Italian Penicillin Soup
Warm up your evenings with a bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup, a delightful and nourishing dish that embodies comfort and healing. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth, making it perfect for family dinners or when you need a little extra TLC. Easy to prepare and customizable with seasonal ingredients or your favorite pasta, this soup is not only delicious but also an ideal choice for meal prep. Enjoy every spoonful of this classic dish that brings warmth and togetherness to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Crusty Italian bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and nestle the chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover partially and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot to cool slightly.
- Shred cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces after removing skin and bones. Season broth with salt and pepper.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot; bring to a gentle boil again. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Remove bay leaves; stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg