Comfort Food That Heals

This hearty Italian Penicillin Soup has been my family's healing tradition for generations, combining the nourishing power of Italian cooking with the comfort concept of chicken soup for the soul. The rich broth infused with aromatic herbs and tender vegetables creates a bowl of pure comfort that truly feeds both body and spirit.

I first made this soup during a particularly brutal winter when my entire household was battling colds. The therapeutic process of chopping vegetables and inhaling the aromatic steam from the simmering broth began the healing before we even took our first spoonful.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil provides the authentic Italian foundation and rich mouthfeel
• Large onion creates the aromatic base that makes this soup so deeply satisfying
• Medium carrots add natural sweetness and essential nutrients for immune support
• Celery stalks contribute subtle flavor and important minerals
• Garlic cloves bring potent antimicrobial properties that support healing
• Low sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level while providing rich flavor
• Bone in chicken breast infuses the broth with rich protein while staying tender
• Bay leaves impart subtle complexity that develops during simmering
• Small pasta like ditalini or orzo provides satisfying texture and traditional appeal
• Dried oregano and thyme create the signature Italian herb profile
• Red pepper flakes optional for those who enjoy a gentle warming heat
• Fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds vitamin C
• Fresh parsley brings vibrant color and herbal freshness
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for authentic Italian umami depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the diced onion carrots and celery cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Watch for the onions to become translucent but not brown as this indicates they have released their essential flavors. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until you can smell its fragrance wafting up from the pot. This aromatic foundation sets the stage for everything that follows.

Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth slowly and nestle the chicken breast into the vegetables. The chicken should be partially submerged to ensure even cooking. Add bay leaves oregano thyme and red pepper flakes if using. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a steady simmer. This careful temperature control ensures the chicken remains tender while fully infusing the broth with its flavor.

Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot partially allowing some steam to escape while retaining most of the heat. Let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes while occasionally checking the chicken. You will know it is done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone. The vegetables should be fork tender but still hold their shape. Your kitchen should now be filled with an incredible aroma that instantly soothes.

Shred and Season

Remove the chicken carefully to a cutting board and let it cool just enough to handle. Remove and discard the skin and bones then use two forks to pull the meat into bite sized shreds. Season the broth gradually with salt and pepper remembering that flavors intensify as the soup continues to cook and especially after refrigeration.

Cook the Pasta

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just tender. The pasta will release some starch that naturally thickens the broth slightly giving it that perfect consistency that clings to your spoon. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue softening if left in the hot broth.

Finish with Fresh Elements

Remove the bay leaves as they have done their flavor work. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley which transforms the soup with brightness and color. These final touches balance the rich savory flavors and add a fresh dimension that makes the soup truly special. Taste once more and adjust seasonings if needed.

Bookmark

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the kitchen fills with aromas that instantly transport me back to my grandmothers tiny Italian kitchen. She would always say that the secret healing ingredient was the love that went into the chopping stirring and patient simmering. I find myself telling my own children the same thing now whenever they request this soup when feeling under the weather.

Storage and Reheating

This soup actually improves with time as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days for the best quality. The pasta will continue to absorb broth during storage so you may need to add a splash of additional broth or water when reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop rather than using high heat which can make the chicken tough. If freezing portion into individual containers without the pasta which can be added fresh when reheating.

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile soup accommodates many dietary needs with simple adjustments. For gluten free diets substitute the regular pasta with rice quinoa or gluten free pasta varieties. Vegetarians can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth adding cannellini or navy beans for protein and substance. Those following dairy free diets can skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute nutritional yeast for a similar umami quality. The soup remains delicious and nourishing with any of these modifications.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this healing soup in warmed bowls with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top. The heat from the soup will release the cheese's aroma while the olive oil adds richness and mouthfeel. Accompany with slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a complete meal add a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to echo the bright flavors in the soup.

The Healing Tradition

This soup represents the beautiful Italian tradition of food as medicine. Throughout history Italian mothers and grandmothers have prepared similar restorative broths to nurture their families through illness and hardship. The combination of slow simmered broth protein rich chicken vitamin packed vegetables and aromatic herbs creates not just a delicious meal but a genuine remedy that comforts both physically and emotionally. The steam helps clear congestion while the warm broth soothes sore throats making this truly a culinary cure all.

Recipe Q&A

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply replace the pasta with rice or omit it entirely. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying without compromising on flavor or healing properties.

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. For added protein, incorporate white beans. The aromatic vegetables and herbs will still create a deeply flavorful and comforting soup.

→ How long can I store this soup?

This soup keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions without the pasta (add freshly cooked pasta when reheating) for up to 3 months.

→ Why is it called Penicillin Soup?

The name references its healing properties, similar to how chicken soup is sometimes called 'Jewish penicillin.' The combination of aromatic herbs, garlic, and nourishing broth is traditionally believed to help soothe cold symptoms and promote recovery.

→ What makes the broth so flavorful?

Three key elements create the exceptional flavor: the aromatic base of sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; the slow simmering of bone-in chicken that releases collagen and flavor; and the balanced blend of herbs and fresh lemon juice that brightens the entire dish.