Discover the comforting Italian Penicillin recipe. This hearty soup, packed with vegetables, pasta, and savory broth, is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply seeking comfort food, this dish stands out with its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. It’s suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or solo cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Italian Penicillin warms your soul with its rich broth and wholesome ingredients.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, you can serve this delicious soup even on busy days.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the vegetables or pasta type based on what you have at home.
- Packed with Nutrients: The combination of vegetables and chicken bone broth makes it a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night alone, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Italian Penicillin, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing plenty of space for all the ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot and providing steady control while mixing flavors.
Ingredients
Discover the comforting Italian Penicillin recipe. This hearty soup, packed with vegetables, pasta, and savory broth, is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Vegetables
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Celery, diced – ½ cup
- Carrot, diced – ½ cup
- Onion, diced – ½ cup
- Garlic, minced – 1 clove
Pasta and Broth
- Pastina or other small pasta like orzo – 1 cup
- Chicken bone broth – 4 cups
Seasonings and Add-Ins
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Kosher salt – ¼ tsp
- Fresh ground pepper – ¼ tsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp (for finishing)
Final Touches
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
- Egg, thoroughly whisked – 1
How to Make Italian Penicillin
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in butter until softened. This step builds a flavor base that enhances your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add garlic and cook until it releases its aroma. This will infuse the dish with a wonderful fragrance.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Spices
Combine chicken bone broth, turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Step 4: Bring to a Simmer
Heat the mixture until it begins to simmer. A gentle simmer helps develop deeper flavors.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Cook pastina (or orzo) until it’s al dente. Follow package instructions for timing.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheese and Butter
Off heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and additional butter. This adds creaminess and richness to your soup.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Let the pastina mixture cool for a few minutes. Cooling allows safe incorporation of the egg without scrambling it.
Step 8: Add Egg Gradually
Slowly incorporate the egg while stirring the pastina continuously. This creates a silky texture throughout your soup.
Step 9: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Incorporate a hint of fresh parsley and lemon squeeze. These provide brightness that balances the dish’s richness.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Soup
Savor your delicious homemade Italian Penicillin. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Italian Penicillin
Italian Penicillin is a comforting dish that warms the soul and delights the palate. When serving this hearty soup, consider these creative ideas to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty Italian bread complements the soup perfectly. Its texture allows for delightful dipping.
Fresh Salad
- Pairing Italian Penicillin with a light, fresh salad adds a refreshing contrast. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad works well.
Garnished with Herbs
- Top your soup with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an added burst of flavor and color. It brightens up each bowl.
Cheese Topping
- Add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This enhances the creamy richness of the soup.
Lemon Wedge
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors and add a zesty touch.
How to Perfect Italian Penicillin
To ensure your Italian Penicillin turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the pasta directly in the broth for longer or add more pastina.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper gradually to achieve your preferred seasoning level.
- Choose Quality Broth: Using high-quality chicken bone broth makes a significant difference in taste and overall health benefits.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding shredded chicken or beans to increase protein content.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Penicillin
Enhance your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair well with Italian Penicillin. Each option brings its unique flavor profile, making your meal even more satisfying.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant side that complements the warmth of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offers variety and texture.
- Risotto – Creamy risotto provides an elegant touch while still being comforting.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked stuffed mushrooms make for a savory bite that pairs nicely with the flavors of Italian Penicillin.
- Focaccia Bread – Soft focaccia topped with herbs is perfect for dipping into your delicious soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle adds freshness and acidity to balance the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Penicillin can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish.
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the vegetables properly can result in a lack of flavor. Always take your time to soften them in the butter.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pastina or orzo too long can lead to mushy pasta. Aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
- Adding the egg too quickly: Incorporating the egg too fast can cause it to scramble. Stir continuously while adding it gradually for a smooth finish.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Skipping fresh parsley or lemon juice misses a chance to brighten up flavors. Always add these at the end for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Penicillin
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Penicillin
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring regularly until simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Penicillin?
Italian Penicillin is a comforting soup made with small pasta, vegetables, and savory broth. It’s perfect for chilly days and is full of flavor.
How do I customize my Italian Penicillin?
You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or use different types of pasta based on your preference. Experiment with spices to suit your taste!
Can I make Italian Penicillin vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute chicken bone broth with vegetable broth, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
Is Italian Penicillin healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Penicillin recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this cozy soup a try – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Italian Penicillin
Indulge in the warmth of Italian Penicillin, a delightful soup that embodies comfort and nourishment. This hearty dish is brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and a savory chicken bone broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—but also completely customizable. Whether enjoyed solo or shared at family gatherings, each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors that promises to satisfy. Dive into this comforting classic, and let it become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced carrot
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup pastina (or small pasta like orzo)
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, whisked
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced celery, carrot, and onion until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken bone broth and stir in turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add pastina and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and an additional tablespoon of butter for creaminess.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before gradually adding the whisked egg while stirring continuously to avoid scrambling.
- Finish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
