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Italian Penicillin Soup

Comforting Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul

Enjoy this nourishing Italian Penicillin Soup, a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, ideal for chilly nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian, Jewish
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Can use shallots for milder taste.
  • 2 medium Carrots Substitute with parsnips for unique sweetness.
  • 2 stalks Celery Fennel works for a slightly different flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Always opt for fresh garlic for best impact.
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Chicken thighs can be used for richer taste.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Essential for flavor profile—no substitutions!
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Dried herbs can replace fresh at 1/3 amount.
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme Dried herbs can replace fresh at 1/3 amount.
  • 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes Use black pepper for a milder flavor if preferred.
For Heartiness
  • 1 cup Pasta For gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice It's crucial for flavor.
  • ¼ cup Parsley Fresh is preferable, but dried can be used.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent.
  2. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic fragrance.
  3. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and gently place 1 pound of chicken breast into the pot. Add in 2 dried bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 tablespoon of thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breast from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot.
  5. Bring the soup back to a boil and add in 1 cup of your choice of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaves and stir in the juice of 1 lemon along with ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store your Italian Penicillin Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. Add cooked pasta after reheating to maintain texture.

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