Description
Italian Penicillin Soup is a light, soothing, deeply nourishing broth-based classic that comforts on chilly days. A clear lemon-garlic base surrounds tender small pasta while onions soften to sweetness. This cozy, easily digestible soup is ideal for recovery or a simple warming meal—bright citrus, herbs, and gentle seasonings lift flavors without heaviness. Pantry-friendly, nourishing, and versatile, it makes a comforting weeknight staple for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or acini di pepe)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in broth, then add salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Bring to a gentle boil and add pasta.
- Cook until pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with optional toppings.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version; chicken broth is fine too.
- Finish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
- Stir in lemon juice off the heat to preserve brightness.
- If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of extra broth.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup, comforting soup, cozy soup, lemon garlic soup, healing soup, easy Italian soup, weeknight dinner, pantry recipe, vegetarian soup, pasta soup