There is something truly magical about a bowl of the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe that warms both your heart and soul. This soup blends the soothing richness of chicken broth with a vibrant melody of tender vegetables, herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta, all crowned with shredded chicken that brings it all together. Each spoonful offers a comforting embrace with layers of flavor that feel like a tight hug from an old friend. If you want a dish that’s easy to prepare yet delivers a satisfying, hearty experience, this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try addition to your mealtime repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that everyone tends to have on hand. What’s wonderful is how each component plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of diced carrots to the aromatic herbs that infuse the broth, creating a rich, balanced taste and appealing texture.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing a warm and savory base that’s both comforting and nourishing.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color to brighten the bowl.
- 1 cup diced celery: Contributes a delicate crunch and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- 1 cup diced onion: Enhances the overall depth with natural sweetness and a mild pungency.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of aroma and a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings earthy notes that complement the chicken broth beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that introduces a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to awaken the palate without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: The protein star that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- 8 oz cooked ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes that soak up the broth and provide delightful bite-sized texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, leafy pop of color and a gentle herbaceous note to finish.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Building the Flavorful Broth
Start by combining your chicken broth with diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a large pot. This mix is where the magic begins, as the aromatic vegetables and herbs infuse the broth with layers of warmth and depth. It’s important to use a large enough pot so all the ingredients can mingle comfortably as the soup cooks.
Step 2: Simmering to Perfection
Bring your pot of ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 15-20 minutes until those vegetables become tender and release their natural sweetness. This slow simmer helps all the herbal and spicy notes to marry beautifully with the broth, making the soup comforting but vibrant.
Step 3: Adding in Protein and Pasta
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in your shredded chicken and cooked ditalini pasta. These components add substance and heartiness, transforming the soup into a complete meal. The pasta’s small size makes it perfect for coats of the flavorful broth with every spoonful.
Step 4: Seasoning to Taste
Season your soup generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial because it brings out the fullest flavors from every ingredient. Taste as you go, since the broth might already have saltiness, and adjust until it’s just right for your palate.
Step 5: Letting the Flavors Meld
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes after adding the chicken and pasta. This extra time melds the flavors into a harmonious blend and ensures the chicken heats through properly without overcooking the pasta, keeping everything tender yet satisfying.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Ladle the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe into your favorite bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This sprinkle of green not only adds a refreshing color contrast but also lifts the flavors with a subtle, fresh bite that brightens each mouthful.
Step 7: Time to Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—digging into your wonderfully aromatic and heart-warming Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a nourishing pick-me-up, this soup feels like a delicious celebration of simple ingredients done right.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a little cracked black pepper on top. These finishes add an extra dimension of flavor and visual appeal that make each bowl even more inviting.
Side Dishes
The Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a light yet complete meal. A slice of garlic bread or a small antipasto platter can also elevate the dining experience, offering complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve the soup in small, oven-safe crocks topped with a cheese crouton and broil briefly for a mini French onion soup twist. Alternatively, offer it in a bread bowl for a cozy, hearty presentation that impresses guests and adds a fun element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the pasta tends to soak up broth over time, you might notice the consistency thickening, but a quick stir with a splash of broth or water helps restore it perfectly.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it an excellent candidate for batch cooking. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months, so you’ll have ready-to-go comfort food whenever you need it.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a little extra broth or water if the soup feels too thick. Avoid reheating in the microwave for long periods to preserve the tender texture of the vegetables and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional and perfect for the texture, small pasta shapes like orzo, elbow macaroni, or mini shells work wonderfully too. Just be mindful of cooking times so the pasta doesn’t overcook and mush up.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just remember that the pasta may absorb more liquid upon freezing, so you might need to thin the soup with additional broth when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the chicken, or replace it with cooked beans or mushrooms to maintain the hearty texture and flavor.
What can I do to make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top the soup with a drizzle of chili oil or chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
The soup stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Always reheat it to a rolling boil for food safety before serving.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe with you feels like handing over a warm, treasured secret. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to impress guests. This soup truly embodies comfort in a bowl, with layered flavors, nourishing ingredients, and that inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with love. I can’t wait for you to make it, savor it, and possibly share it as a new favorite among your own circles. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Italian Penicillin Soup featuring tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and ditalini pasta simmered in a savory chicken broth, garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a hearty and warming meal.
Ingredients
Broth and Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Protein and Pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cooked ditalini pasta
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.
- Simmer vegetables: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.
- Add chicken and pasta: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the cooked ditalini pasta to the pot, integrating the protein and pasta with the broth and vegetables.
- Season the soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced throughout the soup by mixing thoroughly.
- Final simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the soup is heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your nourishing Italian Penicillin Soup, ideal for comforting cold days or when you need a flavorful pick-me-up.
Notes
- This soup is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken.
- You can substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
