Name: Italian Penicillin Soup: 1 Hug in a Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 cup Onion, Diced; 2 cups Carrots, Diced; 2 cups Celery, Diced; 3 cloves Garlic, Minced; 6 cups Chicken Broth; 1 pound Chicken Breast; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes; 1 cup Pasta; 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped

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Italian Penicillin Soup has been my go-to remedy for everything from a sniffle to a rough day ever since my Nonna first ladled me a bowl. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with tender chicken, bright vegetables, and a soul-soothing broth that just *feels* good. I remember being a kid, feeling under the weather, and the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen, promising comfort. This easy Italian chicken soup for a sore throat always did the trick, making me feel better before I even took my first bite. It’s truly the best Italian penicillin soup for warming you up from the inside out. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup

This isn’t just soup; it’s a comforting experience. You’ll adore this recipe because it’s:

Incredibly restorative, making it the perfect Italian chicken soup for cold symptoms.
Wonderfully easy to prepare, proving that homemade Italian penicillin soup doesn’t need to be complicated.
Packed with fresh, aromatic herbs and vegetables for a vibrant flavor.
A truly heartwarming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Versatile enough to be customized to your personal taste.
Quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for guests.
Guaranteed to become your new favorite Chicken soup for the soul Italian style.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Penicillin Soup

Gather these simple ingredients to create the best Italian chicken soup for a sore throat. This is what makes our Italian penicillin soup recipe so special:

2 tablespoons olive oil – We start with good quality olive oil for sautéing, which is a staple in Italian cooking.
1 cup onion, diced – This forms the aromatic base of our soup.
2 cups carrots, diced – Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, plus essential vitamins.
2 cups celery, diced – Provides a subtle savory note and a lovely texture.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is key for that classic Italian flavor and its health benefits, truly making this a restorative broth.
6 cups chicken broth – Use a good quality broth for the most flavorful base for your Italian chicken soup with lemon and garlic.
1 pound chicken breast – This makes our soup hearty and protein-rich.
2 bay leaves – These impart a subtle, fragrant depth to the broth.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic herb in Italian cuisine, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the oregano beautifully and enhances the overall aroma.
1 pinch red pepper flakes – Just a tiny bit for a subtle warmth that’s perfect for a cold.
1 cup pasta – Small shapes like ditalini or orzo work wonderfully in this Italian chicken noodle soup.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – This is the secret ingredient that brightens everything up and gives it that “penicillin” kick!
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – For a burst of freshness and color right at the end.

How to Make Easy Italian Penicillin Soup

Let’s get this comforting bowl of Italian penicillin soup simmering! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, perfect for even beginner cooks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious soup comes together.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 cup of diced onion, 2 cups of diced carrots, and 2 cups of diced celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften and release their sweet fragrance, filling your kitchen with that lovely smell.
Step 3: Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle boil. This is the start of your restorative broth.
Step 5: Add the 1 pound of chicken breast to the pot. Toss in the 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These herbs are essential for that authentic Italian chicken soup flavor.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The chicken needs time to cook through and become tender.
Step 7: Carefully remove the chicken breast from the pot. Let it cool slightly on a plate, then use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your homemade Italian penicillin soup really starts to come alive.
Step 8: Bring the soup back to a simmer and add the 1 cup of pasta. Cook according to the pasta package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite.
Step 9: Just before serving your Italian chicken soup for flu, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for that signature brightness and the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Ladle this comforting soup into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Italian Penicillin Soup: 1 Hug in a Bowl - Italian Penicillin Soup - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Penicillin Soup

To elevate your soup from good to truly exceptional, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These simple tips will make your Italian chicken soup for cold feel extra special and restorative.

Always use good quality chicken broth. It’s the foundation of your soup’s flavor, and a better broth means a better soup.
Don’t overcook your pasta! Add it towards the end so it stays perfectly al dente, even when reheated.
The fresh lemon juice and parsley are crucial finishing touches. They add brightness and freshness that tie all the flavors together in this authentic Italian penicillin soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Salt and pepper can make a huge difference in bringing out the best flavors.

What’s the secret to perfect Italian chicken soup for cold?

The magic lies in the balance of simple, fresh ingredients and the bright finish of lemon. It’s this combination that makes it so comforting and effective for a sore throat. For more information on the benefits of these ingredients, you can explore the many benefits of onions and garlic.

Can I make Homemade Italian penicillin soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Cool it completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just add fresh pasta when reheating.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian chicken soup for flu?

Avoid overcooking the vegetables, which can make them mushy. Also, don’t add the pasta too early; it will absorb too much liquid and become soft. Finally, remember to remove the bay leaves before serving!

Best Ways to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup

This comforting Italian chicken soup for sore throat is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments. For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving it with crusty Italian bread for dipping into that delicious broth. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that restorative soup. You could also add a simple green salad on the side for a bit of freshness.

Consider serving this Chicken soup for the soul Italian style with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. It transforms an already amazing soup into something truly special, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy evening.

Italian Penicillin Soup: 1 Hug in a Bowl - Italian Penicillin Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Italian Penicillin Soup

This nourishing bowl of Italian chicken soup for flu offers a good balance of nutrients. It’s a comforting choice that won’t weigh you down, making it ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your homemade Italian penicillin soup.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Penicillin Soup

This Italian chicken soup comforting recipe is fantastic for meal prep, and luckily, leftovers taste even better the next day! Once your delicious soup has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep this comforting bowl of Italian chicken soup for cold longer, it freezes beautifully. For the best results when freezing your homemade Italian penicillin soup, I recommend omitting the pasta before freezing. This prevents it from becoming mushy upon reheating. Store frozen soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until it’s warmed through. If you froze your soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. If you omitted the pasta before freezing, cook a fresh batch and add it to the soup just before serving to maintain that perfect al dente texture. This ensures your reheated bowl of Italian chicken soup with herbs is just as delightful as the first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Penicillin Soup

What is Italian penicillin soup?

Italian penicillin soup is a comforting and restorative Italian chicken soup, known for its healing properties, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s essentially a hearty, flavorful chicken noodle soup with a distinct Italian flair, featuring aromatic vegetables, herbs, and often a bright finish of lemon and parsley. Think of it as Chicken soup for the soul Italian style, designed to soothe and nourish.

Can I use different types of pasta in this Italian chicken soup recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of this Italian penicillin soup recipe is its versatility. While small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo are traditional and work wonderfully in this Italian chicken soup with pasta, feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions until al dente, and consider adding it when reheating leftovers to prevent mushiness.

What can I add to make this Italian chicken soup more hearty?

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, this easy Italian penicillin soup is a great base. You can add more protein by including cannellini beans or chickpeas, which are common in Italian cooking. For extra vegetables, consider adding spinach, kale, or even small cubes of zucchini in the last 10 minutes of simmering. This makes it a truly complete and satisfying Italian chicken soup.

Is this Italian chicken soup good for a cold or flu?

Yes, this Italian chicken soup for cold and flu is designed to be incredibly comforting and restorative. The warm broth, tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and the bright lemon juice all contribute to making it feel healing. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, providing hydration and nutrients when you need them most, making it a beloved Homemade Italian penicillin soup for sick days.

Variations of Italian Penicillin Soup You Can Try

While this Italian chicken soup comforting recipe is wonderful as is, experimenting with variations can make it even more exciting! Here are a few ideas to spice up your next batch of homemade Italian penicillin soup:

Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and add a can of drained cannellini beans or a cup of lentils for protein and heartiness. This makes a fantastic Italian chicken soup with vegetables that everyone can enjoy.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This variation offers a delightful warmth, perfect for a chilly evening, turning it into a truly best Italian penicillin soup for spice lovers.
Creamy Dream: For a richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the very end. This creates a wonderfully decadent, almost chowder-like version of your Italian chicken soup with parmesan.
Slow Cooker Simplicity: Dump all ingredients (except pasta, lemon juice, and parsley) into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta, lemon, and parsley during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an effortless easy Italian penicillin soup.