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Classic Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe for Colds

A close-up of a steaming white bowl filled with bright yellow penicillin soup, featuring carrots, celery, and egg noodles.
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Make this comforting Italian Penicillin Soup when you feel unwell. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a soothing, light, and easily digestible meal perfect for recovery.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups high-quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup small pasta shapes like pastina or acini di pepe
  • 1 large carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken breast (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, add the small pasta shapes. Cook according to package directions until the pasta is tender (usually 6 to 10 minutes). Stir often to prevent sticking.
  6. If using, stir in the shredded cooked chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to heat through.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
  8. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  9. Serve this healing soup immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add white beans for extra protein if desired.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can puree half of the cooked soup base before adding the pasta back in.
  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice changes the bright flavor profile.

Nutrition

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