Italian Penicillin

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

Italian Penicillin is a hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with sautéed vegetables, pastina (or orzo), and chicken bone broth, this soup is flavored with turmeric, Parmesan, and a touch of butter. Finished with a whisked egg for creaminess, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Customize with your favorite herbs or serve with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. A must-try for anyone looking for a cozy, homemade soup!
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:35:40 GMT
Italian Penicillin Pin it
Italian Penicillin | homedeliciousrecipes.com

This Italian Penicillin, or healing chicken soup, is a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. I've been making this for my family for years, and it's always a hit. The combination of savory broth, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables is simply irresistible.

The way the aromatic vegetables simmer in the buttery broth, creating a rich, savory base, is just magical. I remember the first time I made this, my neighbor, who was feeling under the weather, asked for the recipe. She said it was the best chicken soup she had ever tasted.

Selecting the Ingredients: A Careful Choice

  • Butter: Use high quality butter for a rich, savory flavor.
  • Celery, Carrot, and Onion: These aromatic vegetables form the base of the soup. Choose fresh, firm vegetables.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent, aromatic flavor.
  • Pastina or Orzo: Select a small pasta like pastina or orzo for a comforting texture.
  • Chicken Bone Broth: Use chicken bone broth for a rich, flavorful base and added nutrients.
  • Turmeric: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
  • Egg: A thoroughly whisked egg adds creaminess and richness.
  • Fresh Parsley and Lemon Juice: These add a fresh, vibrant garnish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
Italian Penicillin recipe Pin it
Italian Penicillin recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Crafting the Healing Soup: Detailed Steps

Sautéing the Aromatic Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened, about five to seven minutes. This process releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base for the soup.
Adding the Garlic and Simmering the Broth:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another one to two minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste. Pour in the chicken bone broth, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooking the Pasta:
Add the pastina or orzo to the pot and cook until al dente, about eight to ten minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Finishing the Soup:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the remaining two tablespoons of butter until they are melted and incorporated into the soup. Allow the soup to cool slightly for two to three minutes before adding the egg.
Incorporating the Egg:
Slowly pour the thoroughly whisked egg into the soup while continuously stirring. This technique, known as tempering, prevents the egg from curdling and creates a creamy texture.
Garnishing and Serving:
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to the soup. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and brightness. Serve the soup warm and enjoy its comforting, healing properties.

My family loves adding shredded cooked chicken or turkey to this soup for extra protein. It makes it even more filling and satisfying.

Tips for Best Italian Penicillin

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of the soup.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
  • Add Protein: Add shredded cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
  • Make It Gluten Free: Use gluten free pasta if needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with warm Italian bread for dipping.
  • Green Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted root vegetables for extra heartiness.
Easy Italian Penicillin Pin it
Easy Italian Penicillin | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the egg and pasta, which may change texture upon thawing.

This Italian Penicillin is a comforting, healing soup that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a recipe that adapts to your preferences, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.

Italian Penicillin

Italian Penicillin is a comforting soup made with vegetables, pasta, and chicken bone broth. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Soup Base

01 2 tablespoons butter
02 ½ cup celery, diced
03 ½ cup carrot, diced
04 ½ cup onion, diced
05 1 clove garlic, minced
06 1 cup pastina or small pasta (like orzo)
07 4 cups chicken bone broth
08 ¼ teaspoon turmeric
09 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
10 ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

→ Finishing Touches

11 2 tablespoons butter
12 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
13 1 egg, thoroughly whisked
14 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
15 Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Pour in the chicken bone broth, turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 03

Add the pastina (or orzo) to the pot and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 04

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup cool for a few minutes.

Step 05

Slowly pour the whisked egg into the soup while stirring continuously to create a creamy texture.

Step 06

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  3. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken bone broth with vegetable broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, Parmesan)
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (if using regular pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 10 g