Winter is here, and nothing feels as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it has the power to heal both body and soul. Enter Italian Penicillin Soup, a nourishing, aromatic dish that’s like a hug in a bowl! Known as a twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, this Italian-inspired version, with its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and pastina, is perfect for sick days, cold nights, or when you simply need a culinary pick-me-up.
Let’s dive into this immunity-boosting soup that’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to be your new favorite comfort food.
In This Guide
Why Is It Called Italian Penicillin Soup?
The name “Italian Penicillin Soup” is a playful nod to its reputation as a remedy for colds and flu. Much like its American cousin, chicken noodle soup, this dish is packed with nourishing ingredients, herbs, and spices known for their immune-boosting properties.
The addition of pastina, tiny star-shaped pasta, makes it distinctly Italian. Pair that with a Parmesan rind simmered in the broth, and you’ve got a soup that’s both comforting and elevated in flavor. As highlighted by the health benefits of chicken soup, its soothing warmth and nutrients make it a winter must-have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of wholesome ingredients that make this soup both delicious and nutritious:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 whole chicken (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or homemade stock
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
For the Italian Touch:
- 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta stars)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
Step 1: Start with the Base
In a large pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add your chopped vegetables and a pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavors.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables simmer gently for about 25 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the vegetables are cooking, boil your pastina or a small pasta of your choice in a separate pot. To prevent sticking, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pasta and toss lightly.
Step 4: Blend the Vegetables
Once the vegetables are tender, use a slotted spoon to transfer them into a blender along with about 2 cups of the broth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending it into a thick, smooth puree.
Step 5: Combine and Stir
Pour the blended vegetable puree back into the pot with the remaining broth. Stir well to create a creamy, unified soup base.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place a portion of cooked pastina into a bowl and ladle the hot soup over the top. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
The Healing Power of Soup: Why It Works
Soup has been a go-to remedy across cultures for centuries, and for good reason. The warm broth helps to soothe a sore throat, clear nasal congestion, and keep you hydrated. Ingredients like garlic, rich in allicin, and chicken, loaded with zinc and protein, provide a natural boost to the immune system. The steam from a hot bowl of soup can also act as a natural decongestant, making it easier to breathe when you’re feeling under the weather. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme not only enhances the flavor but also introduces antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to the mix. No wonder Italian Penicillin Soup is hailed as a comforting cure-all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Immunity-Boosting Ingredients: With its nutrient-packed broth, garlic, and herbs, this soup is a go-to when you’re feeling under the weather. Learn more about top immune-boosting foods to fight colds.
- Perfect for Sick Days: Easy to digest yet filling, this soup is gentle on your stomach while providing much-needed nourishment.
- Versatile and Customizable: Swap the chicken for plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: The addition of the Parmesan rind elevates this dish, giving it a rich, umami flavor that’s hard to resist.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Italian Penicillin Soup
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind: This small addition packs a big punch of flavor! If you don’t have one, add a generous amount of grated Parmesan instead.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Italian Penicillin Soup with these complementary dishes:
- How to prepare the perfect chicken wrap for a wholesome meal: A light and flavorful wrap that perfectly complements the hearty richness of the soup.
- What pairs well with salmon patties for a balanced meal: Discover side dishes that bring freshness and variety to your meal.
- Arroz con Pollo: Puerto Rican chicken and rice recipe: A hearty and satisfying dish that pairs well with the cozy warmth of the soup.
FAQs About Italian Penicillin Soup
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. A plant-based version of this soup is equally comforting and nutritious.
What Can I Use Instead of Pastina?
If you can’t find pastina, any small pasta like orzo or ditalini works well. For a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa.
How Long Does This Soup Last?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
A Final Note: A Bowl of Comfort, Anytime
Whether you’re battling the winter blues, fighting off a cold, or simply craving something warm and delicious, Italian Penicillin Soup is the answer. Packed with wholesome ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a touch of love, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a little Italian warmth to your table tonight! Buon appetito!
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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comforting Winter Remedy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 portions 1x
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cold winter days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This flavorful soup combines tender chicken, pastina pasta, and nutrient-packed vegetables in a rich broth infused with herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s the ultimate remedy for colds, offering both nourishment and warmth.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 whole chicken (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or homemade stock
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
For the Italian Touch:
- 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta stars)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Start with the Base: In a large pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add your chopped vegetables and a pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavors.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables simmer gently for about 25 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the vegetables are cooking, boil the pastina in a separate pot. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Vegetables: Transfer the softened vegetables to a blender along with 2 cups of the broth. Let the mixture cool slightly before blending into a smooth puree.
- Combine and Stir: Pour the blended vegetable puree back into the pot with the remaining broth. Stir to create a creamy and unified soup base.
- Serve: Add a portion of cooked pastina to a bowl and ladle the hot soup over the top. Garnish with black pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Make Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian penicillin soup