Print

Italian Penicillin Soup

Bowl of 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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Stir in cooked chicken (if using) and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 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.