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
Scale
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
