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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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