Name: Healing Italian Penicillin Soup – A Cozy Cold Remedy!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or breasts); 6 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 Parmesan rind; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Description

A comforting and immune-boosting Italian Penicillin Soup, packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and a rich broth. This cozy cold remedy combines the healing qualities of traditional chicken soup with Italian flavors for the perfect nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or breasts)
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 Parmesan rind
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the bone-in chicken into the pot. Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, white beans, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, discard bones, and shred the meat. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Enhance the Flavor: Add the Parmesan rind and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
Add the Greens and Pasta: Stir in spinach or kale and small pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente and greens are wilted.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaves. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and enjoy hot.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
Extra Hearty: Add diced potatoes or chickpeas.
Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: italian

Keywords: Italian chicken soup, cold remedy soup, healing soup, immune-boosting soup, comfort food