Description
A comforting, herby Italian chicken soup made with olive oil, lemon, and small pasta — known as Italian Penicillin for its cozy, healing power.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced (1 cup)
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 lb)
2 bay leaves
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (optional garnish)
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Crusty Italian bread for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and sauté briefly without browning.
3. Add broth, chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken and let it cool. Discard skin and bones, shred the meat, and return to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Bring soup back to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente.
8. Remove bay leaves, then stir in lemon juice and parsley.
9. Adjust seasoning before serving. Drizzle with olive oil and top with cheese, if desired.
Notes
Add pasta late to prevent mushiness.
Remove chicken once it shreds easily.
Adjust salt and lemon juice at the end.
Use high-quality broth for best results.
Dried herbs can replace fresh; use one-third the amount.
To thicken, mash some vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry.
Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg