Easy Italian Penicillin Soup | Healing & Delicious Comfort

It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug when you need it most. Maybe it’s the chill of a gray evening or that scratch in your throat. Either way, this Easy Italian Penicillin Soup recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a little healing to the table, just the way a good pot of soup should.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Penicillin Soup

This isn’t your average chicken soup. The Italian twist fragrant oregano, fresh lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil turns it into something deeply comforting yet bright. It’s herby, restorative, and perfect when the weather cools or when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, it’s a simple, one-pot meal that fills your home with a cozy aroma.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The Healing Base

It starts with olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Together, they build a fragrant base that sets the tone for everything that follows. Use a good-quality chicken broth homemade or low-sodium store-bought. The broth carries the flavor, so choose wisely. Add a bone-in chicken breast for that rich, slow-simmered taste that defines great soup.

Flavor Builders

Oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes bring warmth and depth. The final splash of lemon juice cuts through with brightness, while fresh parsley adds a clean finish. That last step stirring in lemon and herbs makes the soup sing.

Finishing Touches and Variations

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano if you like. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast. Gluten-free? Swap pasta for rice or quinoa. Vegetarians can use white beans and vegetable broth instead. Crusty Italian bread on the side makes it a complete meal.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Italian Penicillin Soup

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir often until they soften, about 5–7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant just 30 seconds or so.

Step 2 – Add Broth, Chicken, and Herbs

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and drop in the bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Step 3 – Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Return the chicken to the pot, stirring it into the fragrant broth.

Step 4 – Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Stir in your small pasta ditalini, orzo, or small shells work beautifully. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy.

Step 5 – Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. For another creamy comfort dish, check out my creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Timing and Yield Details

This soup takes just about an hour 15 minutes to prep and 45 to cook. It makes enough for six generous servings. It’s perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or make-ahead meal prep since the flavor deepens overnight.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Each serving delivers around 280–320 calories with 25–28 grams of protein. You’ll also get a solid dose of vitamins from the carrots, garlic, and parsley. The olive oil adds healthy fats, while lemon gives it a vitamin C boost. It’s hearty yet light, exactly what you need when your body craves something nourishing.

Recipe Notes and Pro Tips

Add the pasta late to avoid soggy noodles. Remove chicken once it shreds easily it keeps the meat tender. Always adjust salt and lemon juice at the end to balance flavors. Use the best broth you can find, as it defines the entire soup. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, but dried ones work too—use about one-third the amount. To thicken, mash some veggies or whisk in a cornstarch slurry. For a traditional Italian twist, stir in a beaten egg for a stracciatella effect.

Healthy and Dietary Variations

To keep it gluten-free, replace pasta with rice or quinoa.
For a vegetarian take, use white beans and vegetable broth.
Skip cheese or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Use reduced-salt broth if watching sodium.
You can also add spinach, kale, zucchini, or even green beans for extra nutrition and color.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

This soup shines with simple sides. Try a warm slice of crusty Italian bread or buttery garlic bread. A crisp arugula salad balances the warmth of the broth beautifully. Drizzle extra olive oil on top and sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano before serving. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, recovery days, or gathering family around the table. You might also enjoy my lemon chicken gnocchi recipe for another comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the chicken it’ll turn dry. Avoid adding pasta too early; it will soak up all the broth. Never skip the lemon juice it brightens everything. Undersalting the broth leaves it flat, while poor-quality stock makes it bland. Treat these steps like small acts of care; they make all the difference.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days the flavor gets even better overnight. To freeze, skip the pasta and add it fresh when reheating. The soup freezes well for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to refresh the texture. For meal prep, cook everything except the pasta, and stir in freshly boiled pasta when ready to serve.

More Such Recipes

• mushroom chicken soup recipe
• marry me chicken soup recipe
• crock pot chicken pot pie
• crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe
• oven baked chicken thighs

Conclusion

Easy Italian Penicillin Soup isn’t just a meal it’s comfort in a bowl. It heals, warms, and satisfies in the most familiar way. Whether you make it for someone who’s under the weather or just craving something soothing, this soup brings a touch of Italian sunshine to your kitchen. For more cozy inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

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