Description
A soul-warming Italian take on classic chicken soup packed with tender chicken, garlic, lemon, herbs, and tiny pasta in a rich, healing broth. The perfect comfort food for cold days or when you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
1/2 cup acini di pepe, orzo, or other small pasta
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh basil or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), and pasta.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
9. Simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through.
10. Stir in fresh parsley and garnish with extra herbs before serving.
11. Serve with crusty bread and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use homemade chicken stock for the best flavor.
Add spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
For a richer broth, stir in a spoonful of butter or drizzle of olive oil before serving.
This soup freezes beautifully — just cook the pasta separately when reheating to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian penicillin soup, lemon chicken soup, acini di pepe soup, healing soup, comfort food