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Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This Italian Penicillin Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender sautéed vegetables, cannellini beans, and orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Infused with aromatic thyme and sage, and topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for cold days or any time you need a nourishing warm meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Liquids & Broth

  • 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried sage. Cook for another minute until fragrant to infuse the flavors into the vegetables.
  3. Stir in Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
  4. Add Beans and Simmer: Reduce heat to a simmer and add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. This step makes the soup hearty and filling.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season and Finish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley, reserving some for garnish.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, ideally with crusty Italian bread for dipping.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit Parmesan or use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative.
  • Make sure to rinse canned cannellini beans to reduce excess sodium.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
  • Orzo can be slightly overcooked if you prefer a softer texture.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Italian Penicillin Soup, cannellini bean soup, orzo soup, hearty soup, comforting Italian soup, chicken broth soup

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/italian-penicillin-soup-recipe/