Italian Penicillin Soup

Charlotte

A nourishing and cozy Italian Penicillin Soup made with olive oil, garlic, tender chicken, and small pasta simmered in a lemony broth. Perfect for cold days or whenever you need a comforting, healing meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings Servings

Calories 278 kcal

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
8 cups chicken broth homemade or low-sodium
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup small pasta orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe
1 parmesan rind optional, adds flavor
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Spinach or kale for added greens
Shaved parmesan cheese for topping
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for finishing

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Broth and Chicken:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and parmesan rind (if using).

Cook the Pasta:

Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes. The pasta will absorb some of the broth and add body to the soup.

Season and Finish:

Remove the parmesan rind, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, shaved parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta — it should stay tender, not mushy.
Add the lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with cannellini beans and use vegetable broth.
Freeze leftovers without pasta to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 23gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1.5mg

Keyword Italian Penicillin Soup

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