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Comforting Italian Penicillin Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup - featured image

A hearty Italian twist on classic chicken soup, packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan for cozy fall nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced thinly
  • 1 onion, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta or any small pasta shape (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and aromatic.
  2. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  3. Add the thyme and oregano to the pot. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. If using pasta, add it to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Let the chicken simmer slowly to ensure it stays tender and absorbs all the flavors.’, ‘Use fresh parsley and thyme for better flavor.’, ‘Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother melt.’, ‘Cook pasta separately if planning to store leftovers to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasonings gradually.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian soup, chicken soup, comfort food, fall recipes, cozy meals, hearty soup, easy dinner, healthy soup, immune boosting