Does Italian penicillin soup really work?

While it’s not actual medicine, Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe is known for its soothing, restorative qualities. The hot broth helps relieve congestion, the chicken offers protein to support healing, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins. Many people find it eases symptoms of cold and flu, making it a natural comfort remedy passed down for generations.

What is in Italian penicillin soup?

At its core, the soup contains chicken, vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and pastina pasta. Some variations may include Parmesan rind, olive oil, or lemon for extra depth of flavor. These simple ingredients work together to create a nourishing, balanced bowl that supports both body and soul.

Why do they call it penicillin soup?

The nickname comes from its reputation as a healing soup. Italian grandmothers, or Nonnas, often served this dish to family members when they were sick. Just like penicillin is a medicine, this soup became known as a natural cure-all for minor illnesses, offering comfort, warmth, and nutrients.

What is the most famous soup in Italy?

While Italian Penicillin Soup has gained international attention, minestrone is often considered Italy’s most famous soup. It’s a hearty vegetable-based dish filled with beans, pasta, and seasonal produce. However, Nonna’s penicillin soup holds a unique cultural place as Italy’s healing comfort food.

Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe: The Best Healing Chicken Soup Ever

Name: Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe: The Best Healing Chicken Soup Ever
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken or 4 bone-in thighs; 8 cups water or chicken broth; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup pastina pasta; 2 tbsp fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A traditional Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe made with chicken, pastina, vegetables, and herbs. Known as Nonna’s healing soup, this dish is perfect for cold and flu season or as a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (or 4 bone-in thighs)
8 cups water or chicken broth
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup pastina pasta
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place chicken, vegetables, and broth or water in a large pot.
Bring to a boil, skim foam, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 45–60 minutes until chicken is tender and broth is flavorful.
Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones and skin.
Return shredded chicken to pot.
Add pastina, cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve ho

Notes

For richer flavor, simmer with a Parmesan rind.

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.

For freezing, keep broth and chicken separate from pastina. Add fresh pastina when reheating.

Gluten-free option: replace pastina with rice or gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop (or Slow Cooker / Instant Pot option)
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
Calories: 230
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg (depends on broth)
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe, healing chicken soup, Italian Nonna soup, cold and flu remedy