There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of nourishment to soothe the soul and comfort the body. This Italian Penicillin Soup is exactly that – a hug in a bowl, brimming with a rich, savory broth, tender pasta, and an abundance of wholesome vegetables.
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It’s a cherished family recipe, designed to chase away the chill, lift spirits, and offer a truly delicious remedy for whatever ails you. Every spoonful delivers a comforting blend of traditional Italian flavors, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
This heartwarming Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a feeling. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your home:
- Deeply Comforting Flavor: Each spoonful offers an incredibly savory, aromatic experience, reminiscent of a grandmother’s cooking.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Italian Penicillin Soup comes together with minimal fuss.
- Packed with Nourishing Goodness: Loaded with immune-boosting vegetables and protein, it’s truly a wholesome meal for the whole family.
- A Versatile Family Favorite: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or as a restorative dish when you need a little extra care.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating an authentic Italian Penicillin Soup begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this soup so beloved.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil to sauté your aromatics, providing a foundational richness.
- Yellow Onion: One medium yellow onion, finely diced, to add a sweet and pungent base.
- Carrots: Two medium carrots, peeled and diced, for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery Stalks: Two celery stalks, diced, offering a refreshing crispness and savory depth.
- Garlic Cloves: Four cloves of fresh garlic, minced, for that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Eight cups (two quarts) of high-quality low-sodium chicken broth. This is the heart of your Italian Penicillin Soup, so choose wisely.
- Small Pasta: One cup of ditalini, orzo, or small elbow macaroni. These tiny pasta shapes are perfect for absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Two cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs. This is a fantastic way to use up leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Fresh Spinach: Five ounces of fresh baby spinach, which wilts beautifully into the warm soup, adding essential nutrients and a lovely green hue.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, plus more for serving. The sharp, salty notes of Parmesan elevate the entire Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup of fresh Italian parsley, chopped, for a burst of fresh flavor and garnish.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the beauties of a classic like Italian Penicillin Soup is its adaptability. Feel free to make it your own with these healthy and delicious swaps, ensuring it perfectly suits your dietary needs or what you have on hand. It’s all about creating a nourishing meal that works for you.
- Vegetarian Version: Easily transform this into a vegetarian Italian Penicillin Soup by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Instead, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a protein boost.
- Alternative Proteins: If chicken isn’t available, cooked shredded turkey or even ground turkey (browned first) makes an excellent substitute. Lentils are another great plant-based option for adding protein and fiber.
- Boost Your Greens: While spinach is traditional, kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped broccoli florets can be added. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they are tender-crisp.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free Italian Penicillin Soup. Cook them separately or adjust cooking times as per package instructions to avoid overcooking.
- Extra Veggies: Consider adding diced zucchini, green beans, or sweet potato during the initial sauté phase for more nutritional variety and texture.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
One of the beauties of a classic like Italian Penicillin Soup is its adaptability. For more delicious healthy swaps, check out Queso Chicken Enchiladas that provide a fresh twist on mealtime.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. You don’t need anything fancy to create this wonderful Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating.
- Cutting Board: For safely chopping your vegetables.
- Sharp Knife: Makes prepping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
- Ladle: For serving your delicious Italian Penicillin Soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear, numbered steps to create a comforting pot of Italian Penicillin Soup that will warm hearts and bellies. Cooking should be a joyful process, and this recipe makes it simple and rewarding.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of your Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Once the broth is boiling, add the small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni). Cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and fresh baby spinach. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully into the Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, the broth and Parmesan already have salt, so adjust carefully. Ladle the hot Italian Penicillin Soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the comforting embrace of this homemade goodness.
Follow these clear steps to craft a comforting pot of Italian Penicillin Soup. For another delightful recipe that warms the heart, take a look at Apple Butter Pork.
Pro Tips for Success
Making a truly exceptional Italian Penicillin Soup involves a few thoughtful touches that elevate it from good to unforgettable. These tips come from years of cooking for loved ones, ensuring every batch is perfect.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta continues to absorb liquid and cook even after it’s removed from the heat. To prevent mushy pasta, cook it al dente (still slightly firm) in the soup. If you plan for leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls just before serving your Italian Penicillin Soup. This prevents it from swelling too much in the stored soup.
- Quality Broth Matters: The broth forms the backbone of your Italian Penicillin Soup. Use a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth or even homemade chicken stock for the best flavor. This allows you to control the saltiness.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a superior flavor and texture. It truly makes a difference in the richness of your Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. Salt, pepper, and even a pinch of dried Italian herbs can transform the flavor profile. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the entire dish.
- Sauté Until Fragrant: Don’t rush the initial sautéing of the onion, carrots, and celery. Allowing them to soften and release their flavors builds a robust foundation for your Italian Penicillin Soup.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Italian Penicillin Soup is wonderful for meal prepping, ensuring you have a comforting, ready-made meal whenever you need it. Proper storage helps maintain its deliciousness.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Italian Penicillin Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and may become softer.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it only when reheating individual servings. The Italian Penicillin Soup broth and vegetables, without pasta, can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
This Italian Penicillin Soup is wonderful for meal prepping, ensuring you have a comforting, ready-made meal whenever you need it. Learn how to properly store your meals with tips found in The Gelatin Trick Diet.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Italian Penicillin Soup is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience. These healthy suggestions complement the soup perfectly, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of Italian bread or sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the Italian Penicillin Soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts offer a delightful texture and added nutrients, rounding out your meal beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra comforting touch, serve alongside a slice of homemade garlic bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! It’s incredibly easy to adapt this Italian Penicillin Soup. Simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth.
For protein, you can add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas, stirring them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You won’t miss a thing!
What kind of pasta works best for Italian Penicillin Soup?
For this Italian Penicillin Soup, small pasta shapes are ideal. Ditalini, orzo, pastina, or even small elbow macaroni work wonderfully. They cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon, perfectly blending with the broth and vegetables without overwhelming the soup’s texture.
Is Italian Penicillin Soup truly good for colds?
Absolutely! This Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just comfort; it’s packed with ingredients known for their health benefits. The warm broth helps with hydration and clears congestion, while garlic and onions have immune-boosting properties.
The lean protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach and carrots provide essential nutrients to help your body recover. It’s a nourishing remedy that genuinely helps you feel better.
Italian Penicillin Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking. Known for its rich flavors and use of wholesome ingredients, this soup serves as both a family favorite and a remedy for feeling under the weather, making it a vital part of traditional culinary practices in Italy, as seen in Italian cuisine.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Penicillin Soup embodies everything I cherish about cooking: warmth, family, and the power of food to heal and comfort. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, filled with love in every spoonful. May it bring as much joy and solace to your table as it has to ours, creating new cherished memories.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This Italian Penicillin Soup offers a wholesome and balanced meal, packed with essential nutrients. Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Italian Penicillin Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the small pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the chicken and spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
