Slow Cooker Italian Penicillin Soup with Chicken & Pastina

A Cozy Italian-Inspired Chicken Soup with Vegetables, Parmesan & Tiny Pasta

There are some recipes that simply feel like comfort in a bowl, and this Italian Penicillin Soup is one of them.

Tender chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and tiny pastina pasta slowly cook together in a savory chicken broth for the kind of cozy meal you want on a chilly evening or anytime you're craving something warm and homemade.

Sometimes called Italian Nonna's Penicillin Soup, this comforting chicken soup gets its nickname from generations of Italian families turning to simple bowls of chicken broth, vegetables, and tiny pasta when someone needed a little extra comfort.

My version makes the process especially easy by using the slow cooker. I brown the chicken first for additional flavor, then let the chicken, vegetables, herbs, broth, and a Parmesan rind slowly cook together. Pastina gets added toward the end so those tiny pieces of pasta can soak up all that delicious broth without becoming overcooked.

Finish each bowl with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and a little parsley, and you have a simple, hearty soup that tastes like it has been simmering in the kitchen all day—because it has.

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What Is Italian Penicillin Soup?

Italian Penicillin Soup isn't actually medicine. It's an affectionate nickname for the type of comforting chicken soup Italian families have made for generations.

Recipes vary from family to family, but you'll commonly find a flavorful chicken broth filled with vegetables, chicken, herbs, Parmesan, and some form of small pasta.

In this version, I use pastina, which gives the soup that wonderfully cozy texture while soaking up the homemade broth.

The combination reminds me of the kind of recipe that doesn't need to be complicated to be memorable. It's simple food made with good ingredients and given enough time to develop plenty of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Italian Penicillin Soup

This has become one of those recipes I want to make as soon as the weather cools down.

You'll love it because it's:

• Made primarily in the slow cooker

• Filled with chicken and vegetables

• Cozy without being overly heavy

• Made with simple, familiar ingredients

• Flavored with a Parmesan rind

• Finished with tiny pastina pasta

• Easy to make ahead

• Delicious for leftovers

• Perfect for fall and winter dinners

And because everything spends a few hours cooking together, you get a much deeper flavor without needing to stand over the stove all afternoon.

What Is Pastina?

Pastina literally means "little pasta" in Italian and refers to very small pasta shapes traditionally used in soups and simple comfort dishes.

You may find pastina in tiny stars, rounds, or other petite shapes. Stelline and acini di pepe are also great options for this soup if that's what you can find.

The small size works especially well here because the pasta cooks right in the broth toward the end of the recipe and absorbs some of its flavor.

If you're unable to find something labeled specifically as pastina, don't worry. Just look for a very small pasta shape.

The Secret Ingredient: A Parmesan Rind

If you've never saved your Parmesan rinds for soup, start now.

I add one Parmesan rind to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth, vegetables, and herbs. As everything slowly cooks, the rind adds another savory layer to the broth.

You aren't going to eat the rind. Once the soup has finished cooking, simply remove and discard it before shredding the chicken and adding the pastina.

It's such a simple addition, but it's one of my favorite ways to make a homemade soup taste like it has been simmering for hours.

Which, conveniently, this one has.

Why I Brown the Chicken First

Technically, you could put everything straight into your slow cooker.

But I prefer browning the chicken first.

My slow cooker has a removable pot that can go directly onto the stovetop, so I add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the chicken breasts for approximately five minutes per side before adding the remaining ingredients.

That extra step creates more flavor before the slow cooking even begins.

If your slow cooker insert isn't stovetop-safe, you can brown the chicken in a separate skillet or skip this step when you need an especially easy dinner.

What You'll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is.

You'll need:

Chicken

Chicken breasts cook until tender enough to shred right into the soup.

Onion, Carrots & Celery

The classic combination that gives our broth its base of flavor.

Garlic

I use four whole garlic cloves and let them slowly cook into the broth.

Chicken Broth

This creates the base of the soup.

Parmesan Rind

One of the easiest ways to add savory Parmesan flavor while the soup cooks.

Herbs

Oregano, rosemary, and basil give the broth plenty of Italian-inspired flavor.

Pastina

Tiny pasta makes every spoonful extra cozy.

Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan finishes each bowl.

Fresh Parsley

Optional, but beautiful for a little freshness and color right before serving.

Making Italian Penicillin Soup in the Slow Cooker

This is where this recipe becomes especially easy.

After browning the chicken, roughly chop your vegetables. There is no need to worry about getting perfectly uniform pieces.

Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, seasonings, chicken broth, and Parmesan rind to the chicken.

Then let your slow cooker do the work.

I cook mine on medium, or setting 3, for approximately 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to easily shred with a fork.

Once it's ready, remove the Parmesan rind and chicken. Shred the chicken while the pastina cooks directly in the broth.

Then add the chicken back in and you're ready to serve.

I’ve gathered the slow cooker, soup pots, bowls, serving pieces and kitchen tools I reach for when making cozy recipes like this one in my Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials collection.

Slow Cooker Italian Penicillin Soup Recipe

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 2½–3½ hours
Servings: Approximately 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 large chicken breasts

• 1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, whole

• 2 carrots, roughly chopped

• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 Parmesan rind

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup pastina pasta, or another small pasta such as acini di pepe or stelline

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

If your slow cooker has a stovetop-safe removable insert, place it over medium heat.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Add the chicken breasts and brown for approximately 5 minutes on each side.

If your slow cooker insert isn't stovetop-safe, you can complete this step in a separate skillet or skip browning and add the chicken directly to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken browns, roughly chop the onion, carrots, and celery.

The vegetables don't need to be perfectly cut or uniform.

Step 3: Fill the Slow Cooker

Add the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, carrots, celery, chicken broth, Parmesan rind, oregano, rosemary, basil, sea salt, and black pepper to the chicken.

Place the slow cooker insert onto its base.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cook on medium, or approximately setting 3 depending on your slow cooker, for 2–3 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Remove the Chicken & Parmesan Rind

Once the chicken is tender, remove the Parmesan rind and discard it.

Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board and shred them using two forks.

Step 6: Cook the Pastina

Add the pastina directly to the broth and vegetables.

Continue cooking for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 7: Finish the Soup

Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir everything together.

Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Amanda's Tips

Save your Parmesan rinds.
Whenever you finish a wedge of Parmesan, wrap the rind and save it for soups like this one.

Don't add the pastina at the beginning.
Pastina cooks quickly, so adding it toward the end keeps it from becoming overly soft.

Brown the chicken when you have time.
It adds another layer of flavor, but you can skip it when you need a true dump-and-go slow cooker dinner.

Cut the vegetables roughly.
This is rustic soup. There's no need for perfect little pieces.

Taste before adding additional salt.
Chicken broth and Parmesan can both contribute saltiness, so adjust the finished soup to your preference.

Can I Make Italian Penicillin Soup Ahead of Time?

Absolutely.

In fact, soup is one of my favorite things to make ahead because the flavors have even more time to come together.

If you're intentionally making this for meal prep, however, I would consider cooking the pastina separately and adding it to individual portions.

Pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so keeping it separate can help preserve more of that beautiful broth.

If you've already made the entire recipe together, that's completely fine too. Just expect the pastina to absorb additional broth in the refrigerator.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool and transfer it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy within approximately 3–4 days.

As the soup sits, the pastina may continue soaking up some of the broth.

When reheating, simply add a splash of additional chicken broth if you'd like to loosen the consistency.

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can You Freeze Italian Penicillin Soup?

Yes, but I prefer freezing this soup without the pastina whenever possible.

Pasta can become softer after freezing, thawing, and reheating.

If you're preparing a batch specifically for the freezer, make the soup through the chicken and vegetable portion, freeze it, and add freshly cooked pastina when reheating.

Store the cooled soup in freezer-safe airtight containers, leaving a little room for expansion.

Freeze for up to approximately 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love serving it with something simple on the side.

Try it with:

• Warm crusty bread

• Garlic bread

• Homemade focaccia

• A simple green salad

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Extra Parmesan for the table

And don't forget a good piece of bread for soaking up the broth at the bottom of the bowl.

Easy Variations

The beauty of a cozy chicken soup like this is that it's easy to adapt to what you already have.

Change the Pasta

Use stelline, acini di pepe, or another very small pasta in place of pastina.

Add More Vegetables

Spinach, kale, or zucchini can be added if you'd like additional vegetables.

Use Leftover Chicken

If you're starting with cooked chicken, make the broth and vegetables first and stir the shredded chicken in toward the end.

Make It Extra Lemony

Finish individual bowls with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Add a Little Heat

A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is an easy addition for anyone who likes a little spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Italian Penicillin Soup?

It's a nickname for comforting Italian-style chicken soup traditionally associated with being cared for when you're feeling under the weather. It isn't actual medicine—the name reflects the comfort and tradition surrounding dishes like this.

What pasta is used in Italian Penicillin Soup?

I use pastina, but stelline, acini di pepe, or another very small pasta can work beautifully.

Can I make Italian Penicillin Soup without pastina?

Yes. You can omit the pasta entirely or substitute another small pasta.

Do I have to brown the chicken?

No. Browning adds flavor, but you can place the chicken directly into the slow cooker if you're short on time.

What does the Parmesan rind do?

It slowly infuses the broth with savory Parmesan flavor as the soup cooks. Remove and discard the rind before serving.

Can I cook the pastina separately?

Yes, and it's actually a great option if you're planning on storing or freezing the soup.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Make the broth and vegetable portion first, then stir shredded cooked chicken into the soup toward the end.

Can I freeze Italian Penicillin Soup?

Yes. For the best texture, freeze the soup without the pastina and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

How do I keep pastina from soaking up all the broth?

Either cook it separately or add additional chicken broth when reheating leftovers.

Is Italian Penicillin Soup the same as pastina soup?

They're closely related, and recipes vary widely by family. This version combines chicken, vegetables, herbs, Parmesan, and pastina in a slow-cooked broth.

More Cozy Soup Recipes

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup

Mom's Favorite Minestrone Soup

One-Pot Italian Lasagna Soup

Creamy Basil Tomato Soup

Shepherd's Pie Soup

Shop My Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials

I've gathered some of my favorite slow cookers, soup pots, bowls, ladles, and everyday kitchen pieces for making cozy recipes like this one in my Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials list.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning ahead for a chilly weeknight or simply adding another cozy dinner to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and make again.

A Note From Amanda

There's something I love about recipes that spend a few hours quietly cooking in the kitchen while life happens around them.

This is one of those meals.

It's simple ingredients—chicken, vegetables, broth, Parmesan, herbs, and tiny pasta—but given a little time, they turn into something that feels especially comforting.

Serve it steaming hot with plenty of Parmesan on top, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good." — Psalm 34:8

Made with love for the people you love.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Couscous Soup

A Cozy Chicken Soup with Mushrooms, Vegetables & Pearl Couscous

There's something about a warm, creamy bowl of soup that makes dinner feel a little more comforting, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Couscous Soup has become one of those recipes.

Tender shredded chicken, mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic, and couscous cook together in a savory broth before heavy cream is stirred in at the end. The result is a hearty, creamy soup that's filling enough to serve as dinner but still simple enough for an everyday family meal.

And because most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker, it's exactly the kind of recipe I love making on days when I want something homemade without spending the entire afternoon standing over the stove.

Serve it with warm bread, a simple salad, or just a little extra cracked black pepper on top for one cozy dinner.

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Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup

This soup combines so many of my favorite comfort-food ingredients in one bowl.

You get tender shredded chicken, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, couscous, and a creamy broth flavored with garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves.

It's:

• Creamy without being overly complicated

• Hearty enough to serve as a full meal

• Made primarily in the slow cooker

• Filled with chicken and vegetables

• Easy to make for a family dinner

• Delicious reheated for lunch the next day

• Perfect for cooler fall and winter evenings

The couscous is also a fun change from the noodles or rice you'd typically find in a creamy chicken soup.

Ingredients You'll Need

You don't need anything complicated to make this soup, but each ingredient has a purpose.

Chicken

I use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook directly in the broth until they're tender enough to shred.

Mushrooms

You'll need 16 ounces of sliced mushrooms. They add a savory, earthy flavor that works beautifully with the creamy broth.

Carrots

Four large carrots make this soup hearty and add a little natural sweetness.

Onion & Garlic

These create the flavor base for the soup. I sauté them in salted butter before adding everything to the slow cooker.

Couscous

I use 2 cups of couscous to give the soup its hearty texture.

Vegetable Broth

Eight cups of vegetable broth create the base of the soup.

Heavy Cream

One cup of heavy cream goes in at the very end. Adding it after the soup has finished cooking gives you that creamy finish without cooking the cream for hours.

Herbs & Seasonings

Thyme, oregano, bay leaves, sea salt, and black pepper give the broth plenty of flavor without overpowering the chicken and mushrooms.

Why Sauté the Vegetables First?

Technically, you could throw everything into the slow cooker and walk away, but taking a few extra minutes to sauté the onion and garlic in butter creates a much better flavor base.

I also add the mushrooms, carrots, and seasonings at this stage and stir everything together before adding the chicken and broth.

My slow cooker has a removable pot that can be used directly on the stovetop, so I can do this without dirtying another pan.

If your slow cooker doesn't have a stovetop-safe insert, simply complete this step in a skillet and transfer everything to your slow cooker.

I’ve gathered some of my favorite slow cookers, soup pots, kitchen tools, serving bowls, and other pieces I reach for when making cozy recipes like this one in my Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials collection.

How to Use Couscous in Slow Cooker Soup

The biggest trick with couscous is not adding it at the beginning.

If it cooked for the entire 4–5 hours alongside the chicken, it could become far too soft and absorb a lot of your broth.

Instead, I cook the chicken and vegetables first. Once the chicken is tender enough to shred, I remove it, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.

That's when I add the couscous.

The couscous cooks for the final hour, and I stir it approximately every 15–20 minutes.

This gives it time to cook and absorb all that flavor without spending the entire afternoon in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Couscous Soup Recipe

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Servings: Approximately 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon salted butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced

• 4 large carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• 8 cups vegetable broth

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups couscous

• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

If you're using a slow cooker with a stovetop-safe removable insert, place the insert over medium heat and melt the butter.

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion begins to soften and become translucent.

Add the mushrooms, carrots, thyme, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.

Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated in the butter and seasonings.

If your slow cooker insert isn't stovetop-safe, complete this step in a skillet and transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Chicken & Broth

Place the chicken breasts over the vegetables.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaves.

Place the pot onto the slow cooker base and cover.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cook on high for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to easily shred.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.

Discard the bay leaves.

Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 5: Add the Couscous

Stir in the couscous.

Cover and continue cooking for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 15–20 minutes, until the couscous is cooked to your preferred texture.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Once the couscous is cooked, pour in the heavy cream.

Stir until the cream is completely incorporated and the broth becomes rich and creamy.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Amanda's Tips

Don't add the couscous too early.
Wait until the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding it.

Stir the couscous while it cooks.
I like to stir approximately every 15–20 minutes during the final hour.

Add the cream last.
There's no need for the heavy cream to spend hours in the slow cooker. Stir it in once everything else is finished.

Don't forget the bay leaves.
Remove both before serving.

Check the chicken rather than relying only on time.
Slow cookers vary. Your chicken should reach 165°F and shred easily.

The soup will thicken as it sits.
The couscous continues absorbing liquid, especially once refrigerated.

What to Serve with Chicken & Mushroom Couscous Soup

This soup is hearty enough that you don't need much alongside it.

A loaf of crusty bread is probably my first choice because it's perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.

You could also serve it with:

• Garlic bread

• Dinner rolls

• A simple green salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Toasted sourdough

• A light Caesar salad

For an easy family dinner, a warm loaf of bread and bowls of this soup are more than enough.

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, although there's one thing to know about couscous: it will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits.

That means your leftovers will likely be considerably thicker the next day.

That's not necessarily a bad thing—I actually love a thick, hearty soup—but you can add a splash of vegetable broth while reheating if you'd like to loosen it.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Couscous Soup

Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Because the couscous absorbs broth during storage, add a little extra broth or even a splash of cream when reheating if you'd like a thinner consistency.

Can You Freeze Creamy Chicken Couscous Soup?

You can freeze this soup, but I want to give you one caveat.

Both cream and couscous can change texture after freezing and thawing, so the finished soup may not have exactly the same consistency it did the first day.

If you know ahead of time that you're making a batch specifically for the freezer, an even better option is to freeze the soup before adding the couscous and heavy cream.

Then thaw and reheat the soup, cook the couscous, and finish with fresh cream.

If you're simply freezing leftovers, that's okay too. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and leave a little room for expansion.

Easy Recipe Variations

One of the nice things about a simple chicken soup is that there's room to make it your own.

Add Spinach

Stir fresh baby spinach into the finished soup and let it wilt before serving.

Add Parmesan

Finish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan for another savory layer.

Change the Mushrooms

Use your favorite mushroom variety or a combination of mushrooms.

Add More Herbs

Fresh thyme or parsley makes a beautiful finishing touch.

Make It Even Creamier

If your family loves a particularly rich soup, add an extra splash of heavy cream before serving.

Use Chicken Broth

I make mine with vegetable broth, but chicken broth can be substituted if that's what you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of couscous should I use in soup?

Use the couscous you normally make this recipe with. If you're using pearl or Israeli couscous, the larger pieces create a particularly hearty, pasta-like texture.

When should I add couscous to slow cooker soup?

For this recipe, add it after the chicken has cooked and been shredded. It cooks during the final hour rather than for the entire slow-cooker time.

Why did my chicken couscous soup get so thick?

Couscous absorbs liquid as it sits. This is especially noticeable after the soup has been refrigerated overnight. Add a little broth while reheating to loosen the consistency.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes. I use vegetable broth in my recipe, but chicken broth can also be used.

When do I add heavy cream to slow cooker soup?

Add the heavy cream at the end of cooking. Stir it into the finished soup until completely incorporated.

How do I know when the chicken is finished?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and should easily shred with two forks.

Can I make this soup ahead?

Yes. Just remember that the couscous will continue absorbing broth during storage, so you may want to add additional broth when reheating.

How long does Chicken & Mushroom Couscous Soup last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.

More Cozy Soup Recipes

Slow Cooker Italian Penicillin Soup with Chicken & Pastina

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Basil Tomato Soup

Italian Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup

Mom's Favorite Minestrone Soup

Shop My Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials

From my favorite slow cooker and soup pots to serving bowls and everyday kitchen tools, I've gathered some of the pieces I reach for when making cozy recipes like this one in my Soup & Slow Cooker Essentials collection.

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning cozy dinners for the week or adding another comforting soup to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and make again.

A Note From Amanda

Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that don't need to be complicated to feel special.

This soup is hearty, creamy, filled with chicken and vegetables, and made mostly in the slow cooker—which makes it exactly the kind of dinner I love putting on our family's table.

Serve it with warm bread, gather everyone around, and enjoy a cozy meal together.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8

Made with love for the people you love.