Italian Penicillin Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Food

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing sounds better than a warm bowl of soup? Well, let me introduce you to my go-to comfort food: Italian Penicillin Soup! This hearty, flavorful soup is like a hug in a bowl, packed with vibrant vegetables and just enough seasoning to make your taste buds dance.

I remember the first time I made this during a chilly winter evening; the aroma wafting through my kitchen was pure magic! It’s so easy to whip up, and the best part? It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a wholesome meal. Trust me, once you try this soup, you won’t want to go back to anything else on those cozy nights!

Ingredients List

To make my delicious Italian Penicillin Soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped (the heart of the soup!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic kick)
• 1 carrot, diced (adds a touch of sweetness)
• 1 celery stalk, diced (for that classic soup crunch)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (the flavor base)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or homemade if you have it!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (the Italian essence)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (my favorite herb!)
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or shells)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (for a pop of color)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season to perfection!)

How to Prepare Italian Penicillin Soup

Making Italian Penicillin Soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll warm you up inside and out! Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, grab a large pot and heat that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent—this is where the magic begins, and the aroma will start to fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Next, stir in the diced carrot and celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes, letting them soften a bit. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes and pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil—this is when the flavors really start to meld together, and your soup base comes alive!

Step 3: Season and Cook the Pasta

Now, it’s time to sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Give it a good stir, then toss in your small pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slight bite to it—perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth!

Step 4: Final Touches

Almost there! Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts down, just a minute or two. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your soup hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra flavor boost. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Penicillin Soup is truly a gem for so many reasons! Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:

• Hearty and satisfying, perfect for any time of year.
• Packed with nutritious vegetables, making it a wholesome choice.
• Flavorful herbs like oregano and basil elevate every spoonful.
• Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 35 minutes!
• Customizable—add your favorite pasta or protein for extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian-friendly, yet still full of rich, comforting flavors.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!

Tips for Success

To make the most out of your Italian Penicillin Soup, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the pasta; any small shape works well, so feel free to use what you have on hand. If you want to boost the protein, adding cooked chicken or beans is a great option! Just remember to adjust the cooking time for the pasta—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy. Also, let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. And if you have any fresh herbs, toss those in right before serving for an extra burst of flavor!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one bowl of Italian Penicillin Soup: approximately 250 calories, 7g of fat, 10g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates, with about 5g of fiber and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on ingredient choices and serving sizes, but it’s a wholesome meal that won’t weigh you down!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape you have on hand. Ditalini, shells, or even elbow macaroni all work beautifully in this Italian Penicillin Soup. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.

Is the soup freezable?

Yes, this soup is great for freezing! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop!

How can I make this soup non-vegetarian?

If you’d like to add a meaty twist to your Italian Penicillin Soup, it’s super easy! You can toss in cooked chicken or even some Italian sausage for extra flavor. Just sauté the meat with the onions and garlic at the beginning, then follow the rest of the recipe as usual. It’ll add a delicious heartiness that’s sure to please!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your Italian Penicillin Soup is super simple! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it’ll be good for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit, as it may thicken in the fridge. Enjoy your comforting bowl once more!

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