Winter italian penicillin soup

This soup is one of those winter recipes people turn to when the weather feels heavy and everyone wants something warm and soothing. It’s light but comforting, filled with simple ingredients that simmer into a gentle, savory broth. Winter italian penicillin soup is loved because it feels easy on the body and easy in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy evenings, quiet family dinners, or cold nights when cooking needs to stay simple. The flavors are familiar and calming, without being boring. I usually let it simmer slowly on the stove while I finish up other things, and the smell alone makes the house feel warmer and more settled.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup checks so many everyday boxes. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. The broth is light but full of flavor, making it easy to enjoy even when you want something gentle. It’s budget-friendly and stretches well, so one pot can feed a family or provide leftovers for later. This soup is also freezer-friendly, which makes it great for planning ahead during colder months. Winter Italian-style penicillin soup is comforting without feeling heavy, and it reheats beautifully without losing its texture. It’s the kind of recipe that feels reliable, calm, and perfect for saving and making again when winter days feel long.

Ingredients

Use bone-in chicken pieces for deeper flavor and a richer broth.

1 pound bone-in chicken pieces
8 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup small pasta
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir gently as they soften. The vegetables should look glossy and smell lightly sweet before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add chicken pieces and water to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. As it cooks, the broth turns slightly golden and the aroma becomes warm and comforting.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the pasta and let it cook slowly in the broth. The soup will thicken slightly as the pasta softens and absorbs flavor.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Continue simmering until the chicken is tender and the pasta is cooked through. Sprinkle in fresh parsley at the end and let the soup rest briefly before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is simple to start and easy to leave simmering while you do other things. One pot handles everything, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. It stores well, reheats easily, and tastes just as comforting the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and planned leftovers.

Tips & Tricks

Keep the simmer gentle
A strong boil can make the broth cloudy and toughen the chicken. A slow simmer keeps the soup clear and the meat tender, improving both texture and flavor.
Add pasta near the end
Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Stir it in once the broth has developed flavor so it stays soft but holds its shape.
Season gradually
It’s better to add salt in small amounts. The broth reduces slightly as it cooks, which can intensify seasoning if added too quickly.
Skim the surface if needed
If foam appears early on, gently skim it off. This keeps the soup clean-looking and helps maintain a smooth, pleasant broth.

Variations

Meaty version
Add extra chicken pieces or small meatballs toward the end of cooking. This makes the soup heartier and more filling, especially for cold winter dinners.
Vegetarian option
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra carrots, celery, and a handful of beans to keep the soup satisfying and balanced.
Ingredient swap
Replace small pasta with rice or tiny dumplings. This changes the texture slightly while keeping the soup comforting and familiar.
Flavor or herb boost
Add a pinch of dried thyme or basil near the end. Keep it light so the broth stays gentle and soothing.

Serving Suggestions

Simple bowl serving
Serve hot in deep bowls with a light sprinkle of parsley. This keeps the focus on the broth and makes the meal feel calm and comforting.
With warm bread
Pair with soft bread or toast for dipping. It adds warmth and turns the soup into a more filling family meal.
Light dinner plate
Serve alongside a small salad for an easy evening meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
Family-style pot
Place the pot on the table and let everyone serve themselves. It creates a relaxed, cozy winter dinner atmosphere.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Let the soup cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor often deepens by the next day.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much.
Freezing
Freeze in portioned containers for up to two months. For best texture, freeze before adding pasta and cook it fresh when reheating.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time. Add pasta and herbs just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains roughly 180–230 calories with about 15–18 grams of protein. It also provides vitamin A from carrots and small amounts of iron from chicken. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it stores and reheats very well.

Boiling too hard instead of simmering.

Yes, rice or small grains work well.

The pasta absorbed extra liquid.

Up to four days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This soup is simple, gentle, and made for real winter days when comfort matters most. You can adjust the ingredients, change the starch, or add more vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Winter italian penicillin soup fits easily into busy routines while still feeling warm and homemade. It’s not fancy or complicated, but that’s exactly why it works. Make a pot, save the leftovers, and come back to it whenever the cold weather calls for something soothing and familiar.