Description
A nourishing, immune-boosting Italian penicillin soup a Mediterranean twist on the classic chicken soup. Loaded with garlic, lemon, olive oil, fresh herbs, and tender chicken, it’s the perfect comforting cure for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese and extra olive oil for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Stir in shredded chicken and heat through.
7. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a heartier version, add spinach, kale, or cannellini beans.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
Freezes beautifully — store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Italian penicillin soup, lemon chicken soup, immune boosting soup, Mediterranean comfort food