There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a pot of Italian Penicillin Soup bubbling on the stove, filling your kitchen with a warm embrace of herbs and spices. This hearty dish, a blend of rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory meats, is the ultimate comfort food that can turn even the gloomiest day around. Picture yourself cozying up with a bowl of this delightful soup, its steam swirling around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
I remember making Italian Penicillin Soup during my first winter in college. My friends dropped by unannounced, and as they inhaled the intoxicating scent wafting through the air, their eyes lit up like children at Christmas. From that moment on, it became our unofficial “soup for all occasions,” whether we were celebrating exams or just surviving another week of ramen noodles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Penicillin Soup is simple to prepare yet delivers bold flavors that will impress everyone
- Fresh ingredients create a visually stunning presentation while offering countless variations based on what you have on hand
- The warming aroma and heartiness make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
I once served this soup at a dinner party, and it was such a hit that my friends insisted I write my own cookbook—clearly forgetting that I’m better at cooking than writing!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Chicken Thighs: These are flavorful and tender; using skinless thighs helps keep the soup light.
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Carrots: Choose vibrant orange ones for sweetness; they add color and nutrition to the mix.
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Celery Stalks: Fresh celery brings an aromatic crunch; don’t skimp on these for flavor depth!
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Onion: A yellow onion works best; sauté until translucent to unleash its sweetness.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch; use more if you’re feeling spicy!
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade is always best if you have it!
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Italian Seasoning Blend: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme gives that classic Italian flavor.
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Pasta (your choice): I love using small pasta shapes that soak up the broth beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese adds richness when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving in, gather all your ingredients so they’re within arm’s reach. This step makes cooking feel less stressful and more fun—plus, no last-minute searches in the pantry!
Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Brown the Chicken
Increase the heat slightly and add chicken thighs to the pot. Cook them until golden brown on both sides—around 6-8 minutes—then remove them from the pot temporarily while you build flavor.
Add Garlic & Broth
Throw in minced garlic once the chicken is out. Sauté until aromatic (30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth along with Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom.
Return Chicken & Simmer
Return your beautiful chicken thighs back to the pot along with any juices they released. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat—cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Stir in Pasta
Add your favorite pasta into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Stir occasionally until al dente; it’s all about timing here!
Finish with Cheese
Once cooked through, serve hot! Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of divine cheesiness—it’s truly heavenly!
And there you have it! A steaming bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup awaits you—a dish filled with memories, warmth, and lots of love. Enjoy every spoonful!
You Must Know
- This Italian Penicillin Soup isn’t just a remedy; it’s a hug in a bowl
- Perfect for chilly evenings, it warms you from the inside out while tantalizing your taste buds with rich flavors and textures
- The aroma alone will lure family and friends to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then add your broth and veggies. Simmer until everything is tender, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins. For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality broth for richer flavor; homemade is best if you have time
- Don’t rush the simmering process; letting it bubble away enhances all those beautiful flavors
- Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate this soup from good to extraordinary!
Sharing this dish with friends always brings laughter and stories to the table—one friend even claimed it cured their cold! The joy of cooking and sharing never fails to warm my heart.
FAQ
What makes Italian Penicillin Soup special?
This soup combines comforting flavors that create a nourishing experience for both body and soul.
Can I freeze Italian Penicillin Soup?
Absolutely! Just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
What variations can I try with Italian Penicillin Soup?
You can add different proteins like chicken or beans for extra heartiness and flavor.
Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm your soul with a bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents and your heart with warmth. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a hug in a bowl that promises to turn any day around.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients for ease of cooking.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Increase heat slightly and brown the chicken thighs on both sides (6-8 minutes) then set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning.
- Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally until al dente.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins like beans for added heartiness. For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
