Italian Penicillin Soup is your go-to comforting, immune-boosting, lemony chicken and rice soup with nourishing ingredients.

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

1 celery stalk, diced (optional)

6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup arborio rice (or white rice)

1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional)

1/2 tsp turmeric (for color & healing benefits)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon (or more to taste)

Salt & cracked black pepper to taste

1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Crusty bread, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

3. Pour in broth, turmeric, and rice. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes.

4. Add shredded chicken (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer 5 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread.

Arborio rice creates a creamy texture, but any rice works.

Add lemon juice at the end to preserve brightness.

Soup thickens as it cools—thin with extra broth when reheating.