How to make Italian penicillin soup is all about creating the ultimate comfort food that soothes the body and lifts the spirit. Often called “Nonna’s cure,” this traditional Italian chicken soup blends tender chicken, garlic, lemon, and herbs into a golden broth believed to fight colds, restore energy, and heal from within. It’s Italy’s flavorful answer to the classic chicken soup remedy.
In this article, I’ll share my personal take on this timeless dish—infused with Mediterranean warmth and California freshness. You’ll learn the story behind its name, its essential ingredients, and the simple steps to make it perfectly every single time.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Story & Heart Behind How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
From Marrakesh to Milan – My Twist on a Healing Italian Classic
When I first learned how to make Italian penicillin soup, it wasn’t from a cookbook—it was from watching the women in my family heal through food. In Marrakesh, my grandmother believed that soup could fix nearly anything. Her kitchen smelled of saffron, garlic, and love simmering in every pot. When someone fell ill, she didn’t call the doctor—she made broth. That memory stayed with me when I moved to San Diego and began blending the comfort of my Moroccan roots with the warmth of Italian cuisine.
Here’s why this soup captured my heart and taste buds:
- It’s simple yet powerful. With just chicken, lemon, garlic, and herbs, the flavors transform into a rich, healing broth.
- It’s rooted in tradition. Italians have passed down this recipe for generations, treating it as their “natural medicine.”
- It’s universally comforting. Every culture has a version of a healing soup, but none are quite like this golden Italian classic.
My take on how to make Italian penicillin soup adds a bright twist of citrus and a whisper of spice from my Moroccan heritage. It’s what I cook when the weather turns cool, when I’m feeling homesick, or when someone I love needs a little comfort served in a bowl.
Why Italians Call It “Penicillin in a Bowl” and What Makes It Special
The nickname says it all—this soup feels like medicine that tastes good. Italians call it “penicillin” because it naturally fights fatigue, colds, and stress with every ingredient working in harmony. The foundation of how to make Italian penicillin soup comes down to three essential healing elements:
- Homemade Chicken Broth – Rich in minerals and protein that rebuild strength.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds vitamin C and brightens the flavor.
- Garlic and Herbs – Natural immune boosters that infuse aroma and comfort.
Known in Italy as brodo di pollo, this humble dish is often the first remedy Italians turn to when feeling under the weather. But to me, it’s more than just soup—it’s heritage in a pot. Each simmering sound, each swirl of steam, reminds me that food is more than nourishment—it’s care, memory, and love combined.
Learning how to make Italian penicillin soup connects you to that same legacy. It’s not just about following steps; it’s about slowing down, breathing in the aroma, and remembering that real healing begins with warmth shared around the table.
This recipe reminds me of the Pastina Soup Recipe — another Italian classic filled with warmth and nostalgia. For creamy inspiration, try the Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe. If you love bright, fresh flavors, the Tomato Soup Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes delivers pure comfort.
Ingredients & Preparation Tips for the Perfect Italian Penicillin Soup
What’s Inside Italian Penicillin Soup – A Look at Key Ingredients
The first rule of learning how to make Italian penicillin soup is simple: quality ingredients make all the difference. This isn’t a dish that hides behind complexity—it shines because of balance, patience, and honesty in flavor. Italian cooks treat each ingredient like a note in a symphony, and when played in harmony, the result is a broth that nourishes as deeply as it satisfies.
You’ll need just a few essentials:
- 2 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or breasts): They release collagen and depth into the broth.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and body to the base.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides that distinct Italian warmth and immunity boost.
- 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, diced: The classic backbone of every comforting soup.
- 6 cups quality chicken stock: Homemade if possible—the secret to a broth that tastes alive.
- ½ cup orzo or pastina: A tender pasta that gives the soup its heartiness.
- Juice of 1 lemon: The essential finishing touch—bright, healing, and fragrant.
- Salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley: Seasonings that bring harmony and freshness.
Optional but recommended:
A slice of fresh ginger for gentle spice or a pinch of turmeric for a golden, earthy tone.
How to Prepare the Broth That Heals the Soul
To master how to make Italian penicillin soup, think of cooking as layering comfort:
- Sauté aromatics in olive oil until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken lightly to build a foundation of flavor.
- Pour in the stock and season; let it gently boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 40 minutes. This is where the transformation happens—flavors melt together into liquid gold.
- Shred the chicken, add pasta and lemon juice, and cook until everything feels like it belongs together.
When done right, this soup doesn’t just taste good—it feels restorative, like warmth poured into a bowl. Learning how to make Italian penicillin soup shows how healing food can be. For a vegetarian twist, the Easy Lentil Soup Recipe offers a hearty alternative. Boost your greens with the Kale Soup Recipe or explore gut-friendly options from my Freezer Friendly Gut Healthy Soup Recipes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Like a Nonna
Simmer, Shred, and Season – Crafting the Perfect Bowl
Every great soup begins with patience. The secret to mastering how to make Italian penicillin soup lies in layering flavors with intention—not rushing them. In Italian kitchens, this isn’t just cooking; it’s a slow ritual of care. When the broth simmers, it tells you it’s ready through its fragrance—rich, herbal, and alive with warmth.
Here’s how to create that same magic in your own kitchen:
- Start with aromatics. In a heavy-bottomed pot, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft and translucent. You’re not just cooking—you’re awakening flavor.
- Add the chicken. Place bone-in chicken pieces into the pot, allowing them to sear lightly. This step adds depth, creating that unmistakable golden hue and savory backbone of the broth.
- Build the base. Pour in chicken stock, add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, then bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat immediately to a slow simmer.
- Let time do its work. Simmer for 40 minutes, partially covered. This is where how to make Italian penicillin soup becomes an art—slow cooking extracts the soul of every ingredient.
- Shred and return. Remove the chicken, shred it finely, and return it to the broth for richness and texture.
- Add the pasta and lemon. Stir in orzo or pastina and squeeze fresh lemon juice to balance the depth with brightness. Simmer another 10 minutes.
Finishing Touches – Lemon, Herbs, and a Bit of Love
Taste the broth before serving. Adjust the salt and add a drizzle of olive oil to finish. For a chef’s touch, garnish with fresh herbs and a dusting of parmesan.
That’s the essence of how to make Italian penicillin soup—a perfect harmony of nourishment and elegance. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you that food, when made with love, can truly heal.
If you enjoy creamy comfort, try the Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Fans of rustic flavors will love the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe, while those craving smoky depth can make the How to Make Ham and Bean Soup.
Serving, Storing & Making Your Italian Penicillin Soup Your Own
Serving Ideas – From Cozy Bowls to Family Gatherings
Once you’ve mastered how to make Italian penicillin soup, presentation becomes part of the experience. Great cooking isn’t only about flavor—it’s about how it feels when the bowl reaches the table. This soup is rustic at heart but refined in its simplicity, making it ideal for both family dinners and elegant gatherings.
To serve, ladle the steaming broth into pre-warmed bowls. The key is to let the aroma announce the dish before the first taste. Finish each portion with:
- A light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a silky finish.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for depth.
- A touch of finely chopped parsley or thyme to brighten the profile.
Pair it with a crusty artisan baguette or slices of toasted sourdough brushed with olive oil. For a complete meal, balance the richness with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon and sea salt. When enjoyed slowly, every spoonful becomes both nourishment and restoration.
How to Store, Reheat, and Add Your Personal Touch
Knowing how to make Italian penicillin soup like a chef means understanding that flavor matures over time. In fact, the broth deepens beautifully after resting overnight.
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe jars or bags; it keeps perfectly for 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, never boiling, to preserve the texture and aroma.
To refine the flavor, adjust seasoning after reheating—a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil brings it back to life. For a creative twist, fold in wilted spinach, shaved fennel, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Mastering how to make Italian penicillin soup is more than learning a recipe—it’s learning balance, patience, and the art of turning simplicity into sophistication.
Pair your Italian soup with other cozy meals like the Fall Soup Recipes or creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe. For a quick weeknight dish, the Broccoli Casserole Recipe Soup is another easy favorite.
FAQs About How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
What’s in Italian penicillin soup?
Italian penicillin soup is a comforting blend of chicken, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, lemon, herbs, and small pasta such as orzo or pastina. These simple ingredients simmer together to create a rich, golden broth that soothes cold symptoms and nourishes the body. Knowing how to make Italian penicillin soup means understanding that every ingredient serves a purpose—chicken for strength, garlic for healing, and lemon for freshness.
What soup do Italians eat when sick?
When Italians feel under the weather, they turn to brodo di pollo, the original inspiration for Italian penicillin soup. This classic chicken broth, simmered slowly with vegetables and herbs, is believed to restore warmth and balance. It’s their go-to comfort food, much like chicken noodle soup in American homes.
Why do they call it Italian penicillin soup?
The term “penicillin soup” comes from the soup’s legendary healing reputation. Italians discovered long ago that the combination of chicken broth, garlic, lemon, and herbs naturally supports recovery and boosts immunity. That’s why learning how to make Italian penicillin soup feels like learning an old family remedy—it’s delicious, soothing, and effective.
Can you add ginger to Italian penicillin soup?
Absolutely. Adding fresh ginger gives your Italian penicillin soup a warm, slightly spicy note while adding extra anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Many home cooks blend traditions by including a few slices of ginger or a dash of turmeric. It’s a modern twist that still honors the heart of how to make Italian penicillin soup—a dish that heals, comforts, and inspires creativity in every kitchen.
Why Learning How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Is Worth It
Learning how to make Italian penicillin soup is more than mastering a recipe—it’s embracing a ritual of warmth and care. This golden broth tells stories of healing, heritage, and heart. Every spoonful is a reminder that food can be both medicine and memory. Whether you cook it for yourself or someone you love, this Italian classic transforms the simplest ingredients into comfort that lasts beyond the bowl. So grab your pot, breathe in the lemon and garlic, and let your kitchen become a place of nourishment, calm, and connection—just like Nonna would want it.
For global inspiration, check out the spiced Mulligatawny Soup Recipe or southern-style Swamp Soup Recipe. The Navy Bean Soup Recipe brings hearty flavor, while Mexican Soup Recipes add a zesty twist.
Print
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A soothing, healing Italian chicken soup made with lemon, garlic, herbs, and tender chicken — perfect for comfort and recovery.
Ingredients
2 lbs bone-in chicken
8 cups chicken stock or water
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/2 cup orzo or pastina
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in stock and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer for 1 hour.
4. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to pot.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, and pasta.
6. Simmer 10 more minutes, season to taste.
7. Serve hot with parsley and parmesan.
Notes
Optional: Add fresh ginger or turmeric for extra immunity.
Store leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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