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A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, golden penicillin soup featuring shredded chicken, carrots, small pasta pearls, and fresh parsley.

Classic Italian Penicillin Soup with Chicken and Pastina


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Make this comforting Italian-style chicken soup, often called Penicillin Soup, perfect for cold days or when you feel unwell. It features tender chicken, vegetables, and small pastina pasta in a bright, herbaceous broth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta (or small soup noodles)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and the pastina pasta.
  6. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  7. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
  • Add a pinch of dried oregano with the vegetables for deeper Italian flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 75