There’s something about a chilly evening, a soft blanket, and a steaming bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup that feels like a small miracle. When your body begs for warmth and your soul craves calm, this bowl delivers both. It’s rich, cozy, and full of that “someone’s taking care of me” kind of love.
Table of Contents
What Is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup, often called Sick Day Soup or Chicken Pastina Soup, is Italy’s answer to comfort. Think of it as the Italian cousin of chicken noodle soup — simple, nurturing, and healing. It gets the name “penicillin” because it’s what many families swear by when you’re under the weather. The blend of vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan makes it soothing and satisfying, every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This soup heals more than colds. It comforts tired hearts and cold feet too. The blended broth turns velvety and rich, giving it a natural thickness that hugs the spoon. Each bite carries warmth from the chicken, a hint of herbal depth, and a whisper of cheese. It’s ideal for winter days, lazy weekends, or those “I just need something gentle” moments.
Key Ingredients & Their Role
Aromatic Base (onion, carrot, celery)
This trio builds the foundation. As they soften in olive oil, their sweetness deepens, creating a golden start that defines the soup’s soul.
Parmesan Rind & Herbs for Depth
The Parmesan rind melts slowly, releasing a savory richness. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf infuse calm, herbaceous notes that make the broth taste slow-cooked even if it isn’t.
Pastina & Chicken for Heartiness
Tiny pasta like acini di pepe adds body, while shredded chicken fills the bowl with real substance. Together, they make each spoonful feel both hearty and healing.
Ingredient List
(Full measurements in the recipe card below)
Olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, Parmesan rind, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, acini di pepe or pastina, shredded chicken, parsley, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Build the Flavor Base
Warm olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook until soft and fragrant. The kitchen will start to smell like comfort in progress.
Simmer & Blend for Richness
Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, then tuck in the Parmesan rind and herbs. Let it simmer until the broth deepens in flavor. Remove the rind and herbs, then blend the veggies right in the pot for a silky finish.
Add Pasta & Chicken to Finish
Stir in pastina and shredded chicken. Let it cook gently until the pasta is tender. Finish with parsley and a bit more seasoning. Each spoonful will glow golden.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind
It’s the secret to that deep, Italian-style flavor. Even a small piece makes a big difference.
Adjusting Thickness
If you like a brothier soup, add a splash of extra stock. For thicker texture, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes more.
Pasta Swaps & Leftovers
Acini di pepe or pastina work best, but orzo or small shells will do. Leftovers may thicken overnight — just add a bit of broth when reheating.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
Calories: 301
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 19g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 1160mg
Cholesterol: 57mg
FAQs
What’s in Italian penicillin soup?
It’s made with chicken, small pasta, blended vegetables, and a Parmesan rind. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary give it flavor, while garlic and olive oil add depth.
Does Italian penicillin soup work?
While it’s not actual medicine, it feels like one. The warm broth, gentle ingredients, and protein-rich chicken truly help your body recover faster.
Why do they call it penicillin soup?
Because it’s the go-to remedy for sniffles and fatigue. Italians have long believed this comforting soup works wonders during cold or flu season.
What is the Italian soup that cures sickness?
That would be this — Italian Penicillin Soup, or Chicken Pastina Soup. It’s light, nourishing, and soothing to both body and spirit.
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe Card
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe | Ultimate Healing Comfort
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and aromatic twist on classic chicken noodle soup. This Italian Penicillin Soup blends softened vegetables into the broth, simmers with fresh herbs, and finishes with shredded chicken and a Parmesan rind for comforting depth. Perfect for sick days, cold weather, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 Parmesan cheese rind
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup acini di pepe or pastina
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken broth, Parmesan rind, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
4. Remove Parmesan rind and herb sprigs. Use an immersion blender to blend vegetables directly in the pot until smooth.
5. Stir in pastina and shredded chicken. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in parsley. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Blending vegetables into the broth creates a thicker, more comforting texture.
The Parmesan rind adds rich umami depth. Do not skip it if possible.
Acini di pepe or pastina is best, but orzo or other small pasta also works.
Leftovers will thicken as they cool. Add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
More Such Recipes
You might also love my Creamy and comforting Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, or this Hearty Cajun Potato Soup with a spicy kick.
For veggie lovers, try the Olive Garden-style Minestrone Soup packed with vegetables.
If you want something set-and-forget, make this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup for cozy days.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup isn’t just food. It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a blanket. The aroma of herbs, the comfort of chicken, the hint of Parmesan — they remind you that healing can taste beautiful. So whether you’re nursing a cold or just craving calm, let this bowl bring you home.
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