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Cozy Italian Penicillin Soup

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A warm and comforting Italian-inspired chicken soup with hearty vegetables, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 small bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the carrots and celery, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the diced chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and the vegetables tender.
  5. Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Cook pasta separately if making ahead to prevent it from becoming too soft.’, ‘Season as you go to ensure every layer of flavor is spot-on.’, ‘Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley make a huge difference in the final flavor of the soup.’, ‘Adjust the liquid for desired consistency—add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer for a thicker texture.’, ‘Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a richer taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian soup, chicken soup, comfort food, healthy soup, immune-boosting soup, easy dinner, quick recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cozy-italian-penicillin-soup-recipe-for-perfect-comfort/