Go Back
–+ servings

Italian Penicillin Soup

A hearty and nourishing soup packed with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for chilly days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil For cooking
  • 1 large onion (diced, about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots (sliced into rounds)
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 whole chicken breast (bone-in, skin-on, about 1 pound)
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, orzo, or shells)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For heat
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated, optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Crusty Italian bread (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Soup

  • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  • Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute without browning.
  • Pour in the broth and add the chicken breast, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover partially and cook for 25–30 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken, cool slightly, and shred it with two forks. Discard the skin and bones.
  • Return the shredded meat to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper.
  • Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese and olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty bread.

Notes

For more flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. If you like spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to keep its shape in the soup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
Keyword Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Healthy Soup, Hearty Soup, Pasta Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!