How to Make Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup: The Perfect Soup for Winter

As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of homemade soup. Our Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup is a delicious twist on the classic chicken soup—infused with Italian herbs, fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and tiny pasta. It’s designed to nourish your body and comfort your soul, making it the ultimate dish for cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

This version skips any alcohol or pork products, focusing purely on natural, wholesome ingredients. Imagine the rich aroma of garlic and thyme filling your kitchen, the vibrant colors of carrots, celery, and parsley floating in a golden broth, and the soft bite of pasta pearls rounding out each spoonful. Perfect for family meals, care packages, or simply cozy nights at home, this soup is a simple yet powerful way to bring warmth into your life.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup

There are countless reasons this soup will steal your heart. First, it’s packed with immune-boosting ingredients like chicken, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs—making it both delicious and healing. It’s light enough to enjoy regularly but hearty enough to satisfy serious hunger.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile: great for weeknight dinners, make-ahead lunches, or freezing for later. The flavors are bright and savory, with a touch of Italian soul in every spoonful, and no complicated techniques are needed. Even beginner cooks can make it perfectly.

Best of all, it’s a deeply comforting recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl—something you’ll reach for time and again when you need simple, nourishing, feel-good food.

What You’ll Need

For this Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken (about 2 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless)
• Carrots (2, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for sautéing)
• Chicken broth (6 cups, low-sodium preferred)
• Tiny pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo, 1/2 cup)
• Lemon (1, for juice and zest)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

These ingredients are easy to find, and most of them are staples in your kitchen. The fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors, while the chicken broth creates the rich base. The lemon adds a refreshing zing, and the pasta gives the soup a comforting heartiness.

How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup

Making this soup is simple and takes less than an hour! Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. When it’s cool enough, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
3. Simmer the Broth:
   Add the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   Add the pasta to the pot and let it cook according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish the Soup:
   Once the pasta is cooked, add the lemon juice, zest, and fresh parsley to the soup. Stir everything together, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot!

You Must Know

A few key tips can help elevate this Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup to the next level. Let’s go over what you must know to make the process smoother and the soup even more flavorful:

1. Chicken Options:
   If you’re in a hurry, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it yourself. Simply shred it and add it to the soup when you’re ready to simmer the broth. This will save time while still delivering great taste.
2. Customizing the Vegetables:
   While carrots, celery, and onions form the base of this soup, feel free to swap in other vegetables if desired. Zucchini, spinach, or kale can be great additions for extra greens and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you choose quicker-cooking vegetables.
3. Broth Choice:
   For a richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought options work just as well. The key is to taste the broth as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly, especially if you use a saltier broth.
4. The Pasta:
   Tiny pasta, like acini di pepe, works best because it adds a delicate texture without overwhelming the broth. However, if you can’t find it, small pasta like orzo or ditalini is a great alternative. Just remember to cook the pasta separately if you plan to store the soup, so it doesn’t get mushy.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Making soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you perfect the cooking process for the best results:

1. Building Flavor from the Start:
   Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil is essential to developing depth in the soup. Allow the vegetables to cook until they’re tender and slightly caramelized before adding the broth. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
2. Simmer, Don’t Boil:
   Once you add the broth and chicken, allow the soup to simmer gently, not boil. Boiling can break down the chicken and vegetables too quickly, leading to a less desirable texture. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Tasting and Adjusting:
   The magic happens when you adjust the seasoning. Taste the soup as it cooks, especially after adding the lemon juice and herbs. Adding a little extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring the soup to life.
4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
   If you’re making the soup ahead of time, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming soggy. Pasta absorbs a lot of broth, so you want it to stay al dente in the soup.

Add Your Touch

While this Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways you can make it your own. Here are some ideas to customize and add your personal touch:

1. Herb Variations:
   Fresh herbs make a world of difference in soup. If you’re not a fan of thyme and oregano, try using basil, rosemary, or even sage. Fresh basil, in particular, would pair beautifully with the lemon for a fresh and aromatic kick.
2. Add Heat:
   For those who love a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. A few slices of fresh jalapeño can also add heat without overpowering the dish.
3. Make it Creamy:
   If you prefer a creamy version of this soup, you can stir in a bit of cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will create a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for those extra-chilly nights.
4. Add Beans:
   If you want to boost the soup’s fiber content, try adding a can of white beans (like cannellini or navy beans) during the simmering stage. They’ll make the soup even heartier without changing the flavor too much.
5. Garnish Options:
   Experiment with different garnishes. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavor and add a touch of richness. A few fresh basil leaves or parsley also makes for a vibrant and fresh topping.

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Storing & Reheating

This Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

1. Storing:
   Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to store it for longer, freezing is a great option.
2. Freezing:
   To freeze, let the soup cool, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
3. Reheating:
   Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens after being refrigerated, simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. For frozen soup, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or on the stove, but this may take a little longer.
4. Fresh Pasta:
   If you’re storing the soup with pasta, it’s best to store the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and soaking up too much broth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

These tips will help you elevate your Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup to perfection:

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1. Perfect Chicken Texture:
   To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Once it’s golden and cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This prevents it from becoming dry and tough.
2. Flavor Building:
   When sautéing the vegetables, don’t rush it! Allow the carrots, onions, and celery to soften and caramelize slightly before adding the broth. This enhances the flavor, giving the soup a deeper, richer taste.
3. Adjust the Broth:
   If you prefer a lighter or richer soup, you can adjust the amount of chicken broth. For a thicker consistency, reduce the broth by simmering it a little longer before adding the pasta. For a lighter version, simply add more broth.
4. Boost the Lemon:
   For extra brightness, you can add a bit more lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. This will add an extra zing to the soup, balancing the richness of the chicken and broth.
5. Consistent Heat:
   Don’t boil the soup after you’ve added the pasta. Once the pasta is in, just allow the soup to simmer gently so the pasta stays perfectly cooked without overcooking or turning mushy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans, mushrooms, or vegetables for heartiness.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. However, make sure to cook the chicken fully and shred it before adding it back to the soup. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

What’s the best pasta to use for this soup?
Tiny pasta like acini di pepe or orzo works best for this soup because it absorbs the broth without overwhelming the texture. You can also use ditalini or even small macaroni as an alternative.

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How can I make the soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or some fresh chopped jalapeños to the soup for a kick of heat. Add them when sautéing the garlic and vegetables so the flavors meld well.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to store the pasta separately if you plan on freezing the soup.

Conclusion

This Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup is a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and nourishment. With its vibrant broth, tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicate pasta, it’s the ideal dish for chilly nights or when you need a little extra TLC. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving something wholesome, this soup checks all the boxes.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, with tips for customizing and storing, you can enjoy it fresh or as leftovers throughout the week. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting Italian goodness.

Enjoy every bite!