If you’re craving a comforting and hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and soothing pasta swimming in a flavorful broth that’s perfect for any day you need a little pick-me-up. The blend of vibrant colors and comforting aromas will fill your kitchen and your heart, making this soup an instant favorite to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor with every spoonful. Each item on the list is essential, contributing to the soup’s incredible taste, texture, and inviting appearance.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables perfectly.
- Onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth that lifts the entire dish.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced: Provide sweetness and a delicate crunch to balance the savory broth.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Offer a fresh, slightly peppery note and extra texture.
- Zucchini, diced: Adds subtle earthiness and tender bites that complement the other ingredients.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced: The star protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
- Chicken broth: The savory, soul-warming base that brings everything together.
- Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): Creates delightful little morsels that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Can of diced tomatoes: Injects bright acidity and vibrant color.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors with classic Italian charm.
- Salt and pepper: Essential staples for enhancing and balancing all the tastes.
- Baby spinach (optional): Adds a tender green freshness and nutritional boost.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a final touch of brightness and color.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This base of softened vegetables is where the magic starts, infusing the soup with depth and natural sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Next, add the diced chicken directly into the pot with the softened vegetables. Brown and cook the chicken well over the next 5 to 7 minutes. This step not only locks in the chicken’s juices but also builds a rich flavor base that is anything but ordinary.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Add diced zucchini along with the Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the vegetables and chicken mingle in the savory broth for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering brings out the harmonious blend of flavors that is signature to the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in your chosen small pasta, whether ditalini or orzo, and cook according to the package directions, usually between 7 and 10 minutes. The pasta will become tender and soak up the delicious broth, adding satisfying substance to the soup.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Season
For an optional boost of color and nutrients, stir in the baby spinach leaves. Let the soup simmer just a few minutes more until the spinach wilts beautifully. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, bringing the flavors into perfect balance.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the warm, comforting soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. This vibrant garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note just when you need it most. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious spoonful.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for some extra richness or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the flavors. A few red pepper flakes can add a playful little heat if you like your soup with a kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the soup perfectly, creating a balanced and inviting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls, making the presentation extra special and adding an edible side. You could also top each serving with a small spoonful of pesto or a swirl of cream to add creaminess and vibrant flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy this cozy meal even on busy nights.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Consider leaving out the pasta if you plan to freeze it so it doesn’t become mushy. When you reheat, cook fresh pasta separately and add it in just before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or beef instead of chicken in this soup?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional and lends a lighter flavor, diced turkey or lean beef can be great alternatives, giving the soup a different but equally tasty profile.
What pasta works best for Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo are perfect because they cook quickly and fit well on a spoon with the broth and vegetables, enhancing each bite.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might want to add beans or extra vegetables to bulk it up and keep it satisfying.
How spicy is this soup?
This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is mild by nature, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
Is it okay to prepare this soup a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld and improve overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days or meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
If you want a soup that’s both soul-soothing and full of fresh, vibrant flavors, this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. It’s flexible, easy to make, and sure to become a staple you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and experience the heartwarming magic for yourself!
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Penicillin Soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice, zucchini, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the baby spinach if using, along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm for a nourishing and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful soup.
- Substitute the pasta with gluten-free noodles to make it gluten-free.
- The spinach is optional but adds a nice touch of color and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for best taste, as broth brands vary in saltiness.
