust blend of Italian herbs. For example, ingredients like oregano, rosemary, and basil create a fragrant, earthy aroma that instantly makes you feel better. Furthermore, instead of wide egg noodles, this soup typically features a small pasta shape like pastina, acini di pepe, or orzo. These tiny pastas cook quickly and add a delightful texture without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Of course, it’s important to remember that no soup is a literal antibiotic. However, the benefits of a warm, hydrating broth filled with nutrient-dense ingredients are well-documented. According to the Mayo Clinic, warm liquids like chicken soup can be soothing and help loosen congestion. In addition, this Italian Penicillin Soup provides essential hydration, protein, and vitamins that support your body’s natural healing processes, making it a powerful and delicious ally when you’re feeling under the weather.
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Italian Penicillin Soup: The 9 Ultimate Ingredients for a Healing Broth
A deeply comforting Italian-style chicken soup packed with herbs, veggies, and pasta—perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4–6 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups (64 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup small pasta, such as pastina, orzo, or acini di pepe
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add chicken, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove chicken and set aside to cool. Discard bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Shred chicken, discarding skin and bones, and return to pot.
6. Bring soup to a gentle boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, about 7-10 minutes.
7. Turn off heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For best results, cook pasta separately if making soup ahead or planning leftovers to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use high-quality or homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon at the end brighten the entire dish.
Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
The Healing Power of Key Ingredients To Make Italian Penicillin Soup
The magic of Italian Penicillin Soup comes from the sum of its parts. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only for its flavor but also for its comforting and nourishing qualities. As a result, every spoonful is packed with goodness that helps you feel your best. Let’s explore the key components that make this soup a true powerhouse.
Rich Chicken Broth
The foundation of any great soup is its broth. A slow-simmered chicken broth is deeply hydrating, which is crucial when your body is fighting off an illness. As WebMD explains, staying properly hydrated helps your body function optimally. Furthermore, if you make the broth with bone-in chicken, it becomes rich in collagen and gelatin, which are believed to support gut health and joint function. The warm liquid also helps soothe a sore throat, providing immediate relief and comfort.
Tender Shredded Chicken
Chicken is more than just a flavor-enhancer; it is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is vital for the body’s repair processes and for maintaining a strong immune system. Consequently, including a generous amount of tender, shredded chicken in your soup gives your body the building blocks it needs to recover more effectively. It also makes the soup more substantial and satisfying, turning it from a simple broth into a complete meal.
Aromatic Vegetables (Mirepoix)
The classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery—known as mirepoix—forms the aromatic base of this soup. These vegetables do more than just add flavor; they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots, for instance, are rich in Vitamin A, while celery provides antioxidants. Onions and their close cousin, garlic, are particularly noteworthy. According to Healthline, garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, which makes it an indispensable ingredient in any “get-well” soup.
Italian Herbs and Seasonings
This is where the Italian Penicillin Soup truly shines. The addition of herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme elevates the dish with complex, earthy flavors. These herbs are also celebrated for their health benefits. For example, oregano is known to be rich in antioxidants, while rosemary has traditionally been used to support overall wellness. Adding fresh parsley at the end not only brightens the flavor but also provides a boost of Vitamin C.
Comforting Pasta
Finally, the pasta provides easily digestible carbohydrates, which your body can quickly convert into energy. When you are feeling weak or fatigued from being sick, this energy boost can be incredibly helpful. Using a small pasta shape like pastina or orzo ensures that you get a little bit of comforting carbohydrate in every single bite without making the soup feel heavy or dense.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup
Before you begin cooking, it’s always a good idea to gather and prepare all of your ingredients. This practice, known in the culinary world as “mise en place,” ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process. For this restorative soup, you will need the following:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (64 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup small pasta, such as pastina, orzo, or acini di pepe
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Italian Penicillin Soup
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to create your pot of Italian Penicillin Soup. This recipe is straightforward and designed for maximum flavor and comfort. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onion is translucent. Following this, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then, add the chicken pieces, bay leaves, dried oregano, and the sprig of fresh rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it on a cutting board to cool slightly. At the same time, remove and discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Now, bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the small pasta. Cook according to the package directions, which is typically around 7-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice is a crucial final touch, as it brightens up all the flavors in the soup. Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For another comforting meal, you might also enjoy this recipe for Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese.
Tips for the Best Soup Every Time
While this recipe is quite simple, a few expert tips can take your Italian Penicillin Soup from great to absolutely unforgettable. Keep these suggestions in mind to ensure a perfect batch every single time.
Use a Quality Broth
The broth is the soul of the soup, so using a high-quality one is essential. While homemade chicken stock is always the best option, a good-quality, low-sodium store-bought broth will also work beautifully. Look for brands that list chicken as one of the first ingredients for the richest flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Pasta, especially small shapes, can become mushy if left to sit in hot broth for too long. For the best texture, especially if you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. Then, you can add a scoop of cooked pasta to each individual bowl before ladling the hot soup over it. This ensures the pasta remains perfectly al dente.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
While dried herbs provide a great flavor base, finishing the soup with fresh herbs adds a vibrant, fresh taste that cannot be replicated. The fresh parsley and the juice from a real lemon at the end are non-negotiable for the brightest, most delicious Italian Penicillin Soup. If you’re a fan of comforting side dishes that pair well with savory meals, these Southern Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a must-try.
The Finishing Touches
Do not skip the squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end. It cuts through the richness of the broth and makes all the other flavors pop. Similarly, serving the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty, nutty, and savory element that takes this comforting dish to the next level of deliciousness.
Conclusion About Italian Penicillin Soup
In conclusion, Italian Penicillin Soup is far more than just a simple meal; it is a powerful bowl of comfort, nourishment, and incredible flavor. By combining a rich, savory chicken broth with tender vegetables, protein-packed chicken, and aromatic Italian herbs, this soup provides everything your body needs to feel better. It is the perfect remedy for a cold day, a nagging cough, or simply whenever you need a little extra warmth and care. Therefore, the next time you feel under the weather, skip the takeout and simmer a pot of this amazing soup instead. This recipe for Italian Penicillin Soup will surely become a beloved staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Penicillin Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup is perfect for making ahead. However, for the best results, you should prepare the soup base without the pasta. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop and cook the pasta separately to add to each bowl.
What other types of pasta can I use?
While pastina and orzo are classic choices, you can use any small pasta shape you have on hand. For example, ditalini, stelline (small stars), or even broken spaghetti pieces work wonderfully in this soup. The goal is to have a pasta that is small enough to fit on a spoon with the other ingredients.
Is this Italian Penicillin Soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Again, it is best to freeze it without the pasta, as pasta can become very soft and break down upon reheating. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
Certainly. To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. In place of the chicken, you can add a can of cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein and extra fiber. You might also want to add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to make it even more hearty and nutritious.
