Description
Experience the comforting warmth of Italian Penicillin Soup, a nourishing blend of tender chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and aromatic herbs. This soul-soothing dish is perfect for chilly days or when you need a wholesome meal to lift your spirits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the Parmesan rind, if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the Parmesan rind from the soup and discard.
- Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the soup to thicken it slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a cup of the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.
- Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the pastina pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
- Adding the Parmesan rind during simmering imparts a rich, savory depth to the soup.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup, Chicken Pastina Soup, Comfort Food, Healing Soup, Easy Italian Soup