If you are craving a comforting bowl of warmth and nourishment, you are going to love this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe. This soul-soothing soup combines simple, fresh ingredients into a vibrant and velvety broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. The brightness from the lemon and parsley, the subtle earthiness of turmeric, and the comforting cheese-enriched broth make every spoonful irresistible. Whether you’re nursing a cold or just want a cozy meal, this Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is guaranteed to brighten your day and nourish your spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, adding its own flavor, texture, or color to create the perfect bowl. They’re all easy to find, uncomplicated, but essential for building that unmistakable depth and warmth.
- Butter: Adds rich creaminess and is key for sautéing vegetables to bring out their sweetness.
- Celery stalk: Provides a crisp, slightly peppery note and subtle crunch, balancing the soup’s smoothness.
- Carrot: Imparts natural sweetness and lovely color, making the broth more vibrant.
- Onion: Gives a savory backbone and depth to the soup when caramelized slightly.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the broth with a fragrant punch that enhances every other ingredient.
- Pastina or orzo: Small pasta adds heartiness and comforting texture without overwhelming the broth.
- Chicken bone broth: The soul of the soup, rich with flavor and nutrients for ultimate comfort.
- Turmeric: Provides a subtle earthy warmth and beautiful golden color, plus health benefits.
- Kosher salt: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Parmesan cheese: Enriches the broth with a savory umami note and creamy texture.
- Egg: Whisked and slowly incorporated for silky smoothness and richness.
- Optional fresh parsley and lemon: Brighten the soup with fresh, zesty, and herbal notes at the end.
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables to Build Flavor
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced celery, carrot, and onion. Sauté gently until they soften, releasing their sweet and aromatic flavors. This foundational step is what gives the soup its heart and warmth.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute. This brief cooking time ensures the garlic adds a delicate pungency without turning bitter.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth with Spices
Pour in your chicken bone broth and stir in the turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the turmeric to lend its golden hue.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add pastina or orzo to the simmering broth and cook it according to package instructions, typically just a few minutes. These tiny pastas make the soup more substantial without overpowering the delicate broth.
Step 5: Enrich the Soup with Cheese and Butter
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining butter. This enriches the broth, making it decadently creamy and packed with savory depth.
Step 6: Incorporate the Egg for Silkiness
Slowly drizzle the thoroughly whisked egg into the soup while stirring continuously. This technique adds a luxurious, silky texture reminiscent of classic Italian egg-drop soups, elevating the mouthfeel to the next level.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flavors
Sprinkle in chopped fresh parsley and squeeze a bit of lemon juice right before serving. These fresh ingredients add a vibrant brightness that balances the richness and makes the soup truly sing.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe into warm bowls and savor each comforting spoonful. This soup is perfect anytime you want a dose of cozy nourishment.
How to Serve Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal flavor. A final squeeze of lemon brightens the soup, giving it a lively finish that perfectly balances the creamy Parmesan and buttery broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides complement the soup’s richness while keeping the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a dramatic presentation that keeps it warm longer. Alternatively, garnish with a few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a gourmet touch that surprises and delights your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but because it contains pasta and egg, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, leave out the egg and Parmesan cheese, adding them fresh when reheating to maintain the best consistency.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If frozen without the egg and cheese, add them in after warming up, stirring well to create that signature silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth?
Absolutely! While chicken bone broth adds rich depth, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version. Just ensure it’s flavorful enough, maybe by simmering with some herbs and garlic beforehand.
Is turmeric essential in this recipe?
Turmeric is an important ingredient here, providing both color and subtle earthiness. You can omit it if necessary, but including it really elevates the soup and adds a soothing quality.
What can I substitute for pastina or orzo?
If you can’t find pastina or orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny ditalini work great. Just adjust cooking time as needed since smaller pasta cooks quickly.
How do I prevent the egg from scrambling when adding it?
The key is to drizzle the whisked egg slowly into the hot soup while stirring constantly off the heat. This creates a smooth, silky texture instead of cooked egg bits.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To veganize the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe, use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese substitutes instead of Parmesan. Skip the egg or replace it with a silken tofu blend for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The harmony of simple ingredients working together creates a soup that comforts your body and lifts your spirits. I truly encourage you to dive in, savor every spoonful, and share this cozy delight with loved ones. Your kitchen will be filled with warmth and the happy hum of contented diners in no time.
Print
Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and nourishing bowl featuring a rich chicken bone broth simmered with vegetables, turmeric, and tender pastina or orzo pasta. This soup is enriched with Parmesan cheese, butter, and a silky whisked egg, finished off with fresh parsley and a lemon squeeze for brightness. Perfect for a quick, soothing meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta and Enrichments
- ½ cup pastina or orzo
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, thoroughly whisked
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- A squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced celery, carrot, and onion, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes aromatic but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken bone broth, then season with turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pastina or orzo pasta to the simmering broth, and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
- Enrich with Parmesan & Butter: Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining butter until they melt completely, enriching the broth with silky texture and flavor.
- Incorporate the Egg: Slowly drizzle the thoroughly whisked egg into the soup while stirring continuously to create a smooth, silky texture without curdling.
- Finish with Fresh Flavors: Add optional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, perfect as a comforting appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Use chicken bone broth for a richer, more nutritious flavor.
- Pastina or orzo can be substituted with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini if unavailable.
- Be sure to add the whisked egg slowly and stir continuously to avoid scrambling.
- Fresh lemon juice and parsley are optional but recommended for added freshness.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of your broth.
- This soup can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta.
