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Italian Penicillin Soup

Heartwarming Italian Penicillin Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Italian Penicillin Soup is a cozy chicken pastina recipe that offers warmth and comfort in every bowl.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium chopped sweet onion substitute with shallots or leeks if desired
  • 2 medium peeled, coarsely chopped carrots
  • 2 stalks coarsely chopped celery bell peppers can be used as a substitute
  • 3 cloves smashed garlic fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works in a pinch
  • to taste kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 2-3 sprigs thyme dried herbs can be a good alternative
  • 1-2 leaves fresh bay leaves
  • 1 piece Parmigiano-Reggiano rind
For the Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 cup uncooked pastina pasta substitute with acini di pepe or orzo if needed
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken can be swapped for cooked chicken breast or beans for vegetarian options
For the Finish
  • to taste fresh flat-leaf parsley other fresh herbs like basil or dill can also work beautifully

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Penicillin Soup
  1. In a large pot, combine 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 chopped sweet onion, 2 peeled and coarsely chopped carrots, and 2 coarsely chopped celery stalks. Add 3 smashed garlic cloves and sprinkle in some kosher salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Transfer the softened vegetables and about 1 cup of the broth into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return it to the pot and stir.
  4. Add 2-3 thyme sprigs, 1-2 fresh bay leaves, and the Parmigiano rind to the blended broth. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Bring your soup back to a boil over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked pastina pasta, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  6. With 3 minutes remaining, stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and remove the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Parmigiano rind before serving.
  7. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best leftovers, store soup and pasta separately. Mix them just before reheating for perfect consistency.

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