Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a hearty meal. This nourishing chicken and pasta soup is filled with aromatic vegetables and topped with rich Parmesan cheese, making it suitable for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Not only does this soup warm your soul, but its wholesome ingredients also provide a boost to your well-being.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of chicken broth, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a delightful taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Option: With lean protein and plenty of veggies, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Leftover Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week; the flavors only get better!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Italian Penicillin Soup efficiently, having the right tools at hand will make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly without spilling over.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and clean cuts for all your ingredients.
Ingredients
A nourishing Italian chicken and pasta soup simmered with aromatic vegetables and Parmesan, pure comfort in a bowl.
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Broth and Pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (stelline, orzo, or ditalini)
For Flavoring
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth
Add garlic; cook for an additional 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth along with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Add pasta to the boiling broth; cook for about 8–10 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken
Stir in shredded chicken; let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. It can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Top with Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkling additional grated Parmesan on top adds richness and elevates the presentation.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes for an elegant serving option, great for family dinners or gatherings.
Accompany with Lemon Wedges
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors, balancing the savory elements of the soup.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
To make your Italian Penicillin Soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a deeper flavor profile.
- Customize Your Pasta: Choose your favorite small pasta shapes for added texture and fun.
- Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Adding seasonal veggies like spinach or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your personal preference.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, do so gently on low heat to preserve texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Penicillin Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors while adding a satisfying crunch.Caprese Salad
This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a bright contrast to the rich soup.Bruschetta
Top toasted bread with diced tomatoes and basil for a flavorful appetizer that pairs beautifully.Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables add heartiness and balance out the meal with their natural sweetness.Cheesy Polenta
Creamy polenta topped with cheese is a comforting side that pairs well with any Italian soup.Antipasto Platter
An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables provides variety and adds interest to your meal.Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and veggies offer a hearty side that’s both nutritious and delicious.Focaccia Bread
Soft focaccia drizzled with olive oil is perfect for dipping into your warm bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when preparing Italian Penicillin Soup. Here are some tips to ensure your soup comes out perfect.
- Bold Timing: Many people overlook the importance of timing. Ensure you sauté the vegetables long enough to develop flavor but don’t overcook them, as they can become mushy.
- Bold Broth Quality: Using low-quality broth can lead to bland soup. Opt for a good quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Bold Pasta Overcooking: Don’t add the pasta too early in the cooking process. Add it once the broth is boiling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Bold Seasoning Balance: Underseasoning or overseasoning can ruin your soup. Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Bold Garnish Importance: Skipping the garnish can make your dish less appealing. Fresh parsley and Parmesan enhance both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Penicillin Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Penicillin Soup
- Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Bold Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Bold Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Italian Penicillin Soup.
What is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting chicken and pasta dish simmered with aromatic vegetables and seasonings, perfect for cozy meals.
Can I customize Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes! You can add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition or swap in different pasta shapes based on your preference.
Is Italian Penicillin Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Italian Penicillin Soup, substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does it take to prepare Italian Penicillin Soup?
The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, followed by about 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Final Thoughts
Italian Penicillin Soup offers warmth and comfort in every bowl. Its versatility allows for various customization options, making it suitable for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful and nourishing meal that everyone will love!
Italian Penicillin Soup
Comfort in every bowl! Try this wholesome Italian Penicillin Soup packed with flavor. Perfect for cozy nights—make it today!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (stelline, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened (5–6 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, add oregano, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta; cook until tender (8–10 minutes).
- Mix in shredded chicken; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg