Italian Penicillin Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any table. This nourishing soup combines tender chicken with small pasta and aromatic vegetables, creating a delightful meal perfect for cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. The rich flavors and inviting aroma make this soup a standout choice that will warm your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of chicken, vegetables, and Parmesan creates a rich taste that soothes the senses.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome chicken and fresh veggies, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make Italian Penicillin Soup successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering all the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quick and easy, ensuring even-sized pieces for cooking.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of soup without making a mess.
Ingredients
A nourishing Italian chicken and pasta soup simmered with aromatic vegetables and Parmesan, pure comfort in a bowl.
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Broth
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (stelline, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
For Seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5–6 minutes until they soften.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth
Add garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Add pasta; cook for 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken
Stir in shredded cooked chicken; let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve with Garnish
Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting Italian Penicillin Soup!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. It can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its comforting flavors and making every bowl special.
Classic Serving
- Serve hot in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a traditional touch.
Accompanied by Bread
- Pair with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. This adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh side salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing, complements the soup’s richness and adds brightness to the meal.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks appealing but also makes for an edible dish!
Topped with Herbs
- Add additional herbs like basil or thyme as a garnish. This enhances the aroma and brings out the soup’s flavors even more.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
To create the ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup, follow these expert tips for perfecting your recipe.
- Use homemade broth: If possible, prepare your own chicken broth. It adds depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. This ensures that your soup achieves the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cook pasta separately: If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables: Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer intensifies the flavors. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta if added too early.
- Add lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin Soup
Pairing side dishes with Italian Penicillin Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that adds freshness alongside the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy contrast to the soup’s texture.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese creates a comforting side that complements the soup well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional nutrients and flavor variety next to your hearty soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for a filling side that pairs nicely with Italian flavors.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with nuts or seeds gives a crunchy texture while being nutritious.
- Focaccia Bread: Soft and flavorful focaccia is great for scooping up soup while adding an Italian touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Penicillin Soup can be simple, but a few common pitfalls may affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Not using fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. They enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.
- Overcooking the pasta: Be mindful of cooking the pasta just until tender. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and spoil the soup’s texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and pepper to ensure that your soup is well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Skimping on broth: Using low-quality broth can lead to a bland soup. Choose a good-quality chicken broth for the best results.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping on parsley and Parmesan reduces visual appeal and flavor. Add these just before serving for freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Italian Penicillin Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Italian Penicillin Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Italian Penicillin Soup:
What is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting chicken and pasta soup made with aromatic vegetables and herbs, perfect for chilly days.
Can I customize my Italian Penicillin Soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap chicken for turkey if desired.
How do I make Italian Penicillin Soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta alternatives in place of traditional pasta to make this recipe gluten-free while keeping it delicious.
How long does it take to prepare Italian Penicillin Soup?
The total time is around 40 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This cozy dish is sure to warm up any cold evening—give it a try!
Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, small pasta, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. This nourishing soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (stelline, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds before pouring in the chicken broth. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the small pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Incorporate shredded cooked chicken and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving to enhance taste. Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.