Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

Tiny pastina pasta, shredded chicken, and pureed vegetables come together in one pot for an ultra comforting soup.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • yellow onion
    1 medium
  • carrots

    cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces

    4 medium
  • stalks celery
    2 medium
  • garlic
    6 clove
  • kosher salt

    plus more

    1 ½ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp
  • cartons low-sodium chicken broth

    32-ounce

    2
  • soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • Parmesan cheese rind
    1
  • fresh thyme
    2 sprig
  • bay leaves
    2
  • cooked chicken
    1 lb
  • pastina pasta
    1 c
  • squeezed lemon juice

    1/2 medium lemon

    1 tbsp
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

    for serving

  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 coarsely chopped yellow onion, 4 chopped medium carrots, 2 coarsely chopped medium celery stalks, 6 peeled garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Stir in 2 (32-ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 Parmesan cheese rind if using, 2 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 dried bay leaves. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove and discard the Parmesan rind, thyme stems, and bay leaves. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a blender. Blend until smooth.

  4. 4

    Return the puréed vegetables to the pot. Bring the soup back to a boil over medium heat. Add 1 pound shredded chicken and 1 cup dried pastina pasta. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is tender, about 6 minutes.

  5. 5

    Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired.

Recipe notes

  1. 1

    Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to thin out.

Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

70 min338 cal

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About this Recipe

Italian Penicillin Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

When you're craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, our Italian Penicillin Soup is precisely what you need. This isn't just any chicken noodle soup; it's a soul-soothing one-pot meal designed to nourish and delight. Featuring tender shredded chicken, a medley of pureed vegetables, and delicate pastina pasta, this recipe earns its name by making you feel good all over.

What makes this comfort food stand out? We've taken classic wholesome ingredients like yellow onion, carrots, and celery, along with plenty of garlic, and blended them seamlessly into the rich chicken broth. This brilliant technique ensures a velvety texture and an extra boost of nutrition, making it a fantastic way to enjoy more veggies without even noticing them! The tiny pastina cooks up perfectly in the savory broth, creating a hearty and satisfying experience in every spoonful.

This easy dinner is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings, or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. The process is straightforward, allowing you to whip up this flavorful Italian soup with minimal fuss. Plus, it's an excellent make-ahead option, with flavors that deepen beautifully overnight.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup

  • Boost the Flavor: Don't skip the optional Parmesan cheese rind; it infuses the broth with an incredible depth of savory notes.
  • Veggie Variations: Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
  • Herb Power: Fresh thyme and bay leaves are key to the soup's aromatic profile, providing that authentic, comforting scent.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty chicken pastina soup with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish.

This chicken soup recipe is more than just a meal; it's a tradition in the making, promising warmth and well-being with every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

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