Name: Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Grated parmesan for serving

Description

A nourishing and comforting Italian-inspired soup packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and small pasta, often called “Italian penicillin” for its soothing and feel-better qualities. This hearty soup is perfect to uplift and warm you on chilly days or when you need a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base and Other Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tbsp lemon juice
Grated parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Add Chicken, Pasta, and Herbs: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, small pasta, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and simmering until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Add Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach leaves to the soup and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a fresh zing to the soup.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
Add diced zucchini or peas for extra vegetable nutrition and texture.
Adjust lemon juice amount according to your taste preference for a fresher flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian