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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe in bowl with herbs and parmesan
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Soul-warming soup combining Italian cooking traditions with healing comfort food. High protein recipe ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound)
  • 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 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

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and nestle chicken breast into pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Cover partially and simmer 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and shreds easily. Remove chicken and set aside to cool.
  4. Remove and discard skin and bones from cooled chicken. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Season broth with salt and pepper.
  5. Return shredded chicken to pot and bring back to gentle boil. Add pasta and cook directly in soup according to package directions until al dente.
  6. Remove bay leaves and discard. Let cool 2-3 minutes, then stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook chicken – remove as soon as it reaches 165°F for best texture and food safety.
  • Use good-quality broth as foundation. Season gradually and taste frequently throughout cooking process.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/italian-penicillin-soup-recipe/