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Italian Penicillin Soup: Cozy Healing Comfort Food

Close-up of a bowl of rich, yellow broth italian penicillin soup filled with shredded chicken, ditalini pasta, carrots, and spinach.
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Make this simple, one-pot Italian Penicillin Soup when you need a warm, soothing meal. It features classic vegetables, lemon, garlic, and small pasta for a nourishing dish perfect for cold weather or when you feel unwell.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup small pasta, such as pastina or ditalini
  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
  5. If using chicken, stir in the shredded chicken now.
  6. Add the small pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
  7. Stir in the spinach or kale until it wilts, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
  9. Serve immediately. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture without dairy, remove about 2 cups of the soup solids and broth before adding the pasta, blend until smooth, and stir back into the pot.
  • If you are making this vegan, use vegetable broth and omit the optional chicken and Parmesan cheese.
  • This soup freezes well; store leftovers without the pasta added, and cook fresh pasta when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/italian-penicillin-soup-recipe/