Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
If you’re looking to nourish both body and spirit with a steaming bowl of comfort, look no further than Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul. This beloved Italian-inspired chicken and pasta soup is loaded with ingredients that bring coziness to chilly days, offer gentle healing power, and fill your kitchen with aromas that can make even the roughest day feel better. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a bowl of love, Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul is an instant mood (and body) booster that’s as vibrant as it is restorative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this classic soup is delightfully simple, and every ingredient brings its own special something to the pot. From the base of aromatic vegetables to the finishing hit of lemony brightness, these staples are what turn a basic broth into Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul.
- Olive oil: A drizzle to start everything off with flavor and silkiness—use good quality, if possible.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Sweet savoriness forms the foundation for your soup’s depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds gentle zing and that unmistakable homestyle aroma.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Brings subtle sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Adds a fresh, herbal undertone and delightful crunch.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy and fragrant, it gives your soup quintessential Italian notes.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic herb for that warm, Mediterranean touch.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch wakes up the flavors—skip or add more, as you wish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): The soul-soothing liquid backbone; low-sodium lets you season perfectly.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this both easy and hearty.
- Small pasta (1 cup, like ditalini or orzo): These little shapes soak up flavor and add satisfying texture.
- Fresh spinach or kale (2 cups, chopped): Lush greens stirred in at the end for a pop of color and goodness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything with fresh, tangy zip right before serving.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Bring all the flavors into balance with careful seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley (optional, for serving): Adds richness, depth, and an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul
Step 1: Sweat the Aromatics
Start your Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery, allowing them to sauté for 5 to 6 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and softens their texture, creating the fragrant backbone of your soup. Don’t rush this—when your kitchen smells like pure comfort, you’ll know it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Build Flavor With Garlic and Herbs
Add your minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of gentle heat. Stir and cook for just about a minute, until the garlic is dreamy and the herbs release their fragrance. This is when the soup turns from basic to downright addictive—herbs and aromatics will bloom in the warm oil and build those cozy Italian flavors.
Step 3: Pour In the Broth
Gently pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. You’ll see all those aromatic veggies come alive, swimming in golden goodness. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—it’s already beginning to look (and smell) like Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul!
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta
Time to stir in the shredded cooked chicken and your small pasta of choice. Let the soup gently bubble, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta will soften and swell as it soaks up all the broth’s flavor, and the chicken gets even more tender. Give it a stir now and then so the pasta doesn’t cling to the bottom.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, toss in your chopped spinach or kale. Just 2 or 3 minutes is all it takes for them to wilt into silky ribbons, turning your pot into a colorful, vitamin-packed bowl of happiness.
Step 6: Brighten and Season
With the heat off, stir in the fresh lemon juice for that essential burst of brightness. This lifts all the flavors and gives Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul its signature wake-you-up note. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring every ingredient into perfect harmony.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul
Garnishes
A soup this nurturing deserves a finishing flourish! Sprinkle generous clouds of grated Parmesan over each bowl, letting it melt into the steamy broth. Add scatterings of fresh parsley for a pop of green and extra freshness. If you want, a twist of black pepper or even a drizzle of fruity olive oil takes things over the top.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping, or toasted garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent. A simple mixed greens salad, tossed with lemon vinaigrette, makes for a light counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul in oversized mugs for easy sipping and maximum comfort. For a dinner party twist, ladle it into small bowls as a starter, garnished beautifully. Or, go rustic—set the pot in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves family-style for a true Italian home vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover soup completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors get even better as they meld—making this a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul freezes beautifully. Let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months. For best texture, you can undercook the pasta slightly or freeze without pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup in a pot over low to medium heat until hot throughout, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Top with fresh garnishes each time for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace shredded chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a hearty, satisfying version.
What’s the best pasta for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or pastina work wonderfully. They cook quickly and soak up all the delicious broth. For a gluten-free twist, use gluten-free pasta or even rice.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add just a whisper of gentle heat. Feel free to leave them out for a milder soup or add more if you want extra warmth.
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken is one of the secrets to quick, flavorful Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul. It saves time and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
It’s perfect for meal prep because it keeps well and the flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge. Just remember to cook the pasta al dente if you plan to store it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a soul-warming pot of Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul with the people you care about most. Whether you need a little comfort or just want to serve something nourishing and delicious, this soup truly delivers. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll feel the love in every spoonful!
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Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm your soul with this comforting Italian Penicillin Soup, a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for colds or chilly days. This hearty soup is packed with shredded chicken, pasta, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This comforting soup is great for colds or chilly days—hence the name!
- You can substitute rice for pasta or make it vegetarian by using veggie broth and white beans instead of chicken.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
