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+ servings

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

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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