Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe brings together the soul-warming traditions of Italian cooking with Jewish comfort food wisdom. This protein-packed soup delivers 20-22 grams of protein per serving while wrapping you in pure comfort.

I discovered this healing soup recipe during a particularly tough February when my family needed something that could cure both sniffles and spirits. What started as an experiment combining my Italian grandmother’s broth techniques with classic chicken soup turned into our go-to remedy for everything. The magic happens when aromatic Italian herbs meet tender vegetables in a deeply satisfying broth that improves overnight. This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into liquid gold that feeds both body and soul.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Healing Soup

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound, yields 12-14oz meat)
• 2 bay leaves (remove before serving)
• 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 freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Crusty Italian bread for serving

Pro tip: I prefer using ditalini pasta as it holds up beautifully in the broth without becoming mushy, making this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe perfect for meal prep.

Simple Steps to Soup Perfection

I recommend cooking this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe slowly and gently to extract maximum flavor from every ingredient while keeping the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent (they should look glassy, not brown). Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Pour in chicken broth and nestle chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain steady simmer. The broth should bubble gently around the edges, not vigorously.

Step 3: Cover partially and simmer 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork. Remove chicken carefully and set aside to cool slightly. Don’t overcook the chicken or it will become tough and stringy.

Step 4: Remove and discard skin and bones once chicken cools enough to handle. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Season broth with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the pasta will absorb some seasoning.

Step 5: Return shredded chicken to pot and bring soup back to gentle boil. Add pasta and cook directly in the soup according to package directions until al dente. Watch carefully as overcooked pasta ruins the texture.

Step 6: Remove bay leaves with a spoon and discard. Let soup cool for 2-3 minutes, then stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The lemon juice brightens the entire Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe beautifully.

Perfect Pairings for Maximum Comfort

This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with sides that complement its healing, comforting nature.

Crusty Italian Bread: The crispy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of flavorful broth while adding satisfying texture contrast.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery greens and bright citrus dressing cut through the soup’s richness while adding fresh vegetables and vitamins to your meal.

Focaccia Bread: Herb-topped focaccia echoes the Italian flavors in the soup while providing a more substantial bread option for heartier appetites.

Simple Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring bright Italian flavors that complement this healing soup perfectly during warmer months.

More Healing and Restorative Soup Recipes

Italian penicillin soup joins a collection of therapeutic soups designed to comfort and heal. For another powerfully healing option, the golden Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup offers similar restorative benefits with warming spices that complement these Italian herbs perfectly for seasonal wellness support.

Create a complete healing soup rotation with nourishing options like the longevity-focused Longevity Soup for daily wellness, the protein-rich Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup for comforting recovery meals, or the Mediterranean-inspired Tuscan White Bean Soup when you want plant-based healing power alongside immune-supporting herbs.

Smart Storage for Lasting Comfort

This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe actually improves in flavor overnight, making it perfect for meal prep and batch cooking. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

I recommend storing the soup with pasta included for convenience, though the texture may soften slightly. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding additional broth if the soup becomes too thick. Never boil when reheating as this can make the chicken tough.

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half in individual portions for quick healing meals whenever someone in your family needs comfort food that actually works.

Common Questions About This Healing Recipe

Your New Go-To Comfort Food

This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe proves that the best healing foods combine tradition with practical nutrition. With 20-22 grams of protein per serving and ingredients that actually support your immune system, you’re getting both comfort and care in every bowl. The recipe is forgiving, improves with time, and fills your kitchen with the most incredible aromas. Try this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe tonight and discover why it’s destined to become your family’s new favorite cure-all!

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