🥣 Introduction
In every culture, there’s a sacred recipe passed down through generations — a bowl of something warm, nourishing, and believed to cure all. For Italians, that remedy is Italian Penicillin Soup — a deeply flavorful, immune-supporting chicken-based broth infused with Mediterranean herbs, garlic, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables.
Unlike its Eastern European cousin (often called “Jewish Penicillin”), this Italian variant brings extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and tomatoes into the healing equation — transforming comfort food into powerful nutrition.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, recovering from illness, or simply seeking soul-warming comfort, this soup is more than a meal — it’s Italian medicine.
🇮🇹 What Is Italian Penicillin Soup?
Italian Penicillin Soup is a traditional chicken soup enriched with Italian aromatics, herbs, vegetables, and bone broth. It’s designed to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and offer restorative comfort.
Key characteristics:
- Slow-simmered whole chicken or bone-in thighs
- Garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and fresh parsley
- A base of olive oil instead of butter
- Finishes with lemon zest, fresh basil, or grated cheese
- Optional additions: orzo pasta, kale, cannellini beans, or tomatoes
💡 The term “penicillin” here is a cultural metaphor — reflecting the soup’s “healing” properties, especially during cold and flu season.
🧬 Health Benefits Backed by Science
Every ingredient in Italian Penicillin Soup serves a biological function. This isn’t folk medicine — it’s real nutritional therapy wrapped in a delicious, savory broth.
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Chicken (with bones) | Collagen + amino acids for gut repair and immune signaling |
| Garlic | Allicin compound — natural antibacterial and antiviral properties |
| Onion | Quercetin — a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent |
| Carrots & Celery | Vitamin A & K, support immune and bone health |
| Olive Oil | Heart-healthy fats + anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds |
| Fresh Herbs | Antioxidants + digestive support + immune modulation |
| Lemon Juice | Vitamin C boost and helps balance body pH |
🍅 Ingredients (Traditional Version)
🛒 Servings: 6 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- 1 whole organic chicken (about 3-4 lbs), or 2 lbs bone-in thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned San Marzano)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or bone broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked orzo (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken pieces, browning both sides for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in carrots and celery; cook for another 5 minutes. - Simmer the Broth
Add tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and broth. Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 60–75 minutes. - Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred meat off the bones, and return meat to the pot. Discard bones and bay leaf. - Finish with Flavor
Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and cooked orzo (if using). Simmer for 5 more minutes. - Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and top with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
🍋 Pro Tip: Add a gremolata topping (garlic, parsley, lemon zest) for a fresh, immune-boosting finish.
🔁 Variations You Can Try
🌱 Vegetarian Version
Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with white beans or mushrooms. Add kale or zucchini for bulk.
🔥 Spicy Sicilian Twist
Add crushed red pepper flakes, chopped fennel, and a spoonful of anchovy paste for depth.
🏃 Instant Pot Version
Cook on “Soup” mode for 30 minutes. Quick release, shred chicken, and serve.
🌍 Why Italians Call It “Healing Soup”
In Italian households, this soup is often served:
- To children during flu season
- To new mothers postpartum
- After surgeries or illnesses
- On Sundays, as a symbol of nourishment and love
A quote that captures its spirit:
“Il brodo guarisce più del dottore.”
“Broth heals more than the doctor.”
❓ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Why is it called “Penicillin” Soup?
A: Like chicken soup in many cultures, this dish is considered a natural remedy — a powerful, comforting support for the immune system.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Let the soup cool fully, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes — just omit orzo or use gluten-free past
❤️ Closing Though
Food is medicine — and in Italy, soup is the prescription. With scientifically backed ingredients, ancestral wisdom, and deeply comforting flavor, Italian Penicillin Soup earns its name one spoonful at a time.
