Penicillin Soup is a timeless remedy that blends nourishing ingredients with warmth and care. Rooted in Italian tradition, this revitalizing dish has long been cherished as a go-to comfort food when you’re under the weather or simply in need of something cozy and wholesome. This recipe delivers tender chicken, pasta, fresh herbs, and savory broth in every bowl. It’s lovingly referred to as “Jewish penicillin” thanks to its reputation for easing cold and flu symptoms, and it’s as easy to make as it is comforting to eat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restorative and Delicious
This soup isn’t just satisfying — it’s packed with goodness. Garlic, chicken, and herbs simmer together to create a broth that feels both indulgent and healing. The brightness from lemon and the heartiness of pasta make every spoonful nourishing and flavorful.
Simple and Comforting
Using only one pot, this meal is perfect for busy days, sick nights, or whenever you need something soothing and low-effort. It’s balanced and filling, and pairs perfectly with a slice of rustic bread for dipping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient contributes its own texture and healing qualities, combining into a soup that’s equal parts comforting and revitalizing.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – For sautéing and depth of flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds sweetness and savory base notes.
- 3 carrots, sliced – Brings natural sweetness and bright color.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped – Adds freshness and classic soup flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Offers antimicrobial benefits and bold taste.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – The rich foundation of the soup.
- 1 chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on – Supplies flavor, texture, and protein.
- 2 bay leaves – Infuses the broth with subtle herbal depth.
- 1 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini) – Adds heartiness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings warmth and earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Lends a balanced herbal undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a hint of gentle heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – For essential seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed – Adds a bright, cleansing finish.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – A refreshing touch at the end.
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional) – Offers rich, savory depth.
- Extra virgin olive oil for serving – For a smooth, aromatic drizzle.
- Crusty Italian bread – A must-have for dipping and soaking.
How to Make Penicillin Soup
This soup comes together easily with simple steps and familiar ingredients. It starts by sautéing vegetables for a flavorful base, then simmers chicken with herbs and broth to develop richness. Pasta is added at the end for heartiness, followed by a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs to brighten everything up.
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple — comforting, nourishing, and always welcome, whether you’re sick or just craving something warm and homemade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Add the chicken broth, chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate. Discard the skin and bones, shred the meat using two forks, and return the chicken to the soup.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Stir in the pasta and cook until it’s just tender, usually around 8 to 10 minutes depending on the type.
Step 6: Add Lemon and Parsley
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the hot soup into bowls. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cheese if using. Serve with thick slices of bread for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Maximize flavor by using homemade broth if you have it on hand.
- For best texture, cook pasta separately if you plan to store the soup for more than a day.
- Short on time? Chop your vegetables ahead to make prep even faster.
- To freeze, omit the pasta and add fresh-cooked pasta after reheating.
Details
Flavor: Deep, herbaceous, slightly tangy
Texture: Brothy with tender vegetables and soft chicken
Best moments: Cold days, recovery meals, or when you need a hug in a bowl
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Notes
- Vegetarian version: Use cannellini beans instead of chicken and vegetable broth.
- Gluten-free alternative: Replace pasta with cooked rice or gluten-free noodles.
- Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.
- Lower sodium tip: Choose unsalted broth and adjust seasoning with herbs and lemon.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is chicken soup often called penicillin soup?
This nickname comes from its long history as a natural cold and flu remedy. Its ingredients help hydrate, nourish, and support the immune system.
What ingredients make penicillin soup especially soothing?
The combination of garlic, chicken, lemon juice, and warm broth makes this soup especially calming and restorative.
Can penicillin soup be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, it freezes well. It’s best to leave out the pasta and add it after thawing to keep it from becoming too soft.
Is penicillin soup good for colds and flu symptoms?
Yes. The warmth, hydration, and nutrients make it ideal for soothing symptoms and supporting recovery.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, do so without pasta to preserve texture, and add fresh pasta when reheating. Warm on the stove or in the microwave until fully heated.
Print
Penicillin Soup Recipe | The Ultimate Healing Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A healing Italian Penicillin Soup made with chicken, pasta, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or when you need comfort.
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 (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 olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add broth, chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
4. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
5. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Remove bay leaves, stir in lemon juice and parsley, season to taste.
7. Serve hot with olive oil, cheese, and crusty bread.
Notes
Vegetarian option: use beans and vegetable broth.
Gluten-free: swap pasta with rice or gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-free: omit cheese or use nutritional yeast.
Lower sodium: use no-salt broth and season with herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 70
Conclusion
Penicillin Soup is the kind of dish that brings warmth to your body and comfort to your spirit. Whether you’re cooking for someone who’s sick or just need a wholesome bowl of food to unwind, this recipe delivers. It’s filled with nourishing ingredients, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try and let the simple magic of homemade soup bring joy to your table.