There’s a reason this beloved classic is known as Italian penicillin soup. For generations, Italian nonnas have relied on this simple yet deeply nourishing dinner recipe to comfort their families, soothe colds, and warm the soul. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a cozy, homemade meal, this Italian penicillin soup delivers everything you want from a comforting bowl of food.
Often referred to as Italian Chicken Pastina Soup, this dish is built on humble ingredients that come together in a magical way. Tiny pasta, tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a golden, savory broth create a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dinner recipe that doesn’t try to be fancy—yet ends up being unforgettable.
Why Italian Penicillin Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Dinner
Italian penicillin soup has earned its nickname for good reason. Light enough to be gentle on the stomach, yet hearty enough to satisfy, this soup strikes the perfect balance. It’s commonly served to anyone recovering from illness, but it’s just as perfect for a quiet weeknight dinner or a chilly weekend afternoon.
Unlike heavier cream-based soups, this dinner recipe relies on vegetables, broth, and a modest amount of pasta to create richness without feeling heavy. The carrots bring natural sweetness, the onions and garlic add depth, and the pastina thickens the soup just enough to make it comforting.
This version of Italian penicillin soup is slightly more vegetable-forward than traditional pastina soups, making it both nourishing and satisfying. A portion of the vegetables is blended into the broth, creating a silky texture while keeping chunks of vegetables and chicken for substance.
What Makes This Italian Penicillin Soup Special
What sets this recipe apart is the technique. Instead of leaving the broth completely clear, part of the soup is puréed, which gives it a luxurious body without the need for cream. This method also helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more comforting dinner recipe.
The use of tiny pasta—pastina—is essential. These delicate shapes cook quickly and absorb the broth, making every spoonful flavorful. While acini di pepe is commonly used, other small pasta shapes like stelline or orzo work just as well.
Adding cooked chicken at the end keeps it tender and juicy. Many home cooks use rotisserie chicken for convenience, making this italian penicillin soup an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients (with Measurements)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ⅓ cup uncooked pastina (tiny pasta such as acini di pepe or stelline)
- 2½–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or leftover)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh rosemary and/or thyme, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter and allow the butter to melt completely.
Step 2
Add the diced onion, shallot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth. Add the diced carrots, kosher salt, and the Parmesan rind if using. Stir to combine.
Step 5
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
Step 6
Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out about 2 cups of the cooked vegetables and set them aside.
Step 7
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the remaining soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.
(If using a regular blender, blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.)
Step 8
Return the soup to medium heat and add the uncooked pastina. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 9
Cook the pastina according to the package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 10
Add the cooked chicken and the reserved vegetables back into the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 11
Cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let the soup rest for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the pastina to absorb more broth.
Step 12
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
Step 13
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped rosemary and/or thyme.
A Dinner Recipe Rooted in Tradition
In Italian households, food is medicine. This philosophy is at the heart of italian penicillin soup. It’s not about precise measurements or complicated steps—it’s about care, warmth, and nourishment. This recipe honors that tradition while offering a clear, approachable method that anyone can follow.
The aroma alone—olive oil, butter, sautéed vegetables, simmering broth—fills the kitchen with comfort. As the soup rests, the flavors deepen, and the pasta absorbs even more of the broth, making each bowl better than the last.
Serving Italian Penicillin Soup for Dinner
This soup is best served hot, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary or thyme. A crack of black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth. While it’s perfectly satisfying on its own, you can serve it alongside crusty bread or simple crackers for a complete dinner.
Italian penicillin soup is also an excellent make-ahead meal. It reheats beautifully and can be adjusted with a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This makes it ideal for meal prep or delivering to a friend in need of comfort.
Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe Again and Again
This italian penicillin soup dinner recipe is one of those dishes you’ll memorize after making it once. It’s forgiving, flexible, and endlessly comforting. You can adjust the amount of pasta, swap herbs, or add extra vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Most importantly, it carries meaning. It’s a recipe tied to care, healing, and love—qualities that never go out of style. Whether you call it Italian chicken pastina soup or Italian penicillin soup, one thing is certain: this is the kind of dinner recipe that nourishes both body and soul.
If you’re looking for a timeless, comforting meal that feels homemade in the best possible way, this Italian penicillin soup deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. 🍲
