As soon as the chill of autumn settles in, I find myself longing for a bowl of comfort that wraps me in warmth—a nostalgic embrace that evokes memories of family gatherings and lively kitchen chatter. That’s where my Best Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken comes in, offering a nourishing blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and colorful vegetables, all swimming in a savory broth. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a dependable crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. With just a hint of lemon to brighten the flavors, this dish is truly restorative, making it an ideal remedy for those chilly days. What’s your go-to comfort food when the weather cools down? Let’s dive into the cozy details of this delightful soup!
What makes this soup a must-try?
Comforting Warmth: This soup is perfect for chilly nights, offering a delightful hug in a bowl filled with tender chicken and heartwarming flavors.
Nourishing Goodness: Packed with vibrant vegetables and wholesome ingredients, it’s nutritious enough to leave you feeling revitalized.
Ease of Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, anyone can whip up this delicious dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable Features: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or pasta shapes, allowing endless variations to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
For more cozy recipes, don’t miss my Chicken Gnocchi Soup or bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with my Italian Basil Chicken.
Italian Penicillin Soup Ingredients
• Gather the essentials for a cozy meal!
For the Soup Base
- Chicken – Use skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender, flavorful experience.
- Broth – Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep the flavors rich while controlling saltiness.
For the Pasta
- Pasta – Small shapes like ditalini work best; you can use gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Vegetables
- Carrots – Fresh carrots add sweetness and nutrition; don’t skimp on these!
- Celery – This ingredient brings a lovely crunch and aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Onions – Use diced onions for a base that enriches the soup’s taste profile.
For Zest and Flavor
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; it’s a little splash of sunshine in your bowl!
- Herbs and Spices – Classic thyme and bay leaf infuse the soup with depth; feel free to adjust to your preference.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing vegetables and providing healthy fats; swap it with butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
Enjoy crafting the warm comfort of Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating a lovely base for your Italian Penicillin Soup.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Once the vegetables are tender, add 1 pound of skinless chicken thighs or breasts to the pot. Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This step builds richness in the soup and ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the base of your Italian Penicillin Soup develops.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Add 1 cup of small pasta, like ditalini, to the simmering broth. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring each noodle absorbs the comforting flavors of the soup.
Step 5: Finish and Adjust
Stir in the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Let it simmer for an additional minute, allowing the fresh citrus notes to brighten the broth, elevating the overall flavor of the Italian Penicillin Soup.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the bay leaf and ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if you wish, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a delightful and nourishing meal.
What to Serve with Best Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken
This delightful soup can be the heart of a cozy meal, and pairing it with the right sides enhances the entire experience.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm, crusty loaf will soak up every savory drop of your soup, making each bite comforting and delicious.
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: These cheesy, flavorful sticks add a delightful crunch and richness, bringing a touch of indulgence to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables brings out natural sweetness, making for a vibrant, textured side that enhances the soup’s nourishing quality.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs wonderfully, adding a rich, velvety element and inviting textures that blend beautifully with the soup. It’s a comforting embrace on a chilly night!
- Sparkling Lemonade: This zesty drink brightens the palate, echoing the lemony notes in the soup while refreshing you with every sip, making it a perfect companion.
- Tiramisu: For a sweet finale, serve up this classic Italian dessert, balancing the meal with its rich coffee flavors and creamy textures—a delightful way to end the evening!
Make Ahead Options
This Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken is a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time and energy on busy weeknights! You can chop all your vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can cook the chicken and broth mixture and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before adding the pasta. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop, add the pasta, and simmer until everything is heated through and the pasta is perfectly al dente. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in no time!
Expert Tips for Italian Penicillin Soup
Fresh Herbs Matter: Always opt for fresh herbs to enhance flavor; remember to remove any tough stems before adding them to the soup.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Aim for al dente pasta, as overcooking can lead to mushy noodles. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick together.
Balance Your Broth: Adjust the broth’s seasoning gradually. Start with low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness and add more salt as needed.
Add Greens: For extra nutrition, consider adding greens like spinach or kale a minute before serving, giving your Italian Penicillin Soup a vibrant boost.
Pre-cooked Chicken Hack: If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add during the last minutes of cooking to warm through.
How to Store and Freeze Italian Penicillin Soup
Fridge: Store your Italian Penicillin Soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 2-3 months. Label and date each container to keep track of what you have on hand.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Serving Tip: To refresh the flavors, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of herbs just before serving.
Italian Penicillin Soup Variations
Feel free to personalize this comforting dish and make it your own with these delightful twists!
- Quicker Prep: Substitute with Rotisserie Chicken for an easy, time-saving option without sacrificing flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add Zucchini or Green Beans for extra nutrition and vibrant color; simply chop and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for Canned Beans and use vegetable broth, making it hearty and protein-packed for a lighter alternative.
- Spice It Up: For Extra Heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sautéing vegetables for a fun kick.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of Heavy Cream just before serving for an indulgent, silky finish that adds richness to the broth.
- Noodle Variety: Experiment with Rice or Quinoa instead of pasta; both provide a unique texture and can soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Herb Fusion: Try using Fresh Basil or Oregano for a burst of herby freshness that complements the Italian flair beautifully.
- Citrus Enhancer: A squeeze of Fresh Orange Juice alongside the lemon can provide a sweet, zesty layer of flavor that brightens the soup even more.
Feel inspired? For more flavorful options, don’t miss out on my Grilled Chicken Salad for a refreshing side or warm up with my Chicken Enchilada Soup next week!
Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this soup?
Absolutely! I recommend using skinless chicken thighs or breasts for optimal tenderness and flavor. Thighs will add a little more richness, while breasts are leaner. Either way, you’ll end up with a deliciously hearty soup.
How should I store any leftover Italian Penicillin Soup?
To keep your soup fresh, transfer it to airtight containers after it cools completely. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like odd odors or changes in texture, before consuming.
Can I freeze the Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this delightful soup! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. It will stay good for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
What should I do if the soup is too salty?
If your soup turns out saltier than you’d like, don’t fret! Add some additional water or low-sodium chicken broth to dilute the saltiness. You can also toss in some diced potatoes or additional vegetables, allowing them to absorb excess salt as they cook.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! For a vegetarian variation of the Italian Penicillin Soup, simply replace the chicken with beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still give you a hearty, nourishing soup while keeping it meat-free!
Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
Great question! This soup contains chicken, which may be a consideration for those with poultry allergies. Additionally, be cautious with the pasta if you or someone you’re serving has gluten sensitivities; opt for gluten-free pasta to accommodate those needs. Always check ingredient labels for any other potential allergens!
Italian Penicillin Soup with Pasta and Chicken for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add skinless chicken thighs or breasts to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in thyme and bay leaf. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add small pasta to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional minute.
- Remove bay leaf, ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread or salad.
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