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Velvety Lemon-Garlic Italian Penicillin Soup with Pastina

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, yellow Italian penicillin soup, topped with fresh parsley.
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Make this Italian Penicillin Soup when you need a deeply comforting and nourishing meal. This version is smooth, brightened with lemon, and includes tiny pastina pasta for a soothing texture.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups high-quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta (or small elbow macaroni)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender.
  5. Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until completely smooth and velvety. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
  6. Return the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Add the pastina pasta and pepper. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 7 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and salt to taste.
  8. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if you are using it.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
  • If you prefer a soup with texture instead of pureed, skip the blending step and simply simmer the vegetables until tender before adding the pasta.
  • This soup freezes well before adding the pasta; cook the pasta fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/italian-penicillin-soup-recipe/