“Italian Penicillin Soup” is a comforting, hearty twist on the classic “Jewish Penicillin” (chicken soup) — blending Italian flavors and ingredients to make a nourishing, immune-boosting soup. It’s often packed with garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, Parmesan, and sometimes pasta or greens like spinach or escarole.
Here’s a flavorful and wholesome Italian Penicillin Soup recipe:
🥣 Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 parmesan rind (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1–2 cups baby spinach or chopped escarole
- Juice of ½ lemon (add more to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- (Optional): 1 cup cooked small pasta (like ditalini, orzo, or pastina)
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. - Add garlic and herbs:
Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add broth & simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth. Add the parmesan rind if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. - Add chicken & greens:
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and greens. Let simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the greens are wilted and chicken is heated through. - Finish with lemon:
Remove the parmesan rind. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan. If using pasta, either stir it into the pot or add to individual bowls to avoid sogginess.
💡 Tips:
- Immunity Boost: Add a knob of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory power.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta before serving.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken, use veggie broth, and add a can of cannellini beans for protein.