Italian penicillin soup has a way of turning even the grumpiest sick day into a warm hug. When my nose won’t stop running or my head feels like a balloon, this is the first thing I crave. It’s not just a bowl of soup—it’s an Italian grandma’s remedy, all sunshine and comfort, with a dash of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
First, I’ll admit I have a habit of accidentally dropping a carrot on the floor or splashing a bit of broth on my slippers. However, those little kitchen missteps just make the process more real, don’t they? There’s something about stirring a pot of Italian penicillin soup that feels like you’re doing something good for your soul, even if you sneeze halfway through chopping onions.
Personal Anecdote
So, picture this: The rain is tapping on the window, I’m wrapped in a blanket, and the only thing that sounds edible is something warm and easy on my stomach. That’s when I start making Italian penicillin soup. Sometimes, I get a little overzealous with the garlic (oops!), but honestly, it just adds to the cozy vibes. I’ve even made this soup after a particularly wild family game night, when everyone needed a reset—nothing says love like a big pot simmering on the stove.
Then, there was the time my neighbor popped over, sniffling and looking miserable, and I practically forced a bowl into her hands. She said it was the best thing she’d tasted all week. Now, she requests it every time someone in her house catches a bug. If you’re after more feel-good meals, you might love my Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe, which is another weeknight hero.
Why This Recipe is Special
Also, Italian penicillin soup is special because it’s the definition of a comforting soup recipe: nourishing, gentle, and packed with classic flavors. It’s one of those sick day soup recipes that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or a culinary degree—just a little patience (and maybe a kitchen towel for the inevitable splatters).
Finally, I love that it’s a soup for when you are sick or just need a little extra TLC. The pastina makes it filling, the rotisserie chicken saves time, and the Parmigiano-Reggiano rind? Pure magic. If you want another cozy winner, check out my Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lower-sodium chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Chopped sweet onion | 2 cups |
| Peeled and coarsely chopped carrots | 1 1/2 cups (about 2) |
| Celery ribs, coarsely chopped | 2 |
| Garlic cloves, smashed and peeled | 6 |
| Kosher salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Thyme sprigs | 4 |
| Fresh bay leaves | 2 |
| Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind | 1 (2 ounce), plus grated cheese for garnish |
| Uncooked pastina pasta | 4 ounces |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 2 cups |
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves |
Utensils and substitutions
For this italian penicillin soup, you only need a large saucepan or a small Dutch oven, a blender, and a trusty slotted spoon. If you don’t have a blender, mashing the veggies by hand works in a pinch—just expect a little more rustic charm. Also, a ladle and a sharp knife come in handy for prepping and serving.
Sometimes, I swap pastina for any tiny pasta shapes I have in the pantry, and if you’re out of Parmigiano-Reggiano rind, a sprinkle of grated cheese at the end still brings that comforting flavor. For a vegetarian version, use veggie broth and skip the chicken—honestly, it’s still one of those comforting soup recipes that soothes on tough days.
Kids love this soup, especially when they’re under the weather, and it’s gentle enough for soups for upset stomach . If you’re after an easy dinner when sick , this is a go-to in our house. I’ve made it so many times, and it always feels like the best soup recipes are the ones that bring a little comfort when you need it most.
Step-by-step method for a italian penicillin soup
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients to keep the cooking process smooth and organized. In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, bring the lower-sodium chicken broth, chopped sweet onion, peeled and chopped carrots, coarsely chopped celery, smashed garlic cloves, and kosher salt to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the vegetables simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables and 1 cup of broth to a blender. Secure the lid, removing the center piece to let steam escape, and cover the opening with a clean towel. Blend until smooth, roughly 30 seconds, and stir this pureed mixture back into the soup.
Step 3
Next, add the thyme sprigs, fresh bay leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind to the pot. Bring the soup back to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked pastina pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Finally, remove the soup from heat and discard the thyme, bay leaves, and cheese rind. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Tips and tricks to make this Soup recipe shine
This italian penicillin soup shines brightest when made with fresh ingredients and simple care. For an easy dinner when sick, this soup warms both the body and soul, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal. Also, blending some of the vegetables gives the soup a creamy texture without any cream, which is gentle on the stomach—ideal for soups for upset stomach or foods for sickness. When you want to try different comforting soup recipes, check out the Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner for another hearty option. Moreover, if you’re in the mood for an Italian touch beyond soup, the Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner pairs wonderfully with this soup for a full Italian-inspired meal. Remember, patience during simmering lets all flavors blend perfectly, making this soup one of the best soup recipes for when you are sick or just craving a warm bowl of comfort.
What to serve with this Soup recipe
First, pair your italian penicillin soup with a fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Next, consider a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast. Also, for a heartier meal, try our Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe or the Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight to complement the soothing flavors of this soup.
How to store and reheat
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the ingredients well combined. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and affect the texture. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
What makes italian penicillin soup special?
This soup blends soothing ingredients known for their comforting effects, perfect for cold days or when feeling under the weather. It combines hearty vegetables and herbs for a rich, healing broth.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out any meat-based broth for vegetable stock and skip meat additions. The flavors still come through beautifully.
Is italian penicillin soup good for an upset stomach?
Yes, it’s gentle and nourishing, making it one of the best soup recipes for when you are sick or dealing with stomach discomfort.
How long does it take to prepare?
This soup is relatively quick to prepare, making it an easy dinner when sick or when you want a comforting meal without fuss.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Print
italian penicillin soup
- Total Time: 38-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Clean Eating
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, flavorful chicken broth-based soup enriched with pureed vegetables, cheese rind, and tender pasta, perfect for soothing and nourishing.
Ingredients
8 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
2 cups chopped sweet onion
1 1/2 cups peeled and coarsely chopped carrots
2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 thyme sprigs
2 fresh bay leaves
1 (2 ounce) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind, plus grated cheese for garnish
4 ounces uncooked pastina pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
Instructions
1. Gather all ingredients.
2. In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, bring the broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables and 1 cup of broth to a blender.
5. Secure lid on blender, remove center piece to allow steam to escape, cover opening with a clean towel, blend until smooth about 30 seconds.
6. Stir pureed mixture back into the soup.
7. Add thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano rind.
8. Bring soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
9. Add pastina pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, simmer stirring occasionally until pasta is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.
10. Add shredded chicken during last 3 minutes of cooking.
11. Remove soup from heat, discard thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and cheese rind.
12. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Notes
Use leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop to preserve texture.
Adding more garlic can boost immune benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen today. This italian penicillin soup is one of those recipes that warms your soul and comforts your body, especially on those sick days or chilly evenings. If you want more ideas for comforting soup recipes or easy dinners, check out our Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe and the Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for the latest meal inspiration and cozy kitchen chats. Stay well and happy cooking!