Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
If comfort in a bowl had a name, it would surely be the Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. This soul-warming dish combines tender chicken, lively vegetables, fresh greens, and a sprightly drizzle of lemon, all hugged by a silky chicken broth. Imagine spoonfuls of cozy nostalgia, packed with flavors that are both familiar and a little bit magical. Whether you’re looking to soothe a cold, chase away a rainy day, or gather friends and family around the table, this Italian-inspired classic always delivers pure, healing delight in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component adds something essential: heartiness, richness, vivid color, or that unmistakable Italian zing. Gather these pantry staples and you’ll be simmering up comfort in no time!
- Olive oil: Use a good extra virgin oil for a rich, fruity base flavor that elevates the aromatics and brings it all together.
- Onion: Diced onion lays a sweet, mellow foundation that permeates every spoonful.
- Garlic: Minced garlic offers subtle warmth and earthy depth—the beginning of all great soups.
- Carrots: Bright orange coins provide natural sweetness and cheery color.
- Celery: Sliced celery brings a herbal crunch and amplifies the broth’s savoriness.
- Chicken broth: The heart and soul of the soup—use homemade if you can for extra richness.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken gives protein and body to every bite.
- Dried oregano: This classic Italian herb creates an unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
- Dried thyme: A touch softens and rounds out the herbal profile with woodsy undertones.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all those layered flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth—crack it fresh for best results!
- Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): The tiny shapes soak up broth and nestle beautifully on your spoon—choose your favorite.
- Fresh spinach or kale: Chopped greens melt into the soup for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice: Just-squeezed lemon brightens everything and adds classic Italian spark.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The ultimate finish—umami-rich, salty, and melting perfectly atop hot soup.
- Fresh parsley: A shower of chopped green for freshness and a burst of color before serving.
How to Make Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and let them mingle for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often. You’re looking for the veggies to soften and release their sweet, savory bouquet—this is the aroma that says “comfort food is coming.”
Step 2: Add Broth, Chicken, and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth, then add in your shredded chicken, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. The herbs will infuse their fragrance, while the chicken plumps up with broth. Stir well, bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors have a chance to get acquainted.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Now stir in the small pasta—ditalini or orzo work especially well here. Let it cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. The pasta absorbs that glorious broth, making each spoonful taste like childhood and comfort all at once.
Step 4: Add the Greens
Tumble in the fresh spinach or kale and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they wilt into silky ribbons. This little burst of green adds both nutrients and a beautiful pop of color to your Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parmesan
Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan. The lemon adds a dazzling brightness that lifts the whole soup, while the Parmesan melts gently to create a luxurious final touch. Ladle into bowls and get ready for the moment everyone’s been waiting for!
How to Serve Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Give your soup a finishing flourish with a scattering of chopped fresh parsley, another dusting of Parmesan, or even a swirl of extra virgin olive oil. A wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone tailor the brightness to their own perfect taste—the simplest details make every bowl unique!
Side Dishes
Paired with crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad, the Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe shines as a hearty lunch or light dinner. For heartier appetites, try it as a starter before a plate of risotto or roast chicken—it plays well with so many Italian favorites!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style vibe, serve your soup in a big soup tureen at the center of the table. Or pour it into mini bowls or mugs for a cozy appetizer at parties. Don’t forget to set out all the toppings—Parmesan, lemon, parsley—so everyone can dress up their bowl just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in airtight containers, and if the pasta soaks up extra broth, just add a splash more when reheating to loosen everything up.
Freezing
This soup is a freezer hero! Freeze without the pasta to avoid mushiness—simply stir in freshly cooked pasta when you reheat. Portion the soup into resealable freezer bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. It’s the best kind of “just add water and pasta” meal waiting for you in your freezer!
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot and steaming, or microwave individual portions. Add a big squeeze of lemon and an extra sprinkle of cheese to brighten up the flavors before serving. If needed, adjust the broth and seasonings to taste.
FAQs
Can I make the Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe with turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey is an excellent substitute, especially around the holidays. Use leftover cooked turkey in place of chicken for a twist that tastes just as comforting, with a slightly richer flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just substitute your favorite small gluten-free pasta or even rice for the ditalini or orzo. Everything else in the Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free—no adjustments needed.
What veggies can I swap in if I don’t have carrots or celery?
Don’t worry—this soup is super flexible. Try adding diced zucchini, parsnips, or even fennel bulb for a fresh twist. Just aim for similar-size pieces so everything cooks evenly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and swap in a can of drained white beans or some hearty mushrooms in place of chicken. The soup keeps its cozy and nourishing essence, packed with robust Italian flavor.
Can I add more heat or different spices?
Certainly! If you love a bit of a kick, toss in crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs, or experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. This recipe welcomes little tweaks—make it truly yours.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want in your back pocket for every season: bright, restorative, deliciously easy, and universally loved. The Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe proves that the simplest ingredients, cooked with a bit of love and Italian flair, can bring comfort to any table. Scoop up a bowl, share it with someone you care about, and let the healing begin!
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Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm your soul with this comforting Italian Penicillin Soup recipe. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal to lift your spirits.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Pasta and Greens: Stir in pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Add spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
- You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat or extra lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- This soup freezes well without the pasta—add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
