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Italian Penicillin Soup – A Cozy, Immune-Boosting Classic

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A classic Italian-style chicken soup made with garlic, herbs, vegetables, and pasta — soothing, nourishing, and ready to comfort in any season.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1.5–2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

  • 2 sprigs thyme

  • 1 sprig rosemary

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ¾ cup small pasta (orzo, ditalini, or pastina)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  • Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

  • Return chicken to pot with broth, herbs, and bay leaf. Simmer 35–40 minutes.

  • Remove chicken, shred meat, and return to pot. Discard bones.

  • Add pasta and cook until al dente. Adjust broth and seasoning as needed.

  • Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Serve hot with extra olive oil or cheese.

Notes

  • Add spinach, beans, or chili flakes for variations.

  • Store base separately from pasta for meal prep.

  • Freezes well without pasta.

Find it online: https://simplehomeflavors.com/italian-penicillin-soup-a-cozy-immune-boosting-classic/