The Heartwarming Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe for Comfort

My grandma’s italian penicillin soup carries healing powers that go far beyond typical comfort food.

Generations of her family swear by its magical restorative qualities.

Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and delicate pasta, this recipe promises warmth in every spoonful.

Nonna’s secret blend of herbs and slow-simmered broth creates a miraculous blend of nutrition and flavor.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a soul-soothing experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate its straightforward preparation and deeply satisfying results.

You’ll want to ladle this liquid gold into bowls and watch as smiles spread across faces.

What Makes Italian Penicillin Soup So Healing & Tasty

• Boost Immune Defense: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs that naturally support your body's healing process, this soup acts like a protective shield against common illnesses.
• Master Veggie Magic: Easily transform a variety of colorful vegetables into a delicious, comforting meal that even picky eaters will enjoy, making healthy eating a delightful experience.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Prepare a restaurant-worthy soup in less than an hour, with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make you feel like a professional chef at home.
• Flexible Family Pleaser: Customize the recipe by swapping vegetables or adding protein, ensuring everyone at the table gets a personalized bowl of warmth and nutrition.

Classic Ingredients for Italian Penicillin Soup

• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid base that provides depth and nutrition to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
• Pasta: Provides hearty texture and makes the soup more filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that creates a rich flavor foundation.
• Carrots, Celery: Traditional soup vegetables that add sweetness and depth.
• Zucchini, Bell Pepper: Provide additional texture and nutritional variety.

• Thyme, Oregano, Basil: Herbs that contribute classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a smooth, rich base flavor.

Simple Steps to Italian Penicillin Soup Perfection

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Gently introduce diced onions and allow them to transform into a translucent, softened state, releasing their sweet essence for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery

Sauté these vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Layer Herbal Complexity

• Zucchini
• Bell pepper
• Fresh thyme
• Dried oregano
• Chopped basil

Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the herbs to mingle and intensify the soup’s character.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop.

Step 5: Introduce Pasta

Add pasta to the simmering soup. Cook until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness, typically 8-10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Presentation

Season with salt and pepper to your preferred taste.

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tricks for Rich and Flavorful Penicillin Soup

• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting soup.
• Enhance flavor by roasting vegetables before adding them to the pot, which deepens their natural sweetness and adds complexity.
• Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, nutritious meals during busy weeks, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
• Boost protein content by adding cooked chicken, white beans, or tofu, transforming this soup into a more substantial main course.
• Experiment with different herbs like oregano or marjoram to create unique flavor variations while keeping the classic Italian-inspired profile.

Creative Takes on the Classic Penicillin Soup

• Protein Power Soup: Replace vegetables with shredded chicken or diced beef for a protein-packed version, maintaining the original herb blend and broth base.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add white beans, spinach, and kalamata olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired soup with rich, earthy flavors and additional nutrients.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Incorporate black beans, corn, jalapeños, and swap herbs for cumin and chili powder to give the soup a zesty southwestern kick.
• Seafood Splash: Substitute vegetable broth with fish stock and mix in fresh shrimp or flaky white fish for an elegant ocean-inspired variation.

Best Pairings for Italian Penicillin Soup

• Pair Crusty Rustic Bread: Slice a warm, hearty Italian bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and complement the soup's texture.
• Recommended White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to enhance the vegetable notes and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the soup's warmth.
• Cleanse Palate with Citrus Salad: Create a simple side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's heartiness and add brightness.
• Finish with Parmesan Crisps: Bake thin, crispy Parmesan cheese wafers as a crunchy garnish that adds a salty, umami element to the Italian Penicillin Soup.

How to Store and Warm Italian Penicillin Soup

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Freezer Preservation: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Warming: Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture.

Common Questions About Penicillin Soup, Answered

• What are the health benefits of this soup?

This soup is packed with vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The combination of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil provides anti-inflammatory properties, while the variety of vegetables supports immune system health.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by ensuring you use a vegan-friendly pasta. The vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients make it a perfect plant-based meal option.

• How nutritious is this soup for recovery?

Known as “Italian Penicillin”, this soup is designed to help boost immunity and provide comfort during illness. The blend of vegetables, herbs, and broth offers hydration, nutrients, and gentle nourishment for someone feeling under the weather.

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 34-44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of italian penicillin soup, a healing classic from Italy’s culinary heart. Garlic, herbs, and tender chicken merge into a soulful remedy that promises warmth and nourishment with each spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Base and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and develop a soft, glossy appearance.
2. Introduce minced garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot, allowing them to dance and soften for 3-4 minutes while releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate zucchini, bell pepper, and fragrant herbs – thyme, oregano, and basil – stirring continuously to marry the flavors and create a vibrant vegetable medley.
4. Cascade vegetable broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, elevating the heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Delicately add pasta and allow it to cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Calibrate the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed to achieve a harmonious balance.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, creating a final touch of color and freshness.

Notes

• Swap ingredients for dietary needs like using gluten-free pasta or replacing vegetables with seasonal alternatives.
• Boost protein by adding cooked chicken, white beans, or tofu cubes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Enhance flavor complexity by roasting vegetables before adding them to the soup for deeper, caramelized notes.
• Freeze leftover soup in portioned containers for quick meal prep, keeping pasta separate to prevent mushiness when reheating.

• Prep Time: 8-10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26-34 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg