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Italian Penicillin Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Remedy

A cozy Italian-style chicken soup with small pasta, carrots, herbs, and golden broth, perfect for an easy comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Calories: 295
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the broth and body
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For finishing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional for serving
  • 6 slices rustic bread toasted, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 measuring spoons

Method
 

Make the soup
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in the garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add the shredded chicken and ditalini. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with toasted bread and optional grated Parmesan.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. If making ahead, store the pasta separately or add extra broth when reheating. Rotisserie chicken works well as a shortcut.