Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
If you are searching for something truly comforting and vibrant to brighten your chilly evenings, look no further than this Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe. This hearty soup combines the warm embrace of tender chicken and cozy pasta with the bright, aromatic flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil, all swimming in a rich tomato and chicken broth base. Every spoonful feels like a loving hug, balancing rustic Italian taste with nourishing goodness. This is not just soup—it’s a cozy tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe requires straightforward, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and texture. Each one is chosen to build layers of taste, from the fragrant herbs to the savory chicken and perfectly tender pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a fruity, smooth base for sautéing and deepens the soup’s flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse every bite with that signature, irresistible Italian garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a punch of earthy, slightly peppery notes to balance the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings fresh, fragrant herbal tones that brighten the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick to elevate the comforting flavors without overwhelming.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients harmoniously together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Gives the soup body and a hint of acidity to keep it lively.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Protein-rich and tender, making the soup satisfyingly filling.
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni): Offers delightful chewiness and a classic Italian feel.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds brightness and a fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and carrots, and let them cook gently for about five minutes until softened and naturally sweet. This step awakens the flavors and forms the essential aromatic base your soup needs, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, add the minced garlic along with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture and let it cook for approximately a minute, just until those incredible scents release and mingle in the pot. This brief moment is where your kitchen starts to smell like an Italian trattoria and sets the stage for the soup’s depth.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring everything up to a boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let this simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully, producing a rich, hearty base that feels like a warm embrace in each spoonful.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Chicken
Add the shredded cooked chicken and your chosen small pasta straight into the pot. Continue simmering the soup for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta has perfectly softened but still holds a pleasant bite. This step turns it into a complete meal that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste, giving it a final flavor polish. Ladle it into bowls and finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy this Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe while it’s hot for the ultimate comforting experience.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here for garnish; it adds a lively green touch and a subtle burst of fresh, herbal brightness. You can also try a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness that complements the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully paired with a simple crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil also works perfectly, balancing the hearty soup with a refreshing contrast of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy touch, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls that make every spoonful feel special and festive. Alternatively, top each bowl with toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes to add texture and a personalized kick. Serving with a small wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to brighten the flavors just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further over time, making the soup even tastier the next day. Just make sure to keep the pasta intact if you plan to reheat to avoid it becoming too mushy.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though for best texture it’s smart to freeze it without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months, so you always have a hearty, soul-warming meal ready to go on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add freshly cooked pasta if needed and adjust salt and pepper before serving to restore that fresh homemade goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is traditional and comforting, you could swap for cooked turkey, sausage, or even keep it vegetarian by adding beans or extra vegetables.
Is there a substitute for dried herbs if I only have fresh ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can work wonderfully but you’ll want to add about 3 times the amount compared to dried, and add them later in the cooking process to preserve their delicate flavor.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal since they cook evenly and fit perfectly in each spoonful. You can try orzo or small shells if you want to switch it up.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice, never overpowering. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit if you prefer no heat.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
By swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken, you can easily create a vegan or vegetarian version without losing its hearty and comforting character.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones or simply enjoying some comforting self-care. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and satisfies on every level. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite I love to share!
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Italian Penicillin Soup to Warm Your Soul Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for warming your soul. Combining tender chicken, small pasta, vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base, this soup offers a perfect balance of taste and nourishment in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
To Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the shredded cooked chicken and small pasta to the pot. Continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the soup hot, perfect for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Using homemade chicken broth will add more depth to the flavor.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
