Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soul-soothing soup brings together tender chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection, creating a delicious blend of flavors that revive the senses. Its simplicity doesn’t mean it lacks depth; every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a meal that speaks comfort, this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines in its straightforward ingredient list, showcasing how a handful of fresh, simple components can come together to create something truly special. Each item contributes its own unique part to the overall experience—whether through flavor, texture, or color.
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender protein and a rich flavor base that’s more forgiving and tasty than chicken breast.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of color to brighten the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a mild, fresh crunch that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds depth and a savory backbone to the flavor profile when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic notes that elevate every bite.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish light yet flavorful, allowing the other ingredients to shine without overpowering.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Introduces a classic Italian herbal touch that perfectly complements the other components.
- Small pasta (e.g., orzo) – optional: Adds a gratifying bite and makes the soup heartier if you like a bit more substance.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by chopping the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces and dicing the onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their pungent aroma. Having everything prepped ahead of time will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant—this small step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Place the boneless chicken thighs into the pot and sear them on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. Browning the chicken adds incredible depth and richness, so take your time here. This step helps lock in moisture and creates a robust flavor base.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the chopped carrots and celery, letting the mixture cook together for about five minutes. This softens the veggies slightly and allows their natural flavors to meld with the browned chicken and savory onions.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients in the pot. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook for around 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Season and Add Optional Pasta
Sprinkle in the dried oregano and taste your soup to adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’re including small pasta like orzo, add it now so it can cook in the broth for the last 10 minutes. This is the perfect way to transform your Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe into a heartier meal.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Crusty Bread
Once everything is cooked through and bursting with flavor, ladle your soup into bowls and serve it piping hot. Pair it with a crusty loaf or garlic bread to soak up all that wonderful broth—there’s nothing quite like it.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a grating of Parmesan cheese on top instantly elevates your bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. These garnishes add brightness and an extra layer of flavor that complements the rich broth beautifully. For a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a main course, but can also be paired with light, complementary sides. A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables would add variety and balance the meal. Crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for dunking and making sure none of the delicious broth goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to add rustic charm and extra flavor. You can also ladle it over a small bed of risotto or even spoon it into mason jars for a charming, portable lunch. Each presentation makes the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe feel fresh and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick dinners the next day. Flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!
Freezing
If you want to preserve this soup for longer, freezing works perfectly. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months in the freezer, giving you a convenient, delicious option whenever you need.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies. Stir occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of water or broth to restore that lovely, comforting broth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs are preferred for this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe due to their juiciness and richer flavor. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out easily.
Is it necessary to add pasta to the soup?
The pasta is optional and serves to make the soup heartier. If you prefer a lighter, more broth-focused dish, simply skip the pasta. Otherwise, small shapes like orzo or ditalini work best.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
Yes! Fresh oregano can be used and will add a bright, vibrant note. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried, adding them near the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe vegetarian, swap chicken thighs for hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the rest of the vegetables and seasonings the same for a rich and satisfying bowl.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it feels too thin?
If you find the broth is too light, adding the pasta helps naturally thicken it. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables against the pot’s side and stir them back in, giving the soup a lovely creamy texture without adding cream.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a warm bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe to nourish your body and soul. With its simple ingredients and deeply satisfying flavors, it quickly becomes a comfort food classic that you’ll want to make again and again. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming your new go-to for cozy meals with a delicious Italian flair.
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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and flavorful chicken soup featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, enriched with low-sodium chicken broth and optionally small pasta like orzo. This hearty soup balances wholesome ingredients with simple, classic Italian flavors, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Optional
- small pasta (e.g., orzo) – optional
- olive oil (for sautéing, approximately 1-2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the carrots and celery stalks into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Sear Chicken Thighs: Place the boneless chicken thighs into the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots and celery into the pot, cooking for an additional five minutes to slightly soften the vegetables and combine flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth so it covers all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Season and Add Pasta: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and stir well. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If using, add the small pasta like orzo during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow it to cook and absorb flavors without becoming mushy.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy this warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but thighs add more moisture and flavor.
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
- If you prefer thicker soup, shred some chicken and stir back into the broth.
- Vegetarian version can be made by omitting chicken and using vegetable broth with mushrooms for umami.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before simmering broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
