The Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe: Cozy Healing Magic

My go-to ultimate Italian penicillin soup never fails to chase away winter chills and comfort weary souls.

Generations of Italian families have perfected this magical broth packed with nutrients and love.

Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs dance together in a warming embrace.

Nonna’s secret recipe whispers healing promises with each delicate spoonful.

Immune-boosting ingredients create a nourishing symphony that soothes and restores.

Rich, golden broth carries memories of tender care and traditional wellness.

Slurp this liquid miracle and feel strength returning to your body.

What Makes Italian Penicillin Soup Special

• Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and herbs, this soup delivers powerful healing properties that naturally support your body's wellness.
• Incredibly flexible recipe allows swapping vegetables, adding different proteins, or including grains to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Warmly spiced and deeply satisfying, this soup provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, offering a delicious approach to self-care.
• Simple step-by-step preparation makes this recipe beginner-friendly, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delectable and nourishing meal without stress.

Ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup

• Whole Chicken: A tender protein that provides rich, hearty flavor and substance to the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the foundational liquid base with depth and warmth for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor profile for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add nutrition and traditional soup texture.
• Zucchini, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that enhance the soup's complexity and provide additional nutrients.

• Oregano, Thyme: Classic Italian herbs that contribute earthy and fragrant undertones to the soup.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds brightness and a pop of color to the final dish.

• Lemon: Provides a vibrant citrus note that lifts the entire soup's flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Pasta (Optional): Adds hearty substance and makes the soup more filling.

• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that can add richness and depth to the soup.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place the whole chicken in a large pot.

Add chicken broth and water to cover the meat.

Sprinkle oregano and thyme over the chicken.

Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then lower heat and let it simmer gently.

Cook for approximately one hour until chicken becomes tender.

Remove any foam that develops on the surface during cooking.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Medley

Warm olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté vegetables until they soften and become translucent.

Incorporate zucchini and tomatoes, continuing to cook for several additional minutes.

Step 3: Break Down Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.

Pull meat apart into small, bite-sized shreds.

Discard skin and bones.

Return shredded meat back into the pot with existing broth and vegetables.

Step 4: Blend Flavors

Return soup to a gentle simmer.

Allow ingredients to meld together for 10-15 minutes.

If desired, add pasta and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Step 5: Enhance with Brightness

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest into the soup.

Stir in chopped parsley.

Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Optional garnishes include additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Handy Hints for Italian Penicillin Soup

• Roast the whole chicken before simmering to intensify the soup's depth and create a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Adjust liquid ratio by adding more chicken broth or water to control the soup's concentration and desired consistency.
• Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture when serving or storing leftovers.
• Include extra immune-boosting ingredients like fresh ginger, turmeric, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to amplify the soup's traditional healing benefits.
• Chop vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and help release maximum nutrients during the simmering process.

Store and Reheat Italian Penicillin Soup Easily

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain fresh flavor.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, lasting up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure hot throughout.
• Pour soup into pot, add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly, avoiding boiling which can break down ingredients.

What Pairs with Italian Penicillin Soup

• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a light, citrusy Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's bright lemon notes and cuts through the rich chicken broth. Its refreshing acidity balances the hearty vegetable blend.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Choose a crusty sourdough or ciabatta with a robust crust for dipping. The bread's tangy flavor and chewy texture absorb the soup's savory broth, creating a perfect textural experience.
• Herbal Side Salad Accent: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and zingy dressing mirror the soup's fresh herb profile and provide a crisp counterpoint.
• Comfort Cheese Topper: Sprinkle aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino romano over the soup. These sharp, salty cheeses enhance the soup's depth and add a luxurious, creamy finish to each spoonful.

Comforting Twists on Penicillin Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make the soup celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use sodium-free chicken broth, reduce added salt, and incorporate more herbs like basil and thyme to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Anti-Inflammatory Boost: Add turmeric, ginger, and extra virgin olive oil to increase the soup's healing properties and support immune system function.

FAQs

• Is this soup really good for healing?

Yes, it contains immune-boosting ingredients like chicken, garlic, herbs, and vegetables that support overall health and can help fight off colds and boost recovery.

• Can I make this soup if I'm vegetarian?

No, this is a chicken-based soup. For a vegetarian version, you’ll need to replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead.

• How nutritious is this Italian healing soup?

This soup is packed with nutrients – lean protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables like carrots and zucchini, and antioxidants from herbs and garlic, making it a highly nutritious meal.

• What makes this different from regular chicken soup?

This version uses traditional Italian herbs like oregano and thyme, includes zucchini and tomatoes, and adds lemon zest for a brighter, more complex flavor profile compared to standard chicken soup.

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Italian penicillin soup warms hearts with its rich broth and healing ingredients. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soul-soothing recipe promises wellness in every nourishing spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds/1.4–1.8 kilograms), or 4-6 bone-in chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 lemon, for zest and juice
• 1 cup small pasta (optional, such as ditalini or orzo)

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Instructions

1. Initiate the chicken preparation by submerging the whole chicken in a large pot with chicken broth and water. Infuse with oregano and thyme, creating an aromatic base. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 45-60 minutes until the chicken reaches complete tenderness.
2. Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until vegetables become translucent and softened. Incorporate zucchini and tomatoes, continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Carefully extract the cooked chicken from the broth, allowing it to cool momentarily. Delicately shred the meat, discarding skin and bones, then return the tender pieces back into the original pot.
4. Reunite the sautéed vegetables with the chicken and broth. Restore the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize for 10-15 minutes. If utilizing pasta, introduce it during this stage and cook until achieving perfect al dente texture.
5. Elevate the soup’s brightness by adding fresh lemon juice and zest. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
6. Transfer the aromatic soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Accompany with crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by using bone-in chicken pieces for richer, deeper broth depth.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives like tofu for vegetarian versions.
• Boost nutritional value by adding additional nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach or kale during the final simmering stage.
• Optimize texture and digestion by removing chicken skin before cooking to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, lighter soup experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg