Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Let me take you on a little culinary journey with my all-time favorite recipe – the Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup. This dish has quite the backstory: I remember being under the weather one winter, wrapped in a blanket on the couch, feeling utterly miserable. That’s when my kind neighbor dropped by with a big bowl of homemade soup that could only be described as a warm hug in a bowl. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that cozy soup, and trust me, this one does it justice!
What I love about this soup (besides its incredible taste, of course) is how simple it is to whip up. You can easily make it on a weeknight after a long day or enjoy it as a weekend comfort food. Plus, it’s customizable! Throw in extra veggies, or keep it vegetarian if that’s your thing – the possibilities are endless, just like my love for this dish!
What’s in Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup?
Now, let’s chat about what goes into this delicious bowl of comfort:
Olive Oil: A staple in my kitchen! It offers richness and helps sauté the veggies. I always opt for extra virgin – it just has that lovely flavor.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This classic mirepoix forms the flavor base of the soup. They add sweetness and depth, creating that heartwarming aroma that fills the kitchen.
Garlic: Because what Italian dish is complete without garlic? It brings a punch of flavor and is super fragrant.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the lifeblood of this soup. You can go with homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, or a high-quality store-bought option works just fine, too. I tend to lean towards low-sodium broth to control the salt levels.
Cooked Chicken (optional): If you’re looking to amp up your protein, shredded chicken is an excellent addition. But it’s just as good vegetarian, so feel free to skip it!
Orzo Pasta: These tiny pasta gems are perfect for soup! They cook quickly and add a nice texture.
Dried Thyme & Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the soup with warmth and fragrance. They’re the ideal flavor companions.
Salt and Pepper: Because every dish needs a sprinkle of these to bring out the flavors!
Parmesan Cheese: Oh, this is where the magic happens! It adds creaminess and depth to the soup we’ve all been dreaming of. Plus, you can never have enough cheese—let’s be honest!
Fresh Parsley: This will brighten the soup up both in flavor and color.
Lemon Juice (optional): Just a splash at the end gives it a refreshing zesty kick! It’s optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra zing.
Is Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! This soup is not just delicious, it has some lovely health benefits as well.
Vegetables: You’re getting a good dose of fiber and essential vitamins from the carrots, celery, and onion. If you want to kick it up a notch, throw in some spinach or kale for even more nutrients!
Pasta: Orzo provides carbohydrates for energy, and if you use whole-grain orzo, you’re also adding some whole grains to your diet.
Chicken: If you choose to add it, shredded chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is great for muscle repair and overall health.
Just keep an eye on sodium levels if you use store-bought broth, and you’ll be golden!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy soup (serves about 6):
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
How to Make Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup?
Let’s get cooking, my friends!
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant – just wait ‘til you catch a whiff!
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil, letting those flavors mingle.
4. Now, add the shredded chicken (if using), orzo pasta, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and tender.
6. Once cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined – I like to go heavy on this part!
7. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice if using. This part adds that fresh sparkle!
8. Serve hot, prettied up with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley as desired.
Soup Lovers’ Special Secrets
Here are a few tips and variations for your Ultimate Italian Penicillin Soup:
– Feel free to pack in more veggies! Spinach, peas, or even zucchini can add extra nutrition and flavor you’ll love.
– If you want a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Richness overload, but in a good way!
– This soup freezes beautifully for those days when you need a quick meal. Make a big batch and stash some away – thank me later!
– Crusty bread on the side is a must. Seriously, you’ll want something to soak up all that delicious broth.
I can’t wait for you to try this soup and let it warm your soul like it did mine! It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or just when you want to feel a little extra cozy. Please try it out and let me know your favorite part about it! Bon appétit!
