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.
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)
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