Italian Penicillin Soup – Light, Easy & Comforting Soup When Sick

Introduction

When you’re feeling under the weather, few things are as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Italian Penicillin Soup offers soothing nourishment reminiscent of the classic chicken soup, but with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with immune-boosting vegetables, herbs, a gentle broth, and tender chicken, it’s a tried-and-true remedy that brings comfort, flavor, and hydration, just when you need it most.

Why Italian Penicillin Soup is a Must-Make

This soup stands out for its simplicity and speed—ready in under an hour from start to finish—yet it delivers layers of flavor thanks to classic Italian aromatics like garlic, onion, and basil. Its light yet hearty nature makes it the perfect recipe for when you or a loved one are feeling sick, seeking something easy to digest and nourishing. The gentle combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs is a proven palate pleaser for everyone at the table, sick or well.

The Secret to a Healing Bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup

The key elements here are a good-quality low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock, plenty of garlic (nature’s immune booster), diced Italian vegetables, lean chicken breast, and a finishing drizzle of olive oil and bright lemon juice. These comfort-inducing flavors combine with the hydrating power of broth to make each spoonful restorative and satisfying.

Easy Preparation & Personalization

This recipe’s beauty lies in its flexibility—use orzo, small pasta, or rice for a heartier bowl, or skip them for a lighter soup. Add fresh basil and a grating of Parmesan before serving for extra authenticity and nourishment. If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time when energy is low.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra black pepper. For added comfort, pair it with hot herbal tea. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed for several days—a lifesaver when you’re not feeling up to cooking often.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each portion provides a balanced combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins in under 250 calories, making it an excellent option for gentle, healing nourishment.

Italian Penicillin Soup – Recap

Italian Penicillin Soup delivers classic comfort with flavorsome Italian character. It’s light enough for delicate appetites yet rich in flavor and nutrients, making it a go-to for sick days and any time you crave true comfort in a bowl.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a grocery list with all ingredients, conveniently sorted by store section—perfect for staying organized during even the busiest weeks or when you’re running low on energy.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add chicken breasts to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. (Optional) Stir in orzo or your preferred small pasta. Simmer for 8-10 more minutes, until pasta is al dente. (If not using pasta, skip to the next step.)
7. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Ladle soup into bowls. Finish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan.

Weekly Meal Planning

Italian Penicillin Soup is ideal for meal prepping—make a big pot at the start of the week and reheat for quick, gentle meals. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly plan and auto-generate streamlined shopping lists that consolidate all your meal ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates total ingredient quantities for all scheduled recipes
– Sorts grocery lists by section, making trips fast and efficient
– Helps eliminate duplicate purchases and forgotten essentials, even when you’re not feeling great
– Makes batch cooking and weekly prep smooth and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning sick-day or recovery meals, schedule your recipes together to automatically generate a list that accounts for overlapping ingredients like chicken or lemons—no more last-minute store runs or buying too much.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy warmth, comfort, and light nourishment with every bowl—Italian Penicillin Soup is your go-to pick-me-up, perfectly tailored for sick days and gentle appetites.