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Italian Penicillin Soup – A Cozy, Immune-Boosting Classic

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A comforting and immune-boosting Italian soup made with chicken, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Perfect for cold days or when you need a nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (or whole chicken parts)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional)

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 3/4 cup orzo or small pasta (optional)

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 8 minutes.

  • Add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add chicken and pour in broth or water.

  • Add thyme, bay leaves, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 40–45 minutes.

  • Remove chicken, discard bones and skin, and shred meat.

  • Return shredded chicken to the pot. Add pasta, if using, and cook until tender.

  • Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Serve hot with optional Parmesan on top.

Notes

  • For gluten-free: use rice or gluten-free pasta.

  • Freeze without pasta for better texture.

  • Add spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.

Find it online: https://besthomeflavors.com/italian-penicillin-soup-a-cozy-immune-boosting-classic/