Sitting on my grandma’s worn floral sofa, I can still smell the comforting aroma of her famous Italian Penicillin Soup wafting in from the kitchen. It was a ritual we shared every time I visited – the sound of the broth simmering, the sizzle of the garlic, and the soothing rhythm of her wooden spoon stirring the pot. That soup had a magical way of curing whatever ailed me, whether it was a nasty cold or a broken heart.
Even now, as an adult, whenever I’m feeling under the weather, I crave that familiar taste of Italian Penicillin Soup. There’s just something about the rich, savory broth, the tender chicken, and the hearty vegetables that warms me from the inside out. It’s like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. And let me tell you, this recipe is the real deal – it’s the closest I’ve ever come to recreating my grandma’s legendary Italian Penicillin Soup.
Why This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
What sets this Italian Penicillin Soup recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and the attention to detail in the cooking process. Unlike some soups that can be one-note or watery, this one is rich, hearty, and absolutely bursting with taste. The secret lies in the slow-simmered broth, which extracts maximum flavor from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs. And the addition of a few unexpected ingredients, like lemon juice and Parmesan, takes the overall dish to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Italian Penicillin Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tender, flavorful meat.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for a classic mirepoix base.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves to infuse the broth with fragrance.
- Broth: A high-quality chicken or vegetable broth to create the perfect soup consistency.
- Pasta: Small, bite-sized pasta like ditalini or orzo to add heartiness.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory, umami note.
Step-by-Step Italian Penicillin Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Italian Penicillin Soup
This Italian Penicillin Soup recipe is a labor of love, but I promise it’s worth every minute. The total cooking time is about an hour and a half, but most of that is hands-off simmering time. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring it all together.
1- Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil until they’re softened and fragrant.
2- Add the chicken, herbs, and broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4- Add the pasta to the simmering broth and cook until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5- Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
6- Ladle the Italian Penicillin Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Italian Penicillin Soup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for even more flavor in the broth.
- Sauté the vegetables until they’re well-caramelized for a deeper, richer taste.
- Simmer the soup for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to have a nice bite to it.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice, Parmesan, or salt and pepper.
Serving and Storing Your Italian Penicillin Soup
Perfect Pairings for Italian Penicillin Soup
This Italian Penicillin Soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad or some crusty bread would be the perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget a glass of red wine – the robust flavors of the soup really shine when complemented by a bold, Italian varietal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Italian Penicillin Soup is the kind of dish that actually gets better the next day. The flavors have time to meld and intensify, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Italian Penicillin Soup
Creative Italian Penicillin Soup Variations
While this classic Italian Penicillin Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the chicken for turkey or shrimp for a different protein. Add in extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or kale. Or experiment with different pasta shapes and sizes. For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a bed of cooked farro or brown rice.
Making Italian Penicillin Soup Diet-Friendly
For those following a specific dietary plan, Italian Penicillin Soup can easily be adapted. Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether for a low-carb version. Swap the chicken broth for a vegetable-based broth to make it vegan. And you can always adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. The thighs tend to be a bit more flavorful and tender, but breasts will still make a delicious Italian Penicillin Soup.
Q: How long does the soup need to simmer?
A: I recommend simmering the soup for at least 45 minutes, but up to an hour for the best flavor. This allows the broth to fully develop and the chicken to become super tender.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Italian Penicillin Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields about 6-8 servings of Italian Penicillin Soup, depending on portion sizes. It’s a hearty, comforting soup, so a generous bowl makes for a filling meal.
Q: What should I do if the soup is too thick?
A: If your Italian Penicillin Soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed.
Authentic Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6
Description
Warm, nourishing, and bursting with classic Italian flavors, this Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a soothing and satisfying dish perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 2 cups small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
– Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
2. – Add the garlic, oregano, and basil, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. – Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Serve the Italian Penicillin Soup hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
– For a heartier soup, add in some cooked beans or lentils.
– Customize the vegetables to your liking – try adding spinach, kale, or zucchini.
– Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
There’s a reason why Italian Penicillin Soup has been a family favorite for generations – it’s the ultimate in comfort and care, with a depth of flavor that will warm you from the inside out. This recipe captures all of that nostalgic goodness, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving a cozy, nourishing meal, this Italian Penicillin Soup will become your new go-to. So ladle up a bowl, grab a crusty piece of bread, and let the healing begin!