If you’re searching for a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug in a spoon, the Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant, hearty soup combines tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and the tangy brightness of lemon and Parmesan, all simmered to perfection. It’s like a soul-healing elixir that not only tastes incredible but brings wholesome nourishment to your table. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy meal, this soup will quickly become your go-to for both taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets you up for success. Each component plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful color palette that brings this soup to life.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base to sauté your veggies.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that signature savory aroma and bite.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced): Offers slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Contributes a fresh crunch and aromatic undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the broth with classic Italian herbaceous warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, subtle minty note that complements the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives just a touch of heat to wake up your palate.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The hearty and flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice): Creates a bright, tangy base that balances richness.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Packs protein and tender meatiness throughout.
- 1 cup cooked small pasta (like ditalini or orzo): Adds comforting, chewy texture to every spoonful.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for richness and umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts the flavors with sharp, fresh acidity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring it all together.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a burst of color and herbal freshness at the end.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently for 5 to 6 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step is crucial; it’s where your soup gets its soulful aroma and foundational flavor.
Step 2: Add the Herbs and Spices
Next, sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them into the vegetables and cook for another minute or so to allow all those wonderful herbs to bloom and infuse the oil and veggies with their essence.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Bring this mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become wonderfully tender and the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta
Stir in your cooked shredded chicken and pasta. Simmer the soup for another five minutes so the chicken heats through and the pasta absorbs some of the tasty broth. This step transforms the soup into a hearty meal you’ll want to savor.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Lemon
Now, the magic touch: stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice. Watch the cheese melt gracefully, adding creamy richness, while the lemon juice brightens everything up with just the right zing. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, and your Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe is ready for the table!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over each bowl to give the soup a fresh, herbal lift both in flavor and appearance. A little extra Parmesan dusted on top never hurts either.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad can make your meal feel even more special. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia can be perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a tiny spoonful of pesto on top. For a cozy touch, serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a tasting board of Italian cheeses and olives to complete a comforting Italian feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and those lively flavors. Keep the pasta separate if possible to avoid it becoming mushy.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you hold off on adding the pasta. Freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding freshly cooked pasta just before serving to maintain its perfect texture. A splash of broth or water can help loosen it up if needed. Finish with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken, or use a plant-based chicken alternative for similar protein and texture.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or pastina work best as they distribute evenly and don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just cook the pasta fresh when serving to prevent sogginess, and keep the soup base refrigerated or frozen.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in zucchini, spinach, or even kale. Just add tougher veggies earlier to ensure they soften properly.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle touch of heat, but they’re optional and easy to adjust according to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of the Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe to bring comfort, nourishment, and joy to your day. Each spoonful feels like a little act of self-care, wrapped in rich flavors and bright notes that remind you why homemade soup is such a beloved classic. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this soulful recipe with your loved ones — it’s a timeless treasure that warms the heart and tickles the taste buds.
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, hearty chicken soup infused with aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and pasta, all simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for warming your soul on chilly days or soothing cold symptoms, this recipe blends traditional Italian-American flavors with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Broth and Add-ins
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cooked small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the carrots and celery are tender.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cooked small pasta. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until the cheese has melted completely into the broth.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free if needed.
- The soup freezes well without the pasta; add fresh cooked pasta when reheating.
