Name: Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas or 1 can drained 4 cups vegetable broth 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon sea salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

This comforting Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with healing herbs, nourishing vegetables, and a touch of zesty lemon, it’s inspired by the Italian tradition of brothy soups that soothe both body and soul. Whether you’re fighting off a winter cold or just want something cozy and deeply flavorful, this plant-based take on a classic hits every note.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and its versatility. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you get a deeply aromatic broth layered with garlic, herbs, chickpeas, and leafy greens. It’s a bowl that speaks of tradition, wellness, and love.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

It’s a hearty immune-boosting recipe that doesn’t rely on meat or dairy to be comforting. The garlic and rosemary work together to fight inflammation while the chickpeas bring a protein punch. The lemon gives it that Italian sunshine brightness, and you can throw in whatever greens you have on hand. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder.

What Kind of Broth Should I Use?

A good-quality vegetable broth is the foundation of this soup. If you have time, homemade broth with onions, garlic, celery, and carrots will take it to the next level. If you’re going store-bought, look for low-sodium options that don’t contain added sugars or preservatives.

Ingredients for the Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup keeps it simple but powerful. The focus is on whole foods that come together in a flavorful and healing combination.

Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Yellow onion
Carrots
Celery stalks
Fresh rosemary
Fresh thyme
Chickpeas (cooked or canned)
Vegetable broth
Kale or spinach
Lemon juice and zest
Sea salt and black pepper

How To Make the Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until everything is soft and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Chickpeas

Stir in rosemary and thyme, letting them bloom in the heat. Then add the chickpeas and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Pour in your vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors marry together.

Step 4: Stir in Greens and Lemon

Add kale or spinach and let them wilt into the broth. Stir in lemon juice and zest for that bright, finishing note.

Step 5: Serve and Heal

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or vegan parmesan on top if you like.

How to Store and Serve Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot, but it also stores like a dream. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more satisfying. Reheat gently on the stove.

It serves about 4 people generously, especially if you pair it with some crusty sourdough or a simple salad.

What to Serve With Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A thick slice of garlic-rubbed sourdough is the perfect way to soak up the broth.

Herby Chickpea Salad

A protein-packed side that complements the soup’s Italian flavors.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

The caramelized edges and tender centers pair well with the bright, lemony broth.

Classic Caprese Salad (Vegan Style)

Use dairy-free mozzarella and ripe tomatoes with a balsamic drizzle for a light side.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re really hungry, serve a small bowl of this alongside the soup.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

A soft, chewy bread that’s amazing for dunking.

Lemon Truffles

For dessert, keep it fresh and citrusy to echo the lemon in the soup.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is your kind of comfort, check out these cozy bowls next:

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for rich, hearty vibes.
Zucchini Lasagna Recipe if you want to keep it Italian and veggie-forward.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for another warming, plant-based classic.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl (swap the meatballs for vegan ones to match the mood).

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it next time you need something soothing and soul-warming.

Let me know how yours turns out. Did you add mushrooms? More lemon? I love hearing how everyone makes it their own.

Explore beautifully curated plant-based dishes and immune-supporting comfort foods on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover what cozy means to you.

Conclusion

This Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup is what happens when tradition meets nourishment. It’s light but satisfying, simple but complex in flavor, and always there for you when you need a reset. It’s proof that food can be both medicine and memory all in one steaming bowl.