If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Italian nonna, this Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe is exactly what you need. Bringing together the heartiness of tender chicken, the bright warmth of garlic and herbs, and the cozy goodness of pasta swimming in a savory tomato broth, this soup is pure magic in a bowl. It’s not just a soup—it’s a soul-soothing experience that transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing celebration of flavor and love. Every spoonful invites you to slow down, savor, and feel completely at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating depth, texture, and vibrant flavor. From fresh vegetables to fragrant herbs, every component contributes to turning this simple dish into a memorable meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Bring lovely color and a gentle earthy sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth and a hint of bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the broth with classic Italian herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant touch of garden freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The savory base that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and natural sweetness for a balanced broth.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Protein-rich and tender to make every bite satisfying.
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni): Gives the soup body and a comforting texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, colorful finish to brighten every bowl.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, letting them soften gently for about 5 minutes. This step enhances their natural sweetness and lays the flavorful foundation your soup needs. You’ll instantly notice the aroma filling the kitchen, signaling the start of something comforting and delicious.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, toss in the minced garlic along with the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook all together for about one minute until the spices release their fragrant magic. This infusion of herbs and warmth from the red pepper flakes is what gives the soup its signature soul-warming character.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer melds the flavors while deepening the rich tomato base, creating a broth that tastes like home in every slurp.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and your choice of small pasta. Let everything simmer together for another 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and the chicken is warmed through. This step transforms the soup into a hearty meal that fills you up without weighing you down.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, finish by seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to balance all the savory elements. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The vibrant green garnish not only adds a pop of freshness but also makes your creation feel extra special and inviting.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, but feel free to add a little grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate each spoonful with subtle brightness and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with rustic garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soul-soothing soup in colorful bowls to bring extra cheer to the table. For entertaining, consider mini bowls or even bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation that invites everyone to dig in. A sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs or edible flowers can also add eye-catching appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect leftover meal that tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
This Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe freezes wonderfully. Store cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Resist microwaving too aggressively to preserve the soup’s fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded cooked turkey works just as well and makes a wonderful twist on this soup, especially after a holiday meal.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect because they hold up well in the broth and create a lovely bite-sized experience.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding beans like cannellini or chickpeas can boost the protein and texture for a satisfying vegetarian version.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust it?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the flavors without overwhelming. Feel free to reduce or omit the flakes if you prefer less heat, or add more for a spicier kick.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This soup holds well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for preparing meals ahead of time. It tastes even more comforting after the flavors have melded overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe wraps you in comfort with each spoonful. It’s a go-to when you want a meal that’s nourishing, flavorful, and effortlessly heartwarming. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a little homemade goodness, this soup delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own cozy moments with it!
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Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting Italian Penicillin Soup packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and small pasta, simmered in a flavorful broth with herbs and a touch of heat. Perfect to warm your soul on chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Broth and Protein
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more until the garlic becomes aromatic but does not brown.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken and small pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot to enjoy a cozy, soul-warming meal.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian version if using vegetable broth.
- Small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni works best; larger pasta may require longer cooking times.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Leftover soup often tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
