Name: Comfort Food That Heals Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup); 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option); 1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound); 2 bay leaves; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a soup that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day, this Italian Penicillin Soup is exactly that and more. Aptly called Comfort Food That Heals, this recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and vibrant fresh lemon to create a deeply satisfying bowl that nourishes your body and soul. Each spoonful is packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in a melody of textures and flavors, making it the ultimate remedy when you need both deliciousness and comfort in equal measure.

Comfort Food That Heals Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing this soup is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its rich flavor, inviting aroma, and comforting texture. From the aromatic vegetables to the fresh herbs and tender chicken, every component brings something special to the bowl.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup): Provides a savory sweetness that forms the soul of the soup’s base.
3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds: Offers subtle sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
3 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes an earthy depth and a pleasant crunch when softened.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and pungency that elevates every spoonful.
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option): Creates the comforting, flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
1 whole chicken breast, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 pound): Delivers tender, juicy protein and infuses the broth as it simmers.
2 bay leaves: Adds subtle herbal notes that develop during slow cooking.
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells): Adds comforting body and helps thicken the broth naturally.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces an earthy Mediterranean aroma.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle woodsy undertone.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the soup a hint of warmth and gentle heat.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the soup and cuts through the richness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal vibrancy at the very end.

How to Make Comfort Food That Heals

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Slow-cooking these classic aromatics until they soften and the onion turns translucent delivers the foundational flavor that makes this soup so comforting. When they’re just right, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with its irresistible fragrance, but watch carefully to avoid browning—gentle is the key here.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Now pour in the chicken broth and nestle your whole chicken breast right into the pot. Toss in the bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and the optional red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. This slow simmer allows the chicken to cook perfectly tender and infuses the broth with deep, rich flavor — true Comfort Food That Heals in the making.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Partially cover your pot and let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Patience here gives you juicy, shreddable chicken and perfectly softened veggies. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes until dinner. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully lift it out and let it cool just enough to handle.

Step 4: Shred and Season

After cooling, remove the skin and bones, then shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks—it’s so satisfying to shred fresh chicken by hand! Return to the pot, but before that, season the broth with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the flavors will intensify as it continues cooking, so add seasoning gradually to strike that perfect balance.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and stir in your chosen small pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. The starch released from the pasta will gently thicken the broth, giving that luscious consistency that makes this soup an absolute must for anyone craving comforting, hearty nourishment.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Elements

Almost done! Remove the bay leaves, then stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon juice adds a bright, awakening zing that balances the richness, while the parsley offers a burst of herbal freshness. Taste once more and adjust seasoning, and suddenly you have a bowl of pure Comfort Food That Heals, ready to warm your heart and heal your spirit.

How to Serve Comfort Food That Heals

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this soup beautifully. Consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an indulgent twist or a few extra fresh parsley leaves for color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a silky richness that feels like a cozy hug in every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up every bit of that flavorful broth. A light mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast, while roasted garlic bread or cheesy focaccia make the meal feel truly special and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and elegant presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and top with a small sprig of fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can brighten their bowls to their liking. For gatherings, a soup bar with an array of garnishes and toppings ready to customize turns your comfort food into a delightful interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal taste even better. Just give it a quick stir before reheating, and it’s ready to comfort you all over again.

Freezing

Comfort Food That Heals freezes incredibly well. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. For best texture, cook the pasta fresh after thawing or undercook it slightly before freezing to prevent mushiness later. This way, you’ll always have a healing meal ready in your freezer arsenal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling vigorously as this can toughen the chicken or overcook the pasta. A gentle warm-up preserves the soup’s comforting texture and magic.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken breast for hearty mushrooms or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and lemon still create a soul-soothing soup that qualifies as Comfort Food That Heals.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and blend perfectly with the soup’s texture without overwhelming it.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the simmering step. You can also serve with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for added warmth.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken breast?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the broth as it simmers, making the soup richer and more healing. You can use boneless chicken breast but expect a slightly lighter broth.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken toward the end and add pasta separately in the last 30 minutes to avoid it getting mushy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Italian Penicillin Soup truly feels like creating a bowl of Comfort Food That Heals from scratch. It’s more than just nourishment; it’s a delicious ritual that wraps you in warmth and care. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving soulful comfort, this recipe is a keeper you’ll turn to again and again. So go ahead, dive spoon-first into this healing goodness—you deserve it.

Comfort Food That Heals Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and healing dish, crafted with a flavorful blend of aromatic vegetables, tender chicken, and small pasta simmered in a herbed broth. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this hearty soup is perfect for soothing cold days or when you need a warm, nurturing meal.

Instructions

Build the Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and nestle the chicken breast into the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and infuse the broth with rich flavor.
Simmer Until Tender: Partially cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The vegetables should be tender and aromatic. Remove the chicken breast carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
Shred and Season: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Season the broth with salt and pepper gradually to allow flavors to concentrate as the soup continues cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, allowing the starch to thicken the broth slightly for a comforting consistency.
Finish with Fresh Elements: Remove the bay leaves and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon brightens the soup, while parsley adds a fresh herbal note. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
The choice of small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells works best for this soup texture.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for no heat.
Fresh lemon juice added at the end provides brightness — do not skip it for best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian