A healing, warm and cozy bowl bursting with Italian flavor 🍋🍅
If classic chicken soup is comfort food, this Italian Penicillin Soup is next-level comfort. It’s rich with garlic, lemon, herbs, and Parmesan — the kind of nourishing meal that feels like nonna’s homemade remedy for the soul. Whether you’re fighting a cold or just craving something warm and cozy, this easy one-pot recipe comes together in under an hour. Tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh greens make it hearty yet light, while lemon and Parmesan add that signature Italian brightness. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or anytime you need a bowl of comfort that actually tastes amazing. 🥣💚
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup uncooked orzo (or any small pasta)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon 🍋
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Sauté the base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. 🥕
- Add garlic & herbs: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with chicken: Place chicken into the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add orzo: Stir in orzo and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Brighten it up: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly. 🍋🧀
- Season & serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Freeze-friendly: For best results, freeze before adding pasta; add fresh orzo after thawing.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer version.
- Extra immune boost: Add fresh ginger or a pinch of turmeric for an extra healing touch.