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Classic Italian Penicillin Soup with Pastina

Close-up of a white bowl filled with golden penicillin soup containing shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and Israeli couscous.
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Make this comforting Italian Penicillin Soup when you need a warm, healing meal. This recipe features tender chicken, vegetables, bright lemon, and small pastina pasta in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken and pastina pasta. Cook according to the pastina package directions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk the egg lightly. Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg while whisking constantly to temper it.
  6. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling. Cook for 1 minute until the broth thickens slightly. Do not let the soup boil after adding the egg.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. This soup is a great alternative to ordering from meal delivery companies when you are feeling unwell.

Notes

  • For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
  • If you do not have pastina, you can substitute with small elbow macaroni or orzo.
  • This soup is excellent for meal planning; it reheats well, though the pasta may absorb more liquid upon standing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/penicillin-soup-recipe-italian-comfort-food/