If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food. Especially when you’re talking about a group of food editors. We often feel like we have the best job in the world, as we strike up lengthy discussions about the top fast food burger, our go-to grocery products, or what Ina is tempting us with next. But our favorite topic has to be recipes. We are a community of home cooks after all. And when one of us finds a keeper, you better believe we’re spreading the news.
Such was the recent conversation that led us all to “penicillin soup.” Some of us also referred to it as “sick day soup,” or even zhuzhed-up pastina—but we agreed it’s the perfect recipe—nay, panacea—right now as we’re all fending off one bug or another. Because while we’re looking forward to all things spring as we spy green buds outside and enjoy longer days of increasing sunshine, it seems as though we’re still waking up with sore throats and runny noses as we transition seasons.
Why We Love Our Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe
Our new Italian penicillin soup recipe entered the chat a few months ago just in time, and has been making the rounds ever since, as we each test it out and extol its virtues—from one co-worker to the next. Want in on the Allrecipes conversation?
Recipe tester Amanda Holstein kicks us off with this bold exclamation: “Honestly, this will be the only way I will make chicken noodle soup from now on.”
Bridget Olson, Features Editor
“Not only did he eat all of it in his rain-soaked gear, but he came home and promptly declared that soup is his new favorite food.”
— Bridget Olson, Features Editor
“I made this soup on a cold, rainy night when my oldest son had soccer practice. I packed it in a thermos so he could eat it afterwards, on the way home. To say he liked it is a huge understatement. Not only did he eat all of it in his rain-soaked gear, but he came home and promptly declared that soup is his new favorite food. The Parmesan rind, pastina, and fresh herbs really take it from regular chicken soup to something special,” Features Editor Bridget Olson remarked.
She messaged Senior News Editor Courtney Kassel to recommend it.
“I now have this on my list to try this week,” Kassel notes. “I haven’t made it yet, but I make pastina all the time. This version looks even better because it sneaks the veggies in to help you heal even faster.”
Senior Evergreen Editor Corey Williams and Bailey Fink, another news editor on the team, feel similarly.
“I am chicken noodle soup’s number one hater because it’s usually so bland and tastes like chicken water,” said Williams. “Blending the veggies in and cooking the pastina in the soup are genius moves and make it sound so much more appetizing. I’m making this the next time I’m under the weather for sure.”
Fink heard this soup was a winner from her mom who made it recently and ensured “it’s yummy, I would make it again and again.” Fink is now putting it into her rotation, too. “I do love the classic pastina but my everyday trick is to throw carrots and celery in a food processor and add it to basically anything (learned that one from Emily Blunt) so this soup is the perfect way to do get those vitamins in—with the added heartiness of chicken.”
We’re not the only ones who love it—reviewers agree:
“Wow,” raved Allrecipes community member UpbeatDuck6276. “This soup was amazing! So easy to prepare and oh so good! I followed the directions and wouldn’t change a thing!”
Others agree it’s “a keeper” and “a crowd-pleaser.” Need we say more?
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
How to Make Italian Penicillin Soup
To make this ultimate comfort food dish and cold cure-all, creator Craig Ruff has us simmer together chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasonings before blending a cup of the veggies and liquid together to add body to each bite.
Cooking the pastina in the broth, adding a Parmesan rind, and enhancing the soup with fresh herbs and shredded chicken take this otherwise simple recipe over the top. Not only is it delicious and soul-warming, but it’s also easy to make in under an hour.
Even if this penicillin soup doesn’t actually cure what ails us, it helps us feel better as only a steaming bowl of comfort can do. And that’s always worth sharing.
