Italian Penicillin Soup: Easy Recipe

Name: Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp olive oil; 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 yellow onion, quartered; 5 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 ribs celery, halved; 1 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; 1 Parmesan rind (optional); 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 ¼ cup pastina, or other small pasta shape; 1 lemon, more as desired; Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving; Black pepper, for garnish; Drizzle of olive oil (optional); Chopped parsley (optional)

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Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, soul-soothing dish that brings warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply need a quick and satisfying meal, this Italian-inspired soup is the perfect go-to option. Made with pastina, fresh vegetables, and savory Parmesan, it offers a cozy experience that everyone in your family will love. The beauty of this soup lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its versatility and ease of preparation.

Italian Penicillin Soup in a bowl with fresh Parmesan and lemon

Why You’ll Love Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup is a one-pot wonder that is perfect for busy days when you need a simple, healthy, and comforting meal. This soup is packed with flavor from the tender vegetables, rich broth, and just the right amount of tangy lemon. The addition of pastina, small pasta shapes, makes this soup hearty while still feeling light. Whether you’re feeling sick, stressed, or just in need of comfort food, this soup hits the spot every time.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Italian Penicillin Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each plays a unique role in contributing to the flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits of the dish.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Carrots: Provide sweetness, flavor, and a rich color to the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the broth.
Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic works best, but jarred can be used for convenience.
Celery: Contributes to the overall veggie blend with a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
Parmesan rind (optional): Imparts a savory, umami-rich flavor to the broth.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The base of the soup that gives it a comforting, hearty texture.
Pastina: Small pasta shapes like pastina absorb the broth and become tender, adding body to the soup.
Lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens up the whole dish.
Freshly grated Parmesan: For topping, adds a sharp, savory flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternative ingredients to suit dietary preferences or available pantry items, here are a few options:

• Pastina Substitute: If you can’t find pastina, opt for orzo, stelline, or ditalini pasta.
• Broth: You can swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Lemon Substitute: In case you don’t have fresh lemons, a small splash of bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute.
• Protein Add-ins: To make the soup more filling, add rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or lentils for extra protein.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and celery. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly browned. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Simmer the Soup: Add the Parmesan rind (optional) and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft. Stir occasionally.
Puree the Vegetables: Remove the Parmesan rind from the soup. Use an immersion blender to blend the vegetables until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a heat-safe blender and puree in batches. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pastina (or chosen pasta) to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Once done, turn off the heat.
Add Lemon: Stir in the juice of one lemon and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Italian Penicillin Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Veggie Blending: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the vegetables.
Thick Soup? If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add a little more broth to thin it out.
Leftovers: For best results, store the pasta separately from the soup and combine them when reheating. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming too soft.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Italian Penicillin Soup is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to make it even more special. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Protein Add-ins: Add protein to your soup by stirring in shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chickpeas, or white beans.
Spicy Twist: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh ginger for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and freeze for later use. Simply cook the pasta when ready to serve.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan rind and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free soup.

Health Benefits of Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just a tasty meal—it’s packed with nutrients that promote overall health. The vegetables provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while the addition of lemon and garlic offers immune-boosting benefits. Whether you’re battling a cold or just need a comforting meal, this soup is a nourishing choice for any time of year.

Conclusion

Italian Penicillin Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that brings warmth and nourishment to any meal. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a delicious, easy-to-make soup, this recipe is a perfect choice. Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables, savory Parmesan, and pastina, it’s both soothing and nutritious. The recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and offers a satisfying meal for the whole family. With its versatility and hearty flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

FAQ About Italian Penicillin Soup

Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup without pastina?

Yes! If you can’t find pastina, feel free to substitute it with any small pasta, such as orzo, stelline, or ditalini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape you choose.

Can I freeze Italian Penicillin Soup for later?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. To preserve the best texture, store the soup and pasta separately. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat and combine the pasta with the soup.

How do I make Italian Penicillin Soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the vegetables until smooth. Alternatively, you can add a little more pasta or reduce the amount of broth to achieve the desired consistency.

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