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Ultimate Comfort: Authentic Italian Penicillin Soup (Chicken Pastina Soup)

Close-up of a steaming bowl of penicillin soup featuring shredded chicken, carrots, orzo, and grated cheese.
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When you need a bowl of pure comfort, this Italian Penicillin Soup, also known as Chicken Pastina Soup, is the answer. It is a soothing, nourishing meal perfect for sick days or chilly evenings, made quickly with simple, flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups good quality chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup pastina (or other small pasta like acini di pepe)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Add the pastina to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer broth, use homemade chicken bone broth.
  • If you do not have cooked chicken, simmer 1 large chicken breast in the broth until cooked, then shred and return it to the soup.
  • This soup is excellent for meal prep; cook the pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers for more than one day to prevent it from absorbing all the liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/penicillin-soup-italian-chicken-pastina-soup/