Name: Italian Penicillin Soup: 15 Min Prep Healing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 parsnip, peeled and diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp white miso paste; 1 cup dry Pastina pasta, cooked; Juice of ½ lemon; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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Italian Penicillin Soup has been my go-to for years when I need a little pick-me-up or feel under the weather. It reminds me of my Nonna’s kitchen, always filled with the comforting aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a vibrant, flavorful Italian chicken soup with vegetables that warms you from the inside out. I’ve found that making this Italian chicken noodle soup for cold season really helps speed up recovery. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with fresh vegetables and herbs for a truly delicious taste.
Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, it’s weeknight friendly.
Soothing & Healing: This Italian chicken soup is the perfect remedy when you’re feeling under the weather.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a hearty meal.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting Italian chicken soup with vegetables.
Packed with Veggies: A fantastic way to get your daily dose of nutrients with this Italian chicken soup with vegetables.
Light Yet Satisfying: It’s hearty enough to be a meal but won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Versatile: Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a dose of Italian comfort soup.

Ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup

Gather these simple items for a truly restorative bowl. Creating a fantastic Italian chicken broth recipe starts with fresh ingredients. You’ll need:

1 tbsp olive oil – the base for sautéing our veggies
1 large onion, diced – for that essential aromatic sweetness
2 medium carrots, sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color
2 celery stalks, sliced – a classic soup flavor builder
1 yellow bell pepper, diced – for a hint of fruity flavor and brightness
1 parsnip, peeled and diced – adds a subtle earthy sweetness
3 garlic cloves, minced – the heart of any good Italian dish
4 sprigs fresh thyme – for its earthy, slightly minty notes
1 sprig fresh rosemary – adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth – the foundation for our Italian chicken broth recipe
1 bay leaf – infuses a subtle herbal depth
1 tsp white miso paste – my secret for an extra savory and creamy broth
1 cup dry Pastina pasta, cooked – these tiny stars are perfect for soaking up all that flavor
Juice of ½ lemon – a bright finish that cuts through the richness
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of fresh green flavor
Salt and pepper to taste – to perfectly balance everything

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

This recipe is straightforward, allowing the ingredients to shine and create that comforting, healing broth we all crave. It’s a simple process that delivers maximum flavor and restorative benefits.

Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics
Begin by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced bell pepper, and diced parsnip. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their sweet aromas. This gentle sautéing is key to building a flavorful base for our Italian chicken soup healing.
Step 2: Simmering the Broth
Next, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant. Pour in the 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, stir in the 1 tsp white miso paste until dissolved, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly restorative Italian chicken soup.
Step 3: Blending and Finishing
Now for a little magic! Carefully use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. This adds a wonderful texture and body to the soup, making it even more satisfying. Stir in the cooked pastina pasta, the bright juice of ½ lemon, and the ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this Italian chicken soup healing hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Penicillin Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make this Italian penicillin soup truly exceptional.

Don’t skip the miso paste! It adds a depth of umami that makes this vegan broth taste incredibly rich and savory, mimicking the depth of a traditional Italian chicken broth recipe.
Chop your vegetables to a similar size. This ensures they all cook evenly and create a beautiful, uniform texture in the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. The lemon juice and parsley brighten everything up, so adding salt and pepper after these are in is crucial for perfect balance.
If you can’t find pastina, orzo or even small ditalini pasta work wonderfully as substitutes for that classic chicken noodle soup Italian style feel.

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Penicillin Soup?

The real magic lies in creating a deeply flavored broth. Sautéing the vegetables properly and using fresh herbs are key. My secret weapon, though, is a touch of white miso paste and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end, which gives it that signature Italian chicken soup with lemon brightness.

Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! This Italian comfort soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently and add a splash more broth or water if it’s too thick.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Penicillin Soup?

The most common pitfall is overcooking the pasta, making it mushy. Cook your pastina separately and add it just before serving. Also, be careful not to over-blend the soup; you want some texture left, not a completely smooth puree. Finally, don’t forget that crucial squeeze of lemon at the end – it’s vital for that “penicillin” effect!

Best Ways to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup

This soul-warming soup is delicious on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple accompaniments to make it a complete meal. It truly embodies the comforting essence of a chicken noodle soup Italian style. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of toasted sourdough is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. It’s a classic pairing for any good Italian comfort soup.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Think mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a lemon-herb dressing.
Grated Parmesan: While this is a vegan soup, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or even a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top (if not strictly vegan) adds an extra layer of savory goodness.

Nutrition Facts for Italian Penicillin Soup

This Italian chicken soup is surprisingly light, making it a fantastic choice when you need something nourishing. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Italian chicken broth recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Penicillin Soup

This comforting Italian chicken soup is perfect for making ahead, and I’ve found that its restorative properties are even more pronounced when the flavors have had a chance to meld. To store your Italian chicken soup for flu season or any time you need it, make sure it cools completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this Italian chicken soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra broth if it seems too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Penicillin Soup

What makes this soup the ultimate Italian soup to cure a cold?

This Italian Penicillin Soup is designed to be incredibly soothing and packed with nutrients. The combination of garlic, ginger (optional in some variations, but great here!), fresh herbs, and lemon creates a potent, flavorful broth that helps combat cold symptoms. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, providing hydration and easily digestible vitamins to support your body when you’re feeling under the weather.

Can I add chicken to this vegan Italian Penicillin Soup?

Absolutely! If you want to make a more traditional Italian chicken soup, you can certainly add shredded cooked chicken. Simply cook some chicken breasts or thighs until tender, shred them, and add them to the pot along with the cooked pastina in Step 3. This will transform it into a classic Italian chicken noodle soup for cold season, adding extra protein and flavor.

What if I don’t have pastina? What’s a good substitute for this Italian chicken noodle soup for cold?

No pastina? No problem! You can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni. Just cook them according to package directions separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in the broth, ensuring you have a delightful chicken noodle soup Italian style experience.

Is this considered an authentic Italian chicken soup?

While this recipe is inspired by traditional Italian chicken soup and uses many classic Italian ingredients like herbs and vegetables, the addition of miso paste and the specific blend of vegetables leans into a modern, vegan interpretation. A truly authentic Italian chicken soup might include chicken bones for a richer broth and different herb combinations. However, this version captures the comforting spirit and healing properties associated with classic Italian chicken soup for flu.

Variations of Italian Penicillin Soup You Can Try

This comforting soup is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to explore beyond this base recipe, including a nod to the traditional Italian chicken soup.

Classic Italian Chicken Soup: For a non-vegan version, start by simmering bone-in chicken pieces in your broth for a richer flavor. Shred the cooked chicken and add it back into the soup along with the pastina. This is the most authentic Italian chicken soup experience.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and herbs in Step 2 for a little warmth. This can be particularly comforting when you need an Italian soup to cure a cold.
Creamy Tuscan Style: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end with the lemon juice and parsley for an even richer, more decadent Italian comfort soup.
Heartier Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or even some chopped kale or spinach in the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to boost the Italian chicken soup with vegetables factor.