What Makes Italian Penicillin Soup So Special
There’s something almost magical about the steam rising from a bowl of this golden broth. The moment the fragrant scent of garlic, thyme, and simmering chicken fills your kitchen, you just know everything is going to be alright. It’s a hug in a bowl, a timeless remedy passed down through generations, and my absolute go-to for chasing away the chills.
I first learned about this healing chicken soup from my Italian grandmother, who swore by its restorative powers. She’d always say, “This soup is love, Maisie. It fixes more than just a cold.” And you might be wondering, what exactly is Italian Penicillin Soup and why is it called that? It’s a story of comfort, science, and a whole lot of heart.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Italian Penicillin Soup
This easy chicken soup comes together so quickly, making it a perfect weeknight lifesaver. From chopping to serving, you’re looking at just about 45 minutes of pure, comforting magic.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth. Then, add the chicken thighs, dried oregano, dried thyme, and that all-important bay leaf.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Using tongs, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it all to the pot.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering pot. Cook according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Season your beautiful Italian Penicillin Soup with salt and black pepper to your taste. Don’t forget to find and remove the bay leaf! Ladle into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every family has their own little secret for the best classic chicken soup. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this recipe truly your own.
- Flavor Swap: Fresh herbs are divine! If you have them, use 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and a tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of dried.
- Diet Tweak: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the ditalini for your favorite gluten-free pasta or even some cooked rice.
- Prep Fix: Short on time? Use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken! Just shred it and add it in step 6 when you would add the pasta.
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, but note the pasta will continue to absorb broth. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Healthier Alternatives for Italian Penicillin Soup
One of the most common questions I get is, “Can I make a healthier version of this healthy chicken soup?” Absolutely! This soup is wonderfully adaptable.
For a lighter broth, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and control the salt yourself. You can also swap the chicken thighs for lean chicken breast, though thighs do give a richer flavor. To boost the veggie content, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
In our house, serving this soup is a ritual. We pile into the cozy corner of the kitchen, wrap our hands around warm bowls, and let the steam work its magic. It’s the ultimate quick chicken soup for a weary soul.
I love to serve it with a side of crusty, buttered bread for dipping and a simple green salad. A light, crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely for the adults, but a simple cup of tea is just as perfect. It’s all about the comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Italian Penicillin Soup and why is it called that?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a hearty, brothy chicken soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and pasta. It’s affectionately called “penicillin” because of its legendary reputation for healing and providing comfort when you’re under the weather, much like the medicine.
How does Italian Penicillin Soup help when you’re feeling sick?
The warm broth helps keep you hydrated and soothes a sore throat. The steam can clear sinuses, and the combination of nutrients from the chicken and vegetables provides easy-to-digest nourishment that gives your body energy to heal.
What are the key ingredients in an authentic Italian Penicillin Soup?
The soul of this soup is a rich chicken broth, tender chicken, the classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery (soffritto), healing garlic and herbs like oregano and thyme, and a small pasta like ditalini.
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
You certainly can! For a slow cooker, sauté the veggies first, then add everything except the pasta and cook on low for 6-7 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the veggies, then pressure cook for 10 minutes. Add the pasta after and use the sauté function to cook it through.
What’s the difference between Italian Penicillin Soup and regular chicken soup?
While both are comforting, Italian Penicillin Soup typically includes specific Italian herbs like oregano and often features a small pasta, giving it a heartier, more robust character compared to a simpler American-style chicken noodle soup.
What kind of pasta is traditionally used in Italian Penicillin Soup?
Small pasta shapes are traditional because they are easy to eat and fit perfectly on a spoon. Ditalini is the classic choice, but orzo, pastina, or even small shells work beautifully.
Can you make a vegetarian version of Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes! Simply use a rich vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein and keep all the wonderful herbs and vegetables for a truly healing and delicious vegetarian meal.
