Italian Penicillin Soup

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Italian Penicillin Soup: The Ultimate Healing Comfort Bowl

When the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling under the weather, few things are as comforting as a bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup. Inspired by the classic “Jewish Penicillin” (chicken soup), this Italian version takes those same soothing qualities and adds Mediterranean flair — rich broth, tender chicken, garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of pasta. It’s warm, aromatic, and feels like a hug in a bowl.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making this delicious, restorative soup from scratch.

🥣 What Is Italian Penicillin Soup?

Italian Penicillin Soup is a wholesome, aromatic chicken soup infused with Italian flavors. It’s made with chicken, vegetables, garlic, herbs like basil and oregano, lemon juice, and small pasta such as orzo or ditalini. The combination of these ingredients not only soothes the soul but also provides nutrients that help boost the immune system — hence the nickname “penicillin.”

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the broth:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade stock)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie or poached chicken breast)

For finishing:

1 cup orzo, ditalini, or small pasta
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Add the Herbs and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the herbs. This step blooms the seasonings, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits from the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.