Italian Penicillin Soup

A simple, comforting chicken-and-pastina soup built from garlic, lemon, tender shredded chicken, and tiny pasta pearls — made to be quick, soothing, and pantry-friendly. For more ideas to expand your weeknight soup rotation, browse the soup recipes collection.

Ingredients for the classic version

Key components are cooked shredded chicken, chicken broth, pastina (or tiny acini di pepe/orzo), garlic, lemon, and grated Parmesan. Keep chicken broth and small pasta on hand to recreate the bright, savory profile typical of this Italian-American bowl.

Step-by-step stovetop method

Start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil, add warm chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then stir in pastina until tender. Fold in shredded chicken, a squeeze of lemon, and finish with grated cheese and chopped parsley for balance. Cook times are short — pastina cooks in about 6–8 minutes — making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Quick substitutions and timing tips

If pastina isn’t available, small orzo or tiny macaroni work well; use the same simmer method and watch closely to avoid overcooking. For a lighter broth, swap in low-sodium stock and adjust salt at the end. If you want an egg-thickened finish, consider techniques used in quicker soups like the 10-minute egg drop soup for inspiration on adding beaten egg ribbons without curdling.

Variations to suit family tastes

Add vegetables such as shredded carrots or baby spinach for color and nutrients, or stir in a spoonful of pesto for an herbal lift. For a creamier texture, briefly blend a cup of the cooked soup and return it to the pot before adding chicken and pasta — this keeps the familiar flavor while thickening the broth naturally.

Storage, reheating, and make-ahead notes

Store the broth and cooked pasta separately when possible; this prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid. Refrigerate components up to 3 days or freeze the broth for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add freshly cooked pastina if you prefer a just-made texture.

Serving suggestions and pairings

Serve bowls garnished with extra lemon zest and shaved Parmesan, alongside crusty bread or a light salad. For a complementary cold side, try a robust salad that balances the warm bowl, such as the high-protein Italian pasta salad, which pairs well without overpowering the delicate broth.

Conclusion

For a tested, ready-to-follow version of this beloved chicken-and-pastina soup, see the Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe – Allrecipes for measurements and tips. If you prefer a traditional Nonna-style pastina approach, this write-up on Italian Chicken Pastina Soup (aka Italian Nonna’s Penicillin Soup) offers a classic family recipe to compare techniques.