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Authentic Italian Penicillin Soup: Healing Comfort Food for Colds

Close-up of a warm bowl of penicillin soup featuring broth, star-shaped pasta, sliced carrots, and fresh parsley.
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When you need the ultimate comfort soup recipes, turn to this Italian Penicillin Soup. It is a light, soothing broth packed with small pasta and bright lemon, perfect as healing chicken soup when you feel sick.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups high-quality chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (pastina or stelline)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast

Instructions

  1. Combine the chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, and basil in a large pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. If using, add the shredded cooked chicken now and heat through for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the small pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 5 to 7 minutes, until al dente.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
  7. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately as a nutritious soup bowl for recovery.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
  • If you are making this vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth.
  • This soup freezes well; omit the pasta if you plan to freeze large batches, and cook the pasta fresh when reheating.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight warming sensation if your stomach can handle it.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/penicillin-soup-italian-healing-comfort-food/