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italian penicillin soup

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe That Warms the Soul

This Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, herb-infused chicken soup with garlic, lemon, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for soothing the soul, boosting immunity, and warming you from the inside out.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Medium Onion
  • 5 Cloves Garlic
  • 2 Medium Carrots
  • 2 stalks Celery stalks
  • 1 Ib Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
  • 6 Cups Chicken broth
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 Fresh rosemary sprig
  • 2 Fresh thyme sprigs
  • To taste Salt &Black papper
  • 1 Large lemon Lemon juice
  • ¼ Cup Fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Build Your Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  2. Add Garlic & Herbs: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bay leaf and rosemary.
  3. Nestle in the Chicken: Place chicken thighs into the pot. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Skim foam if needed.
  4. Simmer Gently: Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, discard skin and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
  6. Cook Pasta (Optional): In a separate pot, boil pasta until al dente. Add to soup before serving.
  7. Finish with Freshness: Stir in spinach and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with grated cheese, cracked pepper, and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Notes

  • This Isn’t Just Soup—It’s Heritage in a Bowl. Italian Penicillin Soup is the kind of dish Nonna would simmer low and slow not just for flavor, but for healing. It's built with intention—from aromatics to acid, every ingredient serves a purpose beyond taste.
  • Let the Broth Be Your Canvas. Starting with a homemade or rich store-bought chicken broth is key. But don’t just pour it in—let it marry with sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs before the chicken ever touches the pot. This layering transforms broth into therapy.
  • Don’t Shortcut the Chicken. Bone-in, skin-on thighs lend more than meat—they infuse collagen and richness as they gently poach. Once shredded, that same chicken becomes the body of the dish, silky and tender.
  • Lemon Is Your Bright Finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end isn't garnish—it’s the revival. It sharpens every note, wakes up your palate, and gives this soup its signature “clean-but-comforting” feel. Add it off-heat, always.
  • The Herbs Are the Soul. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley don’t just add fragrance—they tell your body, “you’re being cared for.” Simmer them with patience, then finish with a flourish of chopped parsley for the final herbal heartbeat.