A warm bowl of Penicillin Soup Recipe is the definition of homemade comfort. Inspired by traditional Italian cooking, this nourishing soup features juicy shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and small pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. It is an excellent choice for cool evenings, family dinners, or whenever you want a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe creates a rich, comforting soup that is simple enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to become a family favorite.
At Richy Bites, Alessia believes that the best recipes are made with care and shared with the people you love. This Penicillin Soup Recipe embraces that idea by transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to every table.
Why You’ll Love This Penicillin Soup Recipe
This Penicillin Soup Recipe is a classic comfort food that combines fresh ingredients with rich homemade flavor. It is filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing.
- Full of tender chicken and colorful vegetables.
- Made with basic ingredients you likely already have.
- Great for meal prep and family gatherings.
- Bright, fresh flavor from herbs and lemon juice.
- Ready to enjoy in about one hour.
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Method | Simmer |
Ingredients You’ll Need
Collect all the ingredients before starting to make cooking easier.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Medium carrots, sliced | 3 |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 3 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken breast | 1 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Small pasta, such as ditalini, orzo, or small shells | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes, optional | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano | Optional |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For serving |
| Crusty Italian bread | For serving |
How to Make Penicillin Soup Recipe
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery until they become soft and fragrant, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breast, herbs, and bay leaves. Let the soup simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Add the pasta and cook until tender. Finish the soup with fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving for a bright, balanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Mix in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot.
- Add the chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it into small pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a drizzle of olive oil, and crusty bread if desired.
Helpful Tips for the Best Penicillin Soup Recipe
Using bone-in chicken creates a deeper and more flavorful broth.
Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue to soften as it sits in the soup.
Fresh lemon juice should always be added at the end to keep its bright flavor.
Fresh parsley adds both color and freshness, making the finished soup even more appealing.
If you enjoy a thicker consistency, slightly reduce the amount of broth or increase the quantity of pasta.
Recipe Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, savory, and fresh |
| Texture | Tender chicken, soft vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta |
| Occasion | Weeknight dinners, cozy evenings, comforting homemade meals |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Notes and Variations
This recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to different dietary preferences.
- Replace the chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice instead of regular pasta if needed.
- Leave out the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
- Select a low-sodium broth to better control the salt level.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Penicillin Soup called “Penicillin Soup”?
This soup earned its nickname because homemade chicken soup has long been associated with comfort and care. Although it is not a medical treatment, many people enjoy it as a soothing meal when they need something warm and nourishing.
What ingredients are in a classic Penicillin Soup Recipe?
A traditional version includes chicken broth, chicken, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, small pasta, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and optional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Can you make Penicillin Soup ahead of time?
Yes. The soup can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for several days. To keep the pasta from becoming too soft, many people prefer cooking it separately and adding it just before serving.
How do you store and reheat Penicillin Soup?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Storage Instructions
After the soup has cooled, transfer it to sealed containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for as long as three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup has thickened, stir in a little additional broth until it reaches your preferred texture.
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe | The Ultimate Healing Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting Italian-inspired Penicillin Soup Recipe made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, small pasta, herbs, lemon juice, and rich chicken broth.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on
2 bay leaves
1 cup small pasta, such as 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 fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, optional
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Crusty Italian bread for serving
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Add the chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken cooks through.
7. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
9. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
10. Remove the bay leaves.
11. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
12. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
13. Serve hot with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil, and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use nutritional yeast.
For a lower-sodium version, choose no-salt-added broth and adjust the seasoning.
For meal prep, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Conclusion
This Penicillin Soup Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta, every bowl delivers warmth and comfort. It is an ideal recipe for family dinners, meal preparation, or any day when you crave a homemade classic. Prepare a batch, customize it with your favorite variations, and enjoy a comforting soup that is sure to become a regular part of your kitchen.