What’s in Italian Penicillin Soup?

An authentic Italian penicillin soup recipe blends a few simple, healing ingredients: chicken, garlic, onion, celery, carrots, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. The base is a light chicken broth simmered slowly to draw out richness and nutrition. Italians often add orzo or small pasta for heartiness. Each ingredient serves a purpose—garlic strengthens immunity, lemon brightens the flavor, and olive oil provides warmth and smoothness. Together, they create the perfect comfort soup when your body or spirit needs care.

Why Do They Call It Penicillin Soup?

The Italian penicillin soup recipe earned its nickname because of its healing qualities. Italians have long believed that a slow-simmered chicken soup works like nature’s medicine—soothing colds, restoring energy, and comforting the soul. Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic, lemon detoxifies, and warm broth eases congestion. While it’s not real penicillin, this soup’s wholesome ingredients and loving preparation make it the ultimate homemade remedy that generations trust more than any pill.

What Soup Do Italians Eat When Sick?

When Italians are sick, they often turn to an Italian penicillin soup recipe or pastina soup—both are simple, warm, and easy to digest. These soups are made with broth, garlic, herbs, and sometimes a little pasta or rice. The goal isn’t just to nourish the body but to comfort it. Italians see soup as more than food—it’s an expression of care. Served with lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s the first thing many Italians crave when they’re under the weather.

What Are the Benefits of Penicillin Soup?

The benefits of an Italian penicillin soup recipe go far beyond flavor. It supports the immune system, hydrates the body, and promotes digestion. The garlic and herbs fight inflammation, while the warm broth helps clear sinuses and ease sore throats. Chicken adds protein for recovery, and lemon brings antioxidants and vitamin C. Together, these ingredients make a naturally restorative meal that feels like medicine in a bowl—gentle, powerful, and nourishing from the inside out.

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe – Why It’s Going Viral in 2026

Name: Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb chicken (thighs or breast); 6 cups chicken broth; 1 lemon, juiced; ½ cup orzo or small pasta; ¼ cup parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A traditional Italian penicillin soup recipe made with chicken, garlic, lemon, and herbs — a healing, comforting meal for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb chicken (thighs or breast)

6 cups chicken broth

1 lemon (juice)

½ cup orzo or small pasta

¼ cup parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.

2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Sear lightly.

5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

6. Cook 25–30 minutes until chicken is tender.

7. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.

8. Add orzo and cook until soft.

9. Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for a deeper flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months for easy reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 65mg