Description

When you think of comforting foods that wrap you in a warm embrace, Italian Penicillin soup stands out as a beloved classic. This hearty soup, also affectionately dubbed "Italian Penicillin," is renowned for its nourishing qualities and the way it seemingly heals the soul, much like a warm hug on a chilly day. Originating from the rustic kitchens of Italy, this dish has traveled through generations, becoming a staple in homes where love and family gathered around the dining table.

The star ingredient of this soup is the tiny pasta known as pastina, which elevates the dish with its delightful texture. Coupled with tender chicken breast, rich flavors, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is not only a feast for the senses but also easy to prepare. Perfect for everything from chilly winter evenings to cozy family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Making Italian Penicillin soup is a straightforward process that provides significant returns in terms of flavor and comfort. As you savor each spoonful, you'll appreciate the fragrance of thyme, the brightness of lemon, and the nurturing warmth of chicken broth that combine to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (tiny pasta)
• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• *Substitutions and Variations:*
• For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can easily swap the chicken for a hearty bean mix such as white beans or chickpeas. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth to create a lighter, yet still satisfying version of this soup. You can also explore adding other vegetables like zucchini or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. If pastina isn’t available, any small pasta shape like orzo or ditalini would work beautifully.

Preparation Method

Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the carrot, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic, and set it aside to let its flavor deepen. This simple act of chopping vegetables is vital, as the aromas begin to fill your kitchen, getting you excited about what’s to come.

In a slow cooker, combine the diced carrot, celery, onion, minced garlic, the bay leaf, dried thyme, and parsley. This creation forms the aromatic base of your soup. Next, gently place the boneless and skinless chicken breast atop the vegetable medley, creating a bed of flavor that will ultimately infuse the broth.

Now is the time to bathe these ingredients in luscious chicken broth. Pour in eight cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring that everything is completely submerged. This will impart rich, savory notes to the soup as it simmers away. The low-sodium option allows you to control the salt content, making it adaptable for those with dietary restrictions.

Set your slow cooker to low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. The slow cooker works its magic, tenderizing the chicken and melding the flavors into a fragrant elixir. If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy this delightful dish, using a stovetop or Instant Pot is also an option. Simply heat everything until boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

As your soup nears completion, look for visual cues. You’ll know your chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and shreds easily when pulled apart with forks. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for – to transform the succulent chicken breast into tender strands that will blend seamlessly into your soup.

About thirty minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken breast from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the now tender chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, where it will continue to mingle with the vegetables and broth.

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – the pastina! Pour in one cup of this tiny pasta and give it a gentle stir. Let it cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Keep an eye on your soup during this time; the pastina can quickly turn from perfectly cooked to mushy if left unattended.

In the final five minutes before serving, fold in the fresh spinach and squeeze the juice of one lemon into the broth. The fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color, while the lemon juice enhances the flavor and gives the dish a refreshing zing. This is your opportunity to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring every bowlful is just right.

Finally, when it’s time to serve, ladle this fragrant soup into individual bowls. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese atop each bowl adds a lovely touch, enriching the flavors even further.

Tips and Conclusion

To take your Italian Penicillin soup to the next level, consider serving it alongside slices of warm, crusty Italian bread or a light arugula salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread is perfect for dipping, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. Additionally, this soup freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. When you crave a bowl, just thaw and reheat on the stovetop!

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As you experience the joy of preparing Italian Penicillin soup, you’ll feel the love and comfort that comes with each flavorful bite. From its hearty ingredients to its slow-cooked perfection, this soup is a beautiful reminder of how food can nourish both the body and soul.

Don’t let this be your only culinary adventure. Explore other delightful recipes like hearty minestrone, zesty lemon chicken, or classic Italian garlic bread to complement your meal. As you finish your soup and appreciate the inviting aroma that lingers in your home, consider sharing this recipe with friends and family. They’ll thank you for introducing them to a dish that’s bound to warm their hearts as much as it warms yours.

Bon appétit!