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Italian Penicillin Pastina Soup (Nonna’s Comfort Broth)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with steaming italian penicillin soup featuring shredded chicken, small pasta shapes, and sliced carrots.
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Make this simple, traditional Italian soup, often called ‘Italian Penicillin,’ when you need comforting food. It features tender chicken, small pasta, and bright lemon flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup pastina (or small pasta like ditalini or orzo)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the chicken broth, water, chicken pieces, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly. Keep the broth simmering gently.
  4. Shred or dice the cooked chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. Increase the heat to medium and bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Add the pastina.
  6. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
  8. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot, offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use high-quality vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of white beans or extra vegetables for substance.
  • If you do not have pastina, small soup noodles or rice work well in this recipe.
  • To make this soup ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it just before reheating to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/italian-penicillin-soup-recipe/