Healing Italian Penicillin Soup – A Cozy Cold Remedy!

When you’re feeling under the weather, few things are as comforting as a warm, healing bowl of soup. This Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate cold remedy, packed with nourishing ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and a rich, savory broth. Combining the traditional healing qualities of chicken soup with Italian flavors, this dish is not just medicine for the body but also a treat for the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Immune-Boosting Ingredients – Garlic, onions, and fresh herbs help support the immune system, while the warm broth soothes sore throats and congestion.
• Rich and Comforting – With a slow-simmered broth and tender chicken, every spoonful is packed with flavor and warmth.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this a go-to recipe for busy days.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store leftovers for an easy, nutritious meal throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chicken (bone-in for extra flavor)
• Chicken broth
• Crushed tomatoes
• White beans
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parmesan rind (for depth of flavor)
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the bone-in chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add crushed tomatoes, white beans, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, discard the bones, and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Enhance the Flavor: Add a Parmesan rind to the soup and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Add the Greens and Pasta: Stir in fresh spinach or kale and small pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the greens are wilted.
7. Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaves. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and serve hot.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans for protein.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta or swap with rice.
• Extra Hearty Version – Add diced potatoes or chickpeas for an even more filling meal.
• Spicier Twist – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

How does this soup help with colds?

This soup is packed with immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, herbs, and nutrient-rich broth, which can help fight off colds and provide relief from symptoms.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the pasta and greens to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the pasta and greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What can I substitute for Parmesan rind?

If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan at the end for a similar umami boost.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Simply shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

What type of beans work best?

White beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans work well, but you can also use chickpeas for a twist.

How can I make the broth even richer?

For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth or simmer the soup with an extra chicken bone.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan and Parmesan rind, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Small shapes like acini de pepe, orzo, or even broken spaghetti work well in this soup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers are great additions to this soup.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! If serving to children, you may want to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and nourishment, making it an ideal dish for chilly days or when you need a boost. With its rich, flavorful broth and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let this cozy, healing soup become a staple in your home!

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