Name: Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 Parmesan rind (optional); 1 cup pastina pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Hearty bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup with Parmesan and parsley, ready to enjoy.

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Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup: The Best Chicken Soup Recipe for Colds – A Healing Bowl of Comfort 🍲✨🌿

1. Introduction

When cold season strikes, nothing beats a warm, nourishing bowl of the best chicken soup recipe for colds. Our Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup is packed with immune-boosting ingredients, rich flavors, and comforting textures that will help you feel better in no time. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and wholesome vegetables for a soup that’s both delicious and restorative. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving a hearty meal, this soup is a must-try!

For generations, chicken soup has been the go-to remedy for colds and flu, earning its nickname “Jewish penicillin.” Our Italian-inspired version takes this classic comfort food to new heights with Mediterranean flavors and extra healing ingredients. The combination of garlic, herbs, and nutrient-rich broth creates a powerful immune-boosting elixir that’s as tasty as it is therapeutic.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this best chicken soup recipe for colds, gather these wholesome ingredients:

1 whole chicken (or 4 chicken breasts)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish

For an extra healing boost, consider adding these optional ingredients:

1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

If you’re looking for more comforting meal ideas, check out our collection of hearty soup recipes that are perfect for any season.

3. Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). The vegetables should become slightly translucent but not browned. This slow cooking process helps release their natural sweetness and builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this stage is incredible – the garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen with a comforting, savory scent that promises delicious results.

Chopped vegetables and olive oil in a pot for making Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup.

4. Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth

Place the whole chicken or chicken breasts into the pot. If using a whole chicken, you might want to tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. For an authentic Italian touch, you can reference this traditional Italian penicillin soup recipe as inspiration.

Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld together while extracting maximum nutrition from the bones (if using a whole chicken).

Sautéed vegetables and herbs in a pot for Italian Penicillin Soup.

5. Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Pasta

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks. The meat should be tender and fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the pasta. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is the time to adjust all the flavors – you might want to add a bit more herbs or garlic depending on your preference. The soup should have a rich, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables.

Chicken broth added to vegetables for Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup.

6. Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a wonderful umami depth to the soup, while the fresh parsley provides a bright, herbal note that balances the richness. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping and let the healing powers of this best chicken soup recipe for colds work their magic!

For those feeling particularly under the weather, the steam from the hot soup can help clear nasal passages, while the warm liquid soothes sore throats. It’s truly nature’s medicine in a bowl.

Simmering Italian Penicillin Soup with chicken and pasta.

7. Tips for the Best Results

Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor and more nutrients. Simmer bones with vegetables for several hours to extract collagen and minerals.
Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end for extra immune-boosting benefits and to brighten the flavors.
If using a whole chicken, skim off excess fat after cooking for a lighter soup, or leave it in for more richness.
For extra heat that can help clear sinuses, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some freshly grated ginger.
Let the soup rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop even more.
This soup freezes beautifully – make a double batch and store portions for future cold-fighting needs.

8. Health Benefits of This Soup

This Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients to help fight colds and boost overall health:

Chicken broth contains collagen and amino acids like glycine and proline that support immunity, gut health, and joint function. The warm liquid also helps keep you hydrated when you’re sick.
Garlic and onions have powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties thanks to compounds like allicin. They’ve been used medicinally for centuries to fight infections.
Carrots and celery provide essential vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals that support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Herbs like thyme and oregano contain antioxidants and compounds that help reduce inflammation and fight respiratory infections.
Olive oil adds healthy fats that help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.
Pasta provides easily digestible carbohydrates that give you energy when your appetite might be low.

9. Conclusion

There you have it—the best chicken soup recipe for colds that’s both comforting and healing! This Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup is a family favorite, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing boost. The combination of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is packed with nutrients that can help shorten the duration of colds and ease symptoms. It’s the perfect example of how food can be medicine. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a comforting meal, this soup delivers on all fronts.

Try it today and experience the warmth and goodness in every spoonful. Stay healthy and enjoy! 🍜💛

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