Italian Penicillin Soup: A Healing Bowl of Comfort and Flavor

May be an image of couscous and alphabet soup

Italian Penicillin Soup: A Healing Bowl of Comfort and Flavor

When the chill of winter sets in or you’re feeling under the weather, nothing soothes quite like a warm, nourishing bowl of soup. The Italian Penicillin Soup, affectionately known as Italy’s answer to chicken soup, is a heartwarming dish filled with healing ingredients, comforting flavors, and rich Italian character. Combining the robust flavors of garlic, herbs, chicken, and tender vegetables, this soup feels like a hug from an Italian grandmother. Let’s explore how to make this soulful dish step by step.

🌿 What Is Italian Penicillin Soup?

This soup earned its name from its restorative powers—much like the classic “Jewish Penicillin” chicken soup. It’s a traditional Italian comfort food that blends fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a deeply flavorful broth. What makes it distinctively Italian is the addition of Parmesan rind, olive oil, and sometimes a hint of pasta, giving it a rich and savory twist.

🍲 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the broth:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
1 bay leaf
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably from a roasted chicken)
1 Parmesan rind (optional but adds deep flavor)
½ cup small pasta (like orzo, ditalini, or pastina)

To finish:

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. These three ingredients form the soffritto, the flavor foundation of Italian cooking. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and become aromatic.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. This builds a rich, aromatic base for your soup.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. If you have a Parmesan rind, add it now—this secret Italian trick infuses the soup with deep, nutty flavor. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a warm, soothing aroma in your kitchen.