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