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If you’re longing for a soul-soothing bowl that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful, the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is here to save your day. This vibrant, hearty soup combines tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs to create a harmonious blend of flavors that feels like a cozy hug from the inside. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just craving something delicious and wholesome, this soup delivers on taste and nourishment in such a simple, satisfying way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward crafting a soul-warming Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so irresistible.
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs: Chosen for their rich flavor and tenderness that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of bright orange, bringing color and nutrition.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides aromatic earthiness and a slight crunch for balance.
- 1 medium onion, diced: The foundation of deep flavor and savory aroma.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses unmistakable warmth and a gentle spicy bite.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful and nourishing base that ties everything together.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herbal note to brighten the palate.
- Small pasta (e.g., orzo) – optional: Adds comforting texture and heartiness, perfect for stretching the meal further.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Garlic
Start by chopping the carrots and celery into bite-size pieces and dicing the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves with care to release their fullest flavor. Preparing these fresh ingredients upfront makes the cooking process smooth and seamless.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic to Flavor Base
Warm up a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and tender, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn—this builds a fragrant and savory foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Place the boneless chicken thighs into the pot and sear them until both sides achieve a light, golden-brown crust. This step not only locks in the chicken’s natural juices but also adds complexity to the soup’s flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Carrots and Celery
Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot, stirring them with the browned chicken and aromatics. Let them cook together for about five minutes until the veggies start softening and melding their flavors.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, just enough to cover all the ingredients in the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to bubble away for about 20 minutes, giving the chicken time to become tender and the flavors to fully develop.
Step 6: Season and Add Optional Pasta
Sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried oregano and give the soup a taste. Adjust seasonings if needed with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you want a heartier meal, add small pasta like orzo during the last ten minutes of cooking so it cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Once everything is cooked through and fragrant, your Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is ready to bring warmth to your table. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for comforting satisfaction with every spoonful.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan can elevate this soup beautifully. These simple garnishes add a burst of color and an extra layer of freshness or umami that complements the hearty broth perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup alongside crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a wonderful side, balancing the heartiness with a refreshing crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in a rustic bread bowl for a fun and cozy presentation. Alternatively, ladle it over cooked risotto or polenta for an unexpected yet delightful twist that turns the soup into a full meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen, making your next meal just as enjoyable if not better!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Leave out any pasta when freezing and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to maintain perfect texture.
Reheating
Rewarm your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve its delicate flavors and prevent the chicken from drying out. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, chicken breast will work fine if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook so it stays tender.
Is it necessary to use oregano in this recipe?
Oregano gives the soup a classic Italian touch, but feel free to substitute with other herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer. Fresh herbs can also be a wonderful alternative when in season.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or tiny shells are ideal as they cook quickly and fit perfectly on the spoon with broth and chicken. Avoid large pasta shapes which can overpower the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup won’t have the same depth of flavor but will still be wonderfully comforting.
How spicy is the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe?
This soup is naturally mild and soothing—perfect if you want gentle flavors that comfort you without any heat. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe enough for those moments you want to feel nurtured and cozy. It’s such a satisfying blend of simple ingredients made with love that you’ll want to return to it again and again. Give it a try and let the flavors wrap you in warmth and happiness.
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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, hearty chicken soup featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This flavorful recipe combines sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery with low-sodium chicken broth and optional small pasta like orzo, perfect for a warming meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Protein and Broth
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Optional
- Small pasta (e.g., orzo) – optional
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the carrots and celery into small pieces and dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves thoroughly to release their flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sear Chicken Thighs: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot and sear them on both sides until lightly browned, sealing in their juices for a richer flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots and celery with the chicken, cooking them together for about five minutes to start softening the vegetables.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth until all ingredients are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Season and Add Pasta: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. If using small pasta like orzo, add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure it cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and serve hot alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and juiciness.
- Adding small pasta such as orzo is optional but adds a nice texture and makes the soup more filling.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, and adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
- For a smoother texture, you can shred the chicken pieces before serving.
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
