Description
Discover the Italian penicillin soup recipe, packed with chicken, veggies, and immune-boosting nutrients. A perfect remedy for colds and cozy meals!
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs), cleaned and cut into parts
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- 6 cups of chicken broth
Add-ins:
- 1 cup of small pasta (ditalini or orzo work well)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Crusty bread for dipping
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes for some heat
- Cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber
Instructions
Start by cleaning and cutting the whole chicken into parts. While you can remove the skin if you prefer a lighter broth, leaving it on will add richness. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken pieces on all sides, which will give the broth a deeper flavor. After browning, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, using the leftover chicken drippings to sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant. Next, toss in the celery, carrots, and leeks. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, you can season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf. The vegetables will form the aromatic base for your broth, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
After the vegetables are softened, return the chicken to the pot. Add 6 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently.
Simmer the soup for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors of the broth will deepen. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. While the soup simmers, you’ll start to notice the aroma filling your kitchen, providing a preview of the comforting dish to come.
Notes
Italian penicillin soup is a timeless dish that can bring comfort, nourishment, and warmth to anyone who tries it. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving something cozy, this hearty and flavorful soup will leave you feeling satisfied and rejuvenated.
Be sure to explore other soup recipes on our site for more inspiration, including the Chicken Tortellini Soup or our CrackChicken Noodle Soup, both of which offer unique takes on the classic chicken soup.
No matter how you choose to customize your version of Italian penicillin soup, one thing is certain: it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg