Italian Penicillin Soup | Healing Chicken Soup with Pasta and Vegetables

Italian Penicillin Soup is a hearty chicken soup that blends the classic healing qualities of broth, garlic, and herbs with Italian flavors. Known as a comfort food in Italian households, this soup supports recovery during the cold season while doubling as a satisfying dinner. With tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and small pasta simmered in a flavorful broth, it is both restorative and delicious.

Why This Soup Works

• Healing qualities: Garlic, lemon, and broth provide warmth and immune-boosting benefits.
• Italian flavors: Herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil infuse depth and aroma.
• Balanced nutrition: Lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and energizing carbs in one bowl.
• Customizable: Use spinach, kale, or your favorite greens. Choose orzo, ditalini, or rice for the starch.
• Easy prep: Minimal ingredients, one pot, ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

For the finish

• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken and broth: Place chicken in the pot. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.
5. Cook pasta: Add pasta to the pot. Simmer until tender, 8–10 minutes.
6. Add greens and finish: Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Add lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: ~320
• Macros: 28g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber

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• Author: Lucy
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting chicken soup with garlic, herbs, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich broth. A healing meal perfect for cold days or when you need nourishment.

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Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast

6 cups chicken broth

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)

1 cup fresh spinach or kale

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.

2. Add chicken and pour in broth. Stir in oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked.

4. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

5. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.

6. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.

7. Finish with lemon juice, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, then serve.

Notes

Cook pasta separately if storing for meal prep to avoid sogginess.

Add ginger for extra immune support.

Freeze broth and chicken mixture up to 2 months, then add pasta and greens after reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Variations

• Low-carb: Skip pasta and add extra vegetables or cauliflower rice.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder.
• Herb boost: Fresh rosemary or sage adds depth.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and vegetable broth.
• Extra immune support: Add fresh ginger slices to the broth while simmering.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Meal prep: Cook soup without pasta. Add pasta fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Freeze broth and chicken mixture (without pasta) up to 2 months. Add fresh pasta and greens after reheating.

Serving Tips

• Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
• Pair with a light salad to balance the richness.
• Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-style finish.

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin Soup is more than a comfort dish. It combines healing ingredients with Italian tradition, creating a meal that is nourishing, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you need a restorative soup during cold season or a satisfying dinner for the family, this recipe delivers warmth and balance in every bowl.

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