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Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup for Comfort

A close-up view of a bowl of hot penicillin soup filled with orzo pasta, diced carrots, celery, and topped with fresh parsley.
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Make this classic Italian Penicillin Soup, a soothing, flavorful bowl perfect for recovery or cold weather. This recipe focuses on rich broth, aromatic vegetables, and bright lemon.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups high-quality chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional, omit for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup pastina or orzo pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add the pastina or orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 10 minutes, until tender.
  6. If using, stir in the shredded cooked chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to heat through.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add white beans for extra protein.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, remove about half the soup solids and broth before adding the pasta, puree them, and then return the puree to the pot.
  • Use a good quality, low-sodium broth to control the final salt level.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/penicillin-soup-italian-comfort-recipe/