Transforming Italian Penicillin Soup into a casserole brings the same comforting, healing flavors of the beloved soup into a warm, hearty baked dish. Known as “Italian Penicillin” for its immune-boosting ingredients like chicken, garlic, lemon, and herbs, this version turns that restorative broth into a rich and filling casserole. It’s a perfect one-pan meal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or when you crave comfort food with an Italian twist.
Italian Penicillin Soup Into a Casserole:
This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, pasta, and vegetables baked in a creamy sauce with cheese and herbs. The result is a soul-soothing dish that captures all the goodness of the original soup — only thicker, cheesier, and even more satisfying.
History:
The term “Italian Penicillin Soup” playfully refers to the traditional Italian chicken soup often made with garlic, lemon, herbs, and pasta — a dish believed to “heal” colds and warm the soul. This comforting recipe traces its roots to Italian households where simple, fresh ingredients created deeply nourishing meals. Turning the soup into a casserole is a modern twist inspired by the American love for baked comfort food, blending Italian heritage with homestyle coziness.
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Italian Penicillin Soup Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Saute vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and spinach (or kale). Cook until softened.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, lemon zest, lemon juice, cream soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and half of the cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into the casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor.
- For a creamy texture, mix in ½ cup of sour cream or ricotta.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce if preferred.
- Try topping with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan for a crunchy finish.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Tips for Italian Penicillin Soup Into a Casserole:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or peas for more nutrition.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Serve with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
FAQ’s for Italian Penicillin Soup Into a Casserole:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or elbows work best for even texture.
Q:Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and soup.
Q: What can I use instead of cream soup?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon flour and 1 tablespoon butter; cook until thickened and use as a substitute.
Conclusion:
This Italian Penicillin Soup Casserole captures the warmth, comfort, and healing essence of the original soup in a baked, creamy form. It’s wholesome, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights or when you need a nourishing, feel-good meal. With simple ingredients and bold Italian flavors, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.