Italian Penicillin Soup (Healing Italian Chicken Soup)

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Italian Penicillin Soup is often called the Italian grandmother’s cure for the common cold. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with immune-boosting ingredients. Think of it as the Italian cousin of Jewish chicken soup — both known as “penicillin in a bowl” because of their healing qualities.

This recipe blends tender chicken, vegetables, garlic, fresh herbs, and often pasta or rice, simmered slowly to create a soul-warming dish that comforts the body and spirit.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional, but very Italian)
  • 1 whole chicken breast or thighs (bone-in preferred)
  • 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or acini di pepe) – you can also use rice if preferred
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Build the flavor base

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

  1. Place the chicken pieces in the pot.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf, oregano, and chili flakes.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred and return

  1. Remove chicken from the pot, discard bones/skin, and shred the meat with two forks.
  2. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 4: Add pasta

  1. Stir in the pasta (or rice).
  2. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Finish with freshness

  1. Stir in parsley and squeeze in lemon juice.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Ladle soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
  3. Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping

Formation (Step Summary)

  1. Sauté vegetables + garlic.
  2. Add chicken, broth, and herbs.
  3. Simmer until chicken is cooked.
  4. Shred chicken and return to pot.
  5. Add pasta and cook through.
  6. Finish with parsley, lemon, and Parmesan.

Benefits of Italian Penicillin Soup

  • Immune-Boosting: Garlic, onion, parsley, and lemon strengthen immunity.
  • Healing & Comforting: Chicken broth soothes sore throats and eases digestion.
  • Hydrating: Keeps the body nourished when sick.
  • Protein-Rich: Chicken provides energy and muscle recovery.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Olive oil and vegetables reduce inflammation.
  • Energizing Carbs: Pasta or rice replenishes energy.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1½ cups)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: ~650mg
  • Vitamin C, A, & K: High (from lemon, carrots, parsley, and zucchini)

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just food — it’s medicine in a bowl. From the warm broth to the hearty chicken and pasta, every spoonful feels like a hug from an Italian grandmother. Whether you’re battling a cold, need comfort after a long day, or just want a nourishing family dinner, this soup is a timeless choice.

It’s hearty, healthy, and healing — proof that sometimes, the best remedies don’t come from a pharmacy, but from the kitchen.

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