Name: Comfort Food That Heals Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup); 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound); 2 bay leaves; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; Crusty Italian bread for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of warmth that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out, this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s truly Comfort Food That Heals in every spoonful, combining nourishing chicken broth, tender shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a bright squeeze of lemon to lift your spirits and soothe your soul. Whether you’re fighting a cold, recovering from a long day, or simply in need of a satisfying meal, this soup has all the cozy flavors and healing qualities to make you feel instantly better.

Comfort Food That Heals Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, bringing a delightful harmony of taste, aroma, and texture to the pot. Every vegetable, herb, and seasoning plays a vital role in creating that perfect bowl of Comfort Food That Heals.

Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps gently soften the vegetables for a flavorful base.
Large onion, diced (1 cup): Gives a sweet, savory depth to the broth that feels homemade and nourishing.
Carrots, sliced (3 medium): Contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color for balance and appeal.
Celery stalks, chopped (3): Offer an earthy crunch and essential aromatic notes.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): A punch of flavor and immune-boosting goodness.
Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups): The heart of this soup, delivering warmth and natural savoriness.
Whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound): Ensures maximum flavor and tender meat that melts into the broth.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse subtle herbal nuances that elevate the soup’s profile beautifully.
Small pasta (1 cup): Ditalini, orzo, or small shells make the soup hearty and comforting.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic Italian herb touch.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle earthiness to the mix.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little warmth for those who love a tiny kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, just enough to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens and balances every spoonful with a fresh zing.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a lively herbal note and cheerful green bursts.
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (for garnish): A nutty, savory topper that makes this soup irresistible.
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling: Enhances richness and adds a glossy finish.
Crusty Italian bread: To scoop up every last drop of healing goodness.

How to Make Comfort Food That Heals

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Start by heating your olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, allowing them to soften over 5 to 7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables smell sweet and inviting. This trio, often called the holy trinity in Italian cooking, lays down the foundation of flavor that ensures your soup is deeply satisfying. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until you catch that mouthwatering aroma—be careful not to let it brown as you want a gentle garlic essence.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in your chicken broth and nestle the whole chicken breast right into the pot. Toss in two bay leaves along with dried oregano, thyme, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little adventurous with spice. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer. Here’s where patience pays off—the slow cooking lets the chicken stay tender while infusing the broth with layers of rich, soothing flavor that define Comfort Food That Heals.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Partially cover the pot and let everything simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. By now, your kitchen will be filled with that unmistakable comforting aroma that promises better days ahead. The chicken should be perfectly cooked through, easy to shred with a fork, and the vegetables tender and inviting. Carefully remove the chicken breast and set it aside to cool for a moment.

Step 4: Shred and Season

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard the bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Season the broth with salt and black pepper gradually, keeping in mind the flavors will become more intense as the soup continues to cook. Return the shredded chicken to the pot—it’s about to get even better.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring your pot back to a gentle boil and add the small pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until al dente—the perfect balance of tender with a little bite. Thanks to the starch released from the pasta, the broth will thicken slightly, creating that luscious, cozy consistency that makes this soup a true contender for your list of favorite Comfort Food That Heals.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Elements

Before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This final step adds a brilliant brightness and fresh herbal note to balance the soup’s rich depths. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, it’s ready to bring warmth and healing to every bowl!

How to Serve Comfort Food That Heals

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Italian Penicillin Soup into a soul-soothing experience, fresh garnishes are a must. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds a slightly nutty, melted richness that’s utterly divine. A quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enriches each bite and adds a glossy, inviting sheen. These finishing touches make the soup feel extra special—like the warm embrace of Comfort Food That Heals.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty Italian bread that’s perfect for sopping up every delicious drop of broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal light but satisfying. If you want to stay in total comfort zone, a cheesy garlic bread or roasted vegetables make wonderful companions that round out the healing meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the joy in sharing this soup. Serve it in rustic bowls possibly lined with a sprig of fresh parsley on top for color. For a cozy dinner party, ladle the soup into mini soup tureens or mason jars with lids for an adorable, easy individual serving. Adding a small ramekin of Parmesan on the side invites everyone to customize their own perfect bowl of Comfort Food That Heals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup is a superstar when it comes to leftovers. Store your cooled Italian Penicillin Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Flavors actually deepen when the soup rests, so it tastes even better the next day—a true gift to have healing comfort food on hand whenever you need it.

Freezing

If you want to keep this healing comfort in your freezer stash, let the soup cool completely and transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. For best texture, consider cooking the pasta fresh when reheating or freeze it separately to avoid sogginess upon thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. If you froze the pasta separately, cook a fresh batch and stir it in just before serving. A splash of broth or water can loosen the soup if it’s thickened too much during storage—making it just as comforting as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken breast, and add white beans or extra vegetables for protein and fullness. The result still counts as fantastic Comfort Food That Heals.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the pasta with rice or another gluten-free grain, or skip the pasta entirely for a lighter version. The soup’s rich broth and tender veggies more than make up for any switch, ensuring you still enjoy nourishing Comfort Food That Heals.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of a whole breast?

While the recipe shines with chicken cooked in the broth, you can definitely use leftover shredded chicken to save time. Just warm it in the pot while the pasta cooks, and your soup will still be full of comforting, healing qualities.

Why is lemon juice added at the end?

Adding lemon juice right before serving brightens the overall flavor profile, cutting through the rich, hearty broth with a fresh zing that balances and lifts the entire soup—one of the secrets behind its reputation as Comfort Food That Heals.

Can I omit the cheese if I’m dairy-free?

Yes, you can skip the Parmigiano-Reggiano or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. The soup itself remains a nourishing and delicious bowl of Comfort Food That Heals.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Penicillin Soup really is a life-changer when you want a bowl of something that feels like healing energy in liquid form. It’s not just food—it’s an experience of love, warmth, and care that you can easily bring to your table anytime. Go ahead and try this recipe—you deserve a little Comfort Food That Heals whenever you need it most!

Comfort Food That Heals Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting, healing dish featuring a flavorful blend of aromatic vegetables, tender chicken, and delicate pasta simmered in a rich broth with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon. This soup combines traditional Italian ingredients and slow simmering to create a soothing meal perfect for nourishment and warmth, ideal for chilly days or when under the weather.

Instructions

Build the Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This holy trinity of vegetables creates the flavor foundation that makes this soup deeply satisfying. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and nestle the chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let the chicken cook slowly to stay tender and infuse the broth with rich flavor.
Simmer Until Tender: Cover partially and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. The vegetables should be tender, and your kitchen will fill with inviting aroma. Remove the chicken breast and set aside to cool slightly.
Shred and Season: Once cool enough to handle, remove skin and bones from the chicken. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Season the broth with salt and pepper gradually, keeping in mind the flavors will concentrate as it cooks further.
Cook the Pasta: Return shredded chicken to the pot and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. The pasta starch will slightly thicken the broth for perfect comforting consistency.
Finish with Fresh Elements: Remove bay leaves and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon brightens the soup, while parsley adds a fresh, herbal note balancing rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free diets, replace the pasta with rice or omit it entirely.
Vegetarians can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding white beans as a protein source.
Those avoiding dairy can omit the cheese garnish or substitute with nutritional yeast.
This soup can be prepared up to three days in advance and reheated for convenience.
Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels in the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian