Delicious Italian Penicillin Soup

Alright, fellow flavor seekers! Let’s talk about a bowl of comfort that’s become a staple in my family’s kitchen: Italian Penicillin Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with flavors that remind me of my Nonna’s kitchen. I remember first trying to recreate this soup; it was a journey of spice discovery and flavor balancing that ultimately led to a family favorite.

I quickly learned the magic of combining the right spices and fresh ingredients to create a truly authentic dish that brings my family together every time. This Italian Penicillin Soup journey has been nothing short of amazing.

My kids, who are usually picky eaters, always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) of this Italian Penicillin Soup. It’s become a tradition, a warm, comforting meal we share during chilly evenings or when someone is feeling under the weather. If you’re looking for a way to create family connection through authentic flavors, you’ve come to the right place. Join me, and together, we’ll create a meal that your family will ask for again and again.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this heartwarming soup. Trust me, this ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for its rich flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped: Look for firm onions with no sprouts.
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Opt for vibrant orange carrots.
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped: Choose stalks that are firm and crisp.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference!
  • 4 cups chicken broth: Homemade is best, but a good quality store-bought broth works too.
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: For the best flavor in your Italian Penicillin Soup, I recommend sourcing organic beans when possible.
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: San Marzano tomatoes add a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells): You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Italian Penicillin Soup at your local Italian market.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another key ingredient for authentic taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): My family loves when I add this extra touch to our Italian Penicillin Soup.
A selection of fresh ingredients, including vegetables and herbs, ready to be used for making Italian Penicillin Soup

This Italian Penicillin Soup ingredient list proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful choices.

Let’s Create This Together!

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of Italian Penicillin Soup simmering in no time!

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is where the flavor base of your comforting Italian Penicillin Soup begins.
  2. Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
  3. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This is where I used to miss a key step with my Italian Penicillin Soup – learn from my experience! Don’t rush this simmering process; it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  4. Add Beans and Pasta: Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. In my kitchen, this flavorful Italian Penicillin Soup typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  5. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Italian Penicillin Soup should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. While your Italian Penicillin Soup is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! This Italian Penicillin Soup is now ready to serve!

Don’t be surprised if your family loves the authentic flavors this Italian Penicillin Soup develops even more as it sits.

If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll also appreciate garlic cheddar potato soup, too.

How We Love to Enjoy This!

This Italian Penicillin Soup is so versatile and comforting that we’ve found countless ways to enjoy it. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • With Crusty Bread: We love to serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Italian Penicillin Soup appears with a loaf of warm, crusty bread.
  • As a Light Lunch: It’s perfect for a light but satisfying lunch. This Italian Penicillin Soup is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!
  • When Feeling Under the Weather: Hence the name “penicillin soup”! It’s our go-to remedy when someone in the family is feeling a bit run down.
  • With a Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the soup beautifully.

For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore crock pot crack potato soup.

When serving, I like to drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness. This Italian Penicillin Soup is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!

This flavorful Italian Penicillin Soup reminds me of another family favorite; you can find a similar recipe at My Nonna’s Pastina Soup Recipe! : r/soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about making Italian Penicillin Soup:

Does this Italian Penicillin Soup really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! The combination of beans, pasta, and vegetables makes it surprisingly filling. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for those picky eaters, too!

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their tasty Italian Penicillin Soup?
No problem! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl for extra creaminess and to mellow out the flavors.

Can I use different types of beans in this Italian Penicillin Soup?
Of course! Great Northern beans or kidney beans would also work well. Feel free to experiment and find what your family likes best. I’ve even used chickpeas in a pinch, and it was still delicious!

How can I prepare this Italian Penicillin Soup ahead for busy weeks?
This soup is great for meal prepping! You can make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop more over time.

Can I freeze this family-friendly Italian Penicillin Soup?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that the pasta may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup after reheating.

Is this Italian Penicillin Soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What other vegetables can I add to this Italian Penicillin Soup?
Feel free to add spinach, kale, zucchini, or any other vegetables your family enjoys. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this Italian Penicillin Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

The simplicity of this Italian Penicillin Soup highlights its genius, just like this recipe: Italian Pastina Soup (Simple Vegetable Soup in 25 Mintues … – Cooking With Ayeh.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This Italian Penicillin Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring your family together with a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal. It supports my family’s authentic meal goals because it’s simple, wholesome, and packed with love. You might also enjoy my chicken pot pie soup.

My Italian Penicillin Soup Flavor Secrets:

  1. Don’t skip the sautéing step! This is where the base flavors are built.
  2. Use good quality broth for the best taste.
  3. Season generously! Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors.

Here are a few family-tested variations:

  • Spicy Italian Penicillin Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Cheesy Italian Penicillin Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy soup.
  • Hearty Italian Penicillin Soup: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal.

My husband loves the spicy version, while my kids prefer the cheesy one. I encourage you to experiment and make it your signature version!

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious and comforting Italian Penicillin Soup. Remember, the most important ingredient is love!

Now, go forth and create this satisfying Italian Penicillin Soup that your family will adore.

A rustic bowl filled with warm and comforting Italian Penicillin Soup, garnished with fresh herbs

 

Print

Italian Penicillin Soup

Rustic Bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup

This comforting Italian Penicillin Soup is packed with flavor and healing properties. It’s a delicious and nourishing way to soothe a cold or boost your immune system.

  • Author: River Quinn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until tender.
  5. Stir in the cooked chicken and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove before serving.

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