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Italian Penicillin Soup with chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a bowl

Italian Penicillin Soup


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  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A cozy, comforting Italian twist on classic chicken soup, packed with tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
  3. Add shredded chicken and pasta. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Add Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use homemade broth for extra depth. Avoid overcooking pasta. A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the soup beautifully. Great for freezing and reheating.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian