why make this recipe
Italian Penicillin Soup is a warm, hearty dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of tender chicken, nourishing broth, and comforting orzo pasta makes it a go-to meal for many. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can have a delicious homemade soup in no time.
how to make Italian Penicillin Soup
Ingredients :
- shredded chicken
- orzo pasta
- carrots
- fresh lemon
- Parmesan cheese
- chicken broth
- olive oil
- garlic
- onion
- salt
- pepper
- parsley
Directions :
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add shredded chicken and carrots, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
how to serve Italian Penicillin Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This soup makes for a comforting lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.
how to store Italian Penicillin Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it down completely before putting it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.
tips to make Italian Penicillin Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. It saves time and adds great flavor.
- Adjust the amount of carrots for sweetness or even add other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more orzo.
variation
You can switch up the protein in this soup by using turkey or even adding some Italian sausage for a different flavor. Additionally, you can make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with chickpeas and using vegetable broth.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, you can add raw diced chicken to the pot after sautéing the onion and garlic, and cook until it’s no longer pink before adding the broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and blend.
What can I serve with Italian Penicillin Soup?
A simple green salad or some crusty bread works well. You can also serve with a side of garlic bread for extra coziness.
Italian Penicillin Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 carrots, diced Adjust amount for sweetness or add other vegetables.
- 1 juiced fresh lemon Squeeze in for a fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For garnishing.
- 6 cups chicken broth Homemade or store-bought.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced For flavor base.
- to taste salt Adjust to taste.
- to taste pepper Adjust to taste.
- to taste parsley, chopped For garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add shredded chicken and carrots, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Cooking
- Stir in the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.