Italian Penicillin Soupe Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish for Cold Days
When the weather turns cold or your energy starts running low, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup. This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Rooted in Italian home cooking traditions, this soup is loved for its simplicity, warmth, and deeply satisfying flavor.
Often compared to classic chicken soup, Italian penicillin soup is all about slow simmering, fresh ingredients, and the kind of comfort food that families pass down through generations. Whether you’re looking for an easy Italian penicillin soup recipe or simply craving something nourishing and cozy, this recipe deserves a place in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why It’s Called Italian Penicillin Soup
The nickname “penicillin soup” doesn’t come from medicine, but from tradition. In many Italian households, a pot of chicken soup was the go-to meal during colder months, long days, or moments when someone needed extra comfort.
Just like Jewish chicken soup is often called “penicillin,” Italians rely on a similar concept: warm broth, tender vegetables, herbs, and chicken slowly cooked together. The result is a dish that feels restorative, grounding, and deeply familiar.
This penicillin soup recipe Italian style focuses on balance nothing complicated, nothing fancy, just honest ingredients cooked with care.
What Makes This the Best Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients
- One pot cooking
- Rich, flavorful broth
- Light yet filling
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly and customizable
This soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be heavy or complicated to be satisfying.
Ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bone-in, skin-on chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 bay leaves
Pasta & Seasoning
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, small shells)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Finishing Touches
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup (Step-by-Step)
1. Build the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook slowly for 6–8 minutes until softened. This vegetable base is essential for depth of flavor.
Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and gently place the chicken into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Slow Simmer
Partially cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes. The broth will deepen in flavor while the chicken becomes tender.
Remove the chicken, discard skin and bones, and shred the meat.
4. Add Pasta
Return shredded chicken to the pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish the Soup
Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with olive oil and grated cheese if desired.
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe Easy Variations
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein.
Gluten-Free Option
Swap pasta for rice or gluten-free pasta.
Low-Sodium Version
Use no-salt broth and rely on herbs, garlic, and lemon for flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
- Simmer gently, never boil aggressively
- Add pasta near the end to avoid mushy texture
- Always finish with lemon for brightness
- Use good-quality broth it makes a big difference
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Italian bread
- Garlic toast
- Simple green salad
- Drizzle of olive oil before serving
This soup works beautifully as a light dinner or a comforting lunch.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (freeze without pasta for best texture)
- Reheating: Low heat with added broth if needed
Why This Soup Is a Family Favorite
This best Italian penicillin soup recipe isn’t about trends. It’s about tradition, warmth, and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want something reliable, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Every spoonful delivers gentle flavors that feel familiar and grounding—exactly what comfort food should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs add richer flavor and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.
Is this soup heavy?
Not at all. It’s light, balanced, and easy to digest.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is a reminder that the best meals don’t need complexity. With simple ingredients, a bit of time, and care, you can create something truly comforting.If you’re searching for an easy Italian penicillin soup recipe that feels authentic, cozy, and timeless, this one is worth saving. Make it once, and it may become a regular part of your kitchen tradition.
Italian Penicillin Soup (Classic Comfort Chicken Soup)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
- For best texture, cook pasta separately if planning to freeze the soup.
- Chicken thighs give a richer flavor than breast.
- Lemon juice at the end is essential for brightness.
- Soup tastes even better the next day.
