Description
This comforting Italian Penicillin Soup, also known as Healing Chicken Soup, is a family-friendly and nourishing meal perfect for brisk evenings or when you need a hearty pick-me-up. It’s an easy recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and provides a soothing embrace with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup dry small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium chopped yellow onion
- 2.5 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 4 cloves minced fresh garlic
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon wedge, for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and appear slightly translucent, then stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Broth Base: Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Stir in 1 cup ditalini or orzo pasta and 2 cups shredded cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente, stirring occasionally. If broth reduces too quickly, add 0.5 cup more broth.
- Finish with Greens: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2-3 cups fresh spinach until it just wilts into the warm soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve Soup: Ladle the steaming soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a veggie boost, add 0.5 cup of zucchini, peas, or green beans with the pasta. A small pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick. For a creamy touch, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. To reduce saltiness, add a peeled and halved potato while simmering, then remove before serving, or add more unsalted broth. To prevent mushy pasta, cook pasta until just al dente and remove from heat immediately, or cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 31 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 g)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup, Healing Chicken Soup, chicken soup, easy, comfort food, nourishing, family-friendly, pasta, spinach, healthy