Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe – Healing Chicken Pastina Soup with Herbs & Lemon
This Italian Penicillin Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, nourishing, and perfect for sick days or chilly evenings. Inspired by traditional chicken pastina soup, this recipe features tender shredded chicken, garlic, carrots, celery, and tiny pasta simmered in a rich, herb-infused broth. Finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a soothing remedy that tastes like home. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving something cozy, this soup delivers healing flavor in every spoonful.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or breasts)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup pastina or acini di pepe
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Juice of ½–1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)Grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Simmer Chicken and Broth Add chicken, broth, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to pot. Add pastina and simmer for 5–8 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Remove Parmesan rind. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Add lemon juice at the end for brightness
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
- Cook pasta separately if storing leftovers
- Freeze broth and chicken separately from pasta
- Customize with beans, spinach, or gluten-free pasta
- Garnish with lemon zest, cracked pepper, or extra Parmesan