Italian Penicillin Soup [The Cure for Anything]

 

Italian Penicillin Soup [The Cure for Anything]

Ah, Italian Penicillin Soup—the ultimate comfort food! This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian dish, Penicillin, which is made with chicken, vegetables, and orzo, all wrapped in a rich and creamy broth. This soup is a masterclass in comfort, with tender chicken, soft orzo, and a medley of vegetables all swimming in a flavorful broth that's infused with the brightness of lemon and the depth of Parmesan cheese. Whether you're feeling sick, sad, or just plain hungry, this soup is the perfect remedy.

Photo: Ryan Liebe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it's a taste of Italy in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, soft orzo, and aromatic vegetables is absolutely divine, and the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a thrifty and delicious meal option. The addition of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese adds a brightness and depth to the broth that's simply irresistible.

Recipe Details:

·       Cooking Time: 30 minutes

·       Total Time: 45 minutes

·       Serves: 4

·       Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

·       1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

·       4 cups of chicken broth

·       1 medium onion, diced

·       2 cloves garlic, minced

·       2 carrots, sliced

·       2 stalks cellery, sliced

·       1 cup of orzo

·       1 teaspoon dried thyme

·       1 teaspoon dried basil

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·       2 tablespoons lemon juice

·       1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

·       Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Tools

·       Large pot - at least 3-quart capacity

·       Cut board

·       Knife

·       Measuring cups and spoons

·       Wooden spoon

·       Strainer (optional)

Directions

Step 1.

Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken, and pat dry with towels. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over a medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, occasionally stirring, for about 5 minutes.

Step 3.

Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken in the pot, followed by chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low; let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4.

Add the Orzo: Add the orzo to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. It usually takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 5.

Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Approximate Macros (per serving)

v  Calories: 400

v  Protein: 35g

v  Fat: 15g

v  Saturated Fat: 3g

v  Cholesterol: 60mg

v  Carbohydrates: 40g

v  Fiber: 2g

v  Sugar: 3g

v  Sodium: 800mg

Additional Information

·       Serve with chunks of bread or crackers for a satisfying snack or meal.

·       Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.

·       The following can also be added for extra energy: diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Tips and Variations

·       Utilize leftover chicken or turkey for an even quicker recipe.

·       Add some diced ham or bacon for added smokiness.

·       This recipe is gluten-free if using gluten-free orzo, or rice.

·       Slow Cooker: Sauté the aromatics in a skillet and transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this recipe be done in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the aromatics following the instructions, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Can this soup be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

3. What type of orzo works best?

You can use regular orzo, but whole wheat or gluten-free orzo works equally well.

4. Should I leave out the chicken?

Yes, use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

5. How can I thicken the soup?

Use cornstarch or flour to thicken the soup or simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.

6. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the pot for some heat, or hot sauce to taste.