Italian Penicillin Soup

by

A cozy, healing chicken soup with Italian flair

When you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm hug in a bowl, this Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Inspired by traditional chicken soup but with a Tuscan-style twist, it combines tender chicken, garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and a hint of Parmesan for a deeply nourishing flavor. The light yet hearty broth feels restorative, while the vegetables and pasta make it filling enough for a meal. This is the kind of recipe that warms you up, soothes your soul, and makes everything feel just a little bit better. Simple, wholesome, and perfect for chilly days or healing moments.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients List

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle
  • Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic & herbs: Stir in garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 🧄
  3. Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Cook pasta: Stir in pasta and cook until just tender (about 8–10 minutes). 🍝
  5. Add chicken & lemon: Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 5 minutes more.
  6. Finish with Parmesan & parsley: Stir in Parmesan until melted, then garnish with parsley.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort.

Pro Tips

  • Boost the Healing Power: Add extra garlic, ginger, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Make Ahead: Soup keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days; pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze without pasta, then add fresh pasta when reheating.
  • Serving Idea: Top with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an Italian grandma’s touch. 🇮🇹

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl29022g28g9g4g6g