Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, nourishing Italian-inspired chicken or vegetable noodle soup made with aromatics, broth, pasta, and herbs — the perfect pick-me-up when you need warmth and coziness.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or pastina)
1–2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fresh lemon juice, to taste (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add small pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
5. Stir in cooked chicken if using. Simmer until heated through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes with aromatics for a spicy version.
Stir in spinach or kale during the last minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
Make vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting chicken; add white beans for protein.
For a creamy twist, swirl in heavy cream or mascarpone before serving.
Experiment with different small pasta shapes or extra vegetables like mushrooms or peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: italian penicillin soup, chicken soup, pastina soup, comfort food, flu remedy, healing soup