Italian Penicillin Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Healthier Alternatives for Italian Penicillin Soup
One of the most common questions I get is, “Can I make a healthier version of this healthy chicken soup?” Absolutely! This soup is wonderfully adaptable.
For a lighter broth, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and control the salt yourself. You can also swap the chicken thighs for lean chicken breast, though thighs do give a richer flavor. To boost the veggie content, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup
In our house, serving this soup is a ritual. We pile into the cozy corner of the kitchen, wrap our hands around warm bowls, and let the steam work its magic. It’s the ultimate quick chicken soup for a weary soul.
I love to serve it with a side of crusty, buttered bread for dipping and a simple green salad. A light, crisp Pinot Grigio pairs nicely for the adults, but a simple cup of tea is just as perfect. It’s all about the comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Italian Penicillin Soup and why is it called that?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a hearty, brothy chicken soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and pasta. It’s affectionately called “penicillin” because of its legendary reputation for healing and providing comfort when you’re under the weather, much like the medicine.
How does Italian Penicillin Soup help when you’re feeling sick?
The warm broth helps keep you hydrated and soothes a sore throat. The steam can clear sinuses, and the combination of nutrients from the chicken and vegetables provides easy-to-digest nourishment that gives your body energy to heal.
What are the key ingredients in an authentic Italian Penicillin Soup?
The soul of this soup is a rich chicken broth, tender chicken, the classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery (soffritto), healing garlic and herbs like oregano and thyme, and a small pasta like ditalini.
Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
You certainly can! For a slow cooker, sauté the veggies first, then add everything except the pasta and cook on low for 6-7 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the veggies, then pressure cook for 10 minutes. Add the pasta after and use the sauté function to cook it through.
What’s the difference between Italian Penicillin Soup and regular chicken soup?
While both are comforting, Italian Penicillin Soup typically includes specific Italian herbs like oregano and often features a small pasta, giving it a heartier, more robust character compared to a simpler American-style chicken noodle soup.
What kind of pasta is traditionally used in Italian Penicillin Soup?
Small pasta shapes are traditional because they are easy to eat and fit perfectly on a spoon. Ditalini is the classic choice, but orzo, pastina, or even small shells work beautifully.
Can you make a vegetarian version of Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes! Simply use a rich vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein and keep all the wonderful herbs and vegetables for a truly healing and delicious vegetarian meal.
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Learn more: Penicillin on Wikipedia · food storage & safety (FoodSafety.gov).
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