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Italian Penicillin Soup

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Soup
Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 to 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1 cup small pasta like acini di pepe orzo, or ditalini
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and reduce the heat to low.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Slowly drizzle this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. This step creates delicate egg ribbons and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for the Best Italian Penicillin Soup

Always whisk the eggs and cheese thoroughly before adding them to the soup to avoid clumps.
Lower the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Cook the pasta directly in the broth for maximum flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily make this soup your own. Swap chicken for turkey, especially if you have leftovers. Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken for a lighter vegetarian version. Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. If you want a richer soup, stir in a splash of cream or extra Parmesan. For a gluten free option, use gluten free pasta or rice.
Keyword Classic, Comforting, Cozy, Easy, Flavorful, Simple