Italian Penicillin Soup: The Soul-Healing Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed

When life gets heavy or your body feels run down, there’s something almost magical about a hot bowl of soup. And while every culture has its version of "healing broth," Italy's answer is something truly special: a garlicky, lemony, herb-packed wonder known affectionately as Italian Penicillin Soup.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold, comforting someone you love, or just craving something warm, this cozy recipe wraps you in a hug — Italian Nonna-style.

🇮🇹 The Origins of “Italian Penicillin”

Most people are familiar with Jewish chicken soup — often called "Jewish penicillin" for its soothing, healing powers. Italians, however, have their own soulful take. Italian Penicillin Soup is all about bright, zesty flavors, layered herbs, and a broth so comforting, it practically sings you to sleep.

Rooted in humble peasant cooking traditions, this soup turns simple ingredients — like onions, garlic, lemon, and chicken — into a bowl of comfort that nourishes both body and spirit.

🧄 What Makes This Soup So Healing?

Each ingredient in this soup serves a purpose beyond just taste:

• Garlic & Onion: Natural antibacterials that help fight infections and boost immunity
• Chicken & Broth: Rich in protein and collagen, perfect for recovery
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds vitamin C and brightens the flavor — great for congestion
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, and thyme bring antioxidant power and deep flavor
• Pasta: Adds a comforting, satisfying element (and who doesn’t love pasta?)

This isn’t just comfort food — it’s functional food.

🥕 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless & skinless
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or acini di pepe)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but delicious)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Build the Base

Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes to soften. Then add the chicken pieces (whole) and pour in the chicken broth.

3. Simmer to Perfection

Add in the dried oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Cook the Pasta

Add your pasta directly into the pot and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls, top with chopped fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light green salad.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta or swap in rice or quinoa.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans.
• More Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for an extra nutrient boost.
• Feeling Spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

🧡 Why You’ll Love It

This soup is not just about healing a cold — it’s about healing everything. It’s comfort in a bowl, a hug when you need one, and a reminder of simpler, more nourishing times. Whether you’re curled up on the couch, feeding your family, or sharing a meal with someone in need, this soup delivers exactly what’s needed.

🌟 Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be sick to enjoy Italian Penicillin Soup — but if you are, it just might be the most delicious medicine you’ll ever take. With every spoonful, it delivers warmth, flavor, and love in a way only homemade soup can.

Ready to try it?

Make a big batch, share it with someone you love, and let the healing begin.

Italian Penicillin Soup

A comforting and healing bowl of soup packed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for warming the body and soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped

Protein & Broth

• 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless & skinless
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)

Pasta & Seasonings

• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or acini di pepe)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, but delicious

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes to soften. Then add the chicken pieces (whole) and pour in the chicken broth.

Cooking

1. Add in the dried oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Add your pasta directly into the pot and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning.

Serving

1. Ladle into bowls, top with chopped fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or swap in rice or quinoa. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans. Add more veggies like spinach, kale, or zucchini. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

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