Revitalize Your Soul with Hearty Italian Penicillin Soup
If there’s one recipe that wraps you in warmth and whispers tales of family love, it’s the Italian Penicillin Soup. Imagine a steaming bowl, rich with flavors that transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Italy, where nonnas are the heart and soul of culinary magic. In our home, this soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a heartfelt tradition, reminiscent of those precious afternoons spent with my grandmother, who taught me that the best recipes are sprinkled with love and cherished memories. Let me invite you into my kitchen, where every ladle of this soup is a hug, a story, and a celebration rolled into one.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just a comforting dish; it’s an experience. This recipe embodies the warmth of family, the simplicity of home-cooked meals, and the joy of shared moments. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly day or a flavorful pick-me-up, this soup delivers. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and hearty vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that are both familiar and exciting. For me, it’s the perfect way to channel my grandmother’s wisdom, teaching me that food is the simplest expression of love. You’ll adore how this soup not only nourishes the body but also rekindles the spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Italian Penicillin Soup
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cleaned
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Feel free to swap the fresh herbs for dried ones if that’s what’s available, and ditalini for any small pasta you have at hand. Cooking is about flexibility and making do with what you have, just as my grandmother taught me.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
Revitalize Your Soul with Hearty Italian Penicillin Soup
Learn how to make delicious Italian Penicillin Soup. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cleaned
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Feel free to swap the fresh herbs for dried ones if that’s what’s available, and ditalini for any small pasta you have at hand. Cooking is about flexibility and making do with what you have, just as my grandmother taught me.
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones, and set aside.
- In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth from the first pot, along with the diced tomatoes, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add the pasta and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. This is my favorite part—watching the cheese melt into the rich broth, just like my grandmother did for me.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Italian Penicillin Soup
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones, and set aside.
- In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth from the first pot, along with the diced tomatoes, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add the pasta and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. This is my favorite part—watching the cheese melt into the rich broth, just like my grandmother did for me.
Tips for Making the Best Italian Penicillin Soup
When it comes to creating the best Italian Penicillin Soup, patience and love are your secret ingredients. Let the chicken simmer to release its full flavor, and don’t rush the sautéing of your veggies—they’re the foundation of taste. Fresh herbs make a world of difference, but if you’re in a pinch, dried ones will do just fine. Remember, the soup reflects the care you put into it, just as my grandmother’s hands reflected years of nurturing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup pairs beautifully with a rustic Italian bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the aromatic broth. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty flavors of the soup, adding a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of your favorite white wine, perhaps a Pinot Grigio, to enhance the soup’s comforting profile. Sharing this meal around the table invites conversations that linger, much like the flavors of the soup itself.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover soup is a blessing in disguise, often tasting even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without the pasta, adding it fresh when you’re ready to serve, to maintain that perfect al dente texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup?
The main ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Italian Penicillin Soup?
The total time to make Italian Penicillin Soup includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Italian Penicillin Soup can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Italian Penicillin Soup suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Italian Penicillin Soup may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup is not just a dish to my family; it’s a cherished ritual that binds us together. It reminds me of the afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every stir of the spoon was an act of love. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your home as it does to mine. So, from my kitchen to yours, I invite you to savor not just the flavors, but the stories, the laughter, and the love that this soup inspires. Here’s to creating new memories with every bowl—because at RecipeChic, food is as much about living and loving as it is about eating.
