Description
A warm and nourishing Italian Penicillin Soup made with tender shredded chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, vegetables, pasta, and a bright splash of lemon for a comforting and restorative meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded chicken, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until tender.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Swap pasta with rice for a different texture.
For a low-carb option, omit pasta and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Add a small knob of butter at the end for richer flavor.
Cook pasta separately if storing to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze without pasta for best texture and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop and add extra broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
