Okay, my kitchen warriors, let’s talk about a soup that’s a total game-changer: Italian Penicillin Soup. It’s basically the ultimate comfort food, the kind that makes everything feel a little bit better. Think of it as a big hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little extra TLC. It’s the perfect quick dinner recipe for a busy parent. Trust me, this Italian Penicillin Soup is about to become your new best friend.
I remember the first time I made this Italian Penicillin Soup. It was a rainy Tuesday, the kind of day where the kids were bouncing off the walls and I was battling a never-ending to-do list. My youngest had a sniffle, and I felt that familiar panic of a potential family-wide sickness looming. I needed something quick, easy, and comforting. That’s when I stumbled upon a recipe for Italian Penicillin Soup.
I had most of the ingredients on hand, which was a HUGE win. Within 30 minutes, the aroma of warm chicken broth and herbs filled the kitchen, instantly calming everyone down. The kids devoured it, even the picky one who usually avoids anything green. It was pure magic. This Italian Penicillin Soup was not only delicious but also felt like a little act of love.
What made it memorable? The simplicity. The fact that it came together so quickly with ingredients I usually have. And most of all, how happy it made my family feel. It was more than just soup. It was a moment of connection in the middle of a chaotic day. It’s simple to make Italian Penicillin Soup.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s both nourishing and soul-soothing, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this Italian Penicillin Soup together, and I promise you’ll be thanking me later!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Alright, let’s gather our troops, I mean, ingredients! The beauty of this Italian Penicillin Soup is that it’s super flexible. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
- 6 cups Chicken Broth: This is the base of our liquid gold. I usually grab the low-sodium kind to control the salt levels.
- 2 large Eggs: These are what create that beautiful, silky texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Parsley: For a pop of freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup Pastina Pasta: Tiny little stars! But you can use ditalini or any small pasta shape.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t be shy! Season generously.
- Optional: 1 cup cooked Chicken: If you want to add some protein, shredded chicken is perfect.
Trust me, this Italian Penicillin Soup ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! No worries if you don’t have pastina – I use ditalini pasta all the time. You can grab chicken broth at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.

This Italian Penicillin Soup doesn’t have to break the bank. Use leftover chicken from last night’s dinner, or skip it altogether for a vegetarian version. The key to this recipe is really the egg mixture, so don’t skip on that. You can find other Autumn soup recipes from Rome, Italy.
Here’s an Italian Penicillin Soup trick that saved my sanity: I always keep a bag of frozen chopped parsley in the freezer. It’s a lifesaver for adding a quick burst of flavor without any chopping! My family loves when I add extra parmesan cheese. I even let them grate some extra on top for themselves. It makes them feel like they’re helping, and that’s a win in my book. Plus, it adds some tasty calcium.
Store any leftover Italian Penicillin Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little water when you reheat it. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my spicy-black-bean-soup, for another winner.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, my friends, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Italian Penicillin Soup is so simple that even on your most hectic days, you can whip it up in no time. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
- Bring the Chicken Broth to a simmer: In a medium saucepan, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This is a great time to prep your other ingredients!
- Whisk the Eggs and Parmesan: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and parmesan cheese until well combined. This is what creates the creamy, flavorful base of our soup.
- Slowly Drizzle the Egg Mixture: Once the broth is simmering, slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the broth while continuously stirring with a fork. This creates those beautiful, delicate strands that make this soup so special. Be sure to constantly stir to avoid creating scrambled eggs!
- Add the Pasta and Cook: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parsley and Chicken (if using): Stir in the chopped parsley and cooked chicken (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. You can sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top if you like!
In my chaotic kitchen, this Italian Penicillin Soup usually takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Your Italian Penicillin Soup should smell amazing by now, a comforting aroma that fills the whole house.
Don’t panic if your Italian Penicillin Soup looks a little thin at first. The pasta will continue to absorb the broth as it sits. Here’s where I used to mess up my Italian Penicillin Soup – I would add the egg mixture too quickly, and it would turn into scrambled eggs! The key is to drizzle it in slowly and stir constantly.
While your Italian Penicillin Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee or tea! You deserve it.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Italian Penicillin Soup – now what? Here’s how my family loves to enjoy it, and some ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
The kids devour this Italian Penicillin Soup when I serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. They love soaking up all that delicious broth! My husband likes to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. I love it just as it is, a simple and comforting bowl of goodness.
This Italian Penicillin Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and nourishing. It’s also great for sick days, or any time you need a little extra comfort. It is so versatile.
For a fun presentation, I sometimes serve this Italian Penicillin Soup in mugs instead of bowls. It’s especially cute for little ones! Leftovers are great for lunch the next day. I usually add a little extra broth when I reheat it, as the pasta tends to soak it up.
We also like to call it Stracciatella soup for fun!
For a seasonal variation, try adding some shredded carrots and celery to the broth while it’s simmering. It adds a little extra sweetness and nutrients! I’ve even added a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy flavor. My family’s reaction to this Italian Penicillin Soup is always positive. They love how comforting and flavorful it is, and they always ask for seconds!
Check out this Italian stracciatella soup recipe if you want to try other ideas!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this Italian Penicillin Soup. I’ve been there, I’ve made the mistakes, so let’s learn from each other!
- Can my picky eater handle this Italian Penicillin Soup?Absolutely! The mild flavor and small pasta shapes are usually a hit with picky eaters. You can also customize it by leaving out the parsley or adding a little extra cheese.
- What if I don’t have pastina pasta?No problem! Any small pasta shape will work, such as ditalini, acini di pepe, or even broken-up spaghetti.
- Can I make this ahead for meal prep?Yes, you can! The pasta will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little extra water when you reheat it. It is best eaten soon after preparing it.
- What if I burn my Italian Penicillin Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)We’ve all been there! If it’s just a little bit burnt, you can try transferring the soup to a clean pot and avoid scraping the bottom. If it’s badly burnt, it’s probably best to start over.
- Can I add vegetables to this soup?Definitely! Carrots, celery, spinach, and zucchini all work well. Add them to the broth while it’s simmering.
- How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?The key is to drizzle the egg mixture in slowly while continuously stirring with a fork. This creates those beautiful, delicate strands.
- Is this soup gluten-free?No, traditional pastina pasta is not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
My family prefers this Italian Penicillin Soup with a little extra parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread. It is so good! Reader questions I’ve received often revolve around substitutions and variations, which is great because this recipe is so versatile! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. It’s similar to Pastina Egg Drop Soup (Stracciatella alla Romana) – LadyPearTree
Final Thoughts:
This Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of comfort, connection, and the power of a simple meal to bring a family together. It’s a dish that I turn to time and time again, especially when we need a little extra love and nourishment. It’s part of our family.
My Italian Penicillin Soup Mom Hacks:
- Frozen parsley is your friend! Always keep a bag on hand for a quick burst of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes.
- Let the kids help! They can sprinkle the cheese or stir in the parsley.
Here are some family-tested Italian Penicillin Soup variations:
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some shredded chicken for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Vegetable Medley: Add carrots, celery, spinach, and zucchini for a nutrient-packed boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

My husband prefers the spicy version, while the kids love the classic Italian Penicillin Soup with extra cheese. I encourage you to make this recipe your own, adding your own personal touch and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my recipe for spicy-black-bean-soup for another winner.
I hope you try this Italian Penicillin Soup! Remember, the most important ingredient is love. So, grab your apron, gather your family, and get ready to create some mealtime magic! You’ve got this, kitchen warrior! Also, you can checkout this Pastina Egg Drop Soup (Stracciatella alla Romana) – LadyPearTree. It’s one of my favorites.
Italian Penicillin Soup
This Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and flavorful broth packed with nutrients, perfect for soothing a cold or flu. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe loaded with vegetables, pasta, and herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken (if using) and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.