Name: Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces; 1 can cannellini beans, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed; 1 cup small pasta; 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan, optional

When you need a bowl of something warm, soothing, and deeply comforting, Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup delivers exactly that kind of cozy relief. It is the kind of soup that feels nourishing from the very first spoonful, with tender vegetables, delicate pasta, rich broth, and plenty of herby Italian flavor in every bite.

This is a simple plant-based soup that tastes hearty enough for dinner but still feels light and restorative. Whether you are craving an easy weeknight meal, a cold-weather comfort food, or a wholesome lunch to reheat through the week, this soup brings familiar Italian-inspired flavor with a feel-good vegan twist.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup has all the qualities that make a recipe worth repeating. It is easy to prepare, made with pantry-friendly ingredients, and flexible enough to adapt to what you already have in the kitchen. The broth turns savory and flavorful as the vegetables soften, while the pasta gives the soup a satisfying texture that makes it feel like a complete meal.

You will also love how comforting it is without feeling heavy. It is naturally dairy-free, full of color, and perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep lunches, or those days when only a warm homemade bowl will do.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting everything ready before you start makes this soup come together smoothly. Since the ingredients cook in stages, a little prep up front helps the texture stay balanced and keeps the broth tasting clean and fresh.

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
A heavy pot is essential because it holds heat evenly and gives the onions, carrots, and celery time to soften without scorching.

Chef’s knife
A sharp knife helps you chop the vegetables into even pieces so they cook at the same rate and give the soup a consistent texture.

Cutting board
A sturdy cutting board keeps prep safe and organized while you work through the vegetables, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Wooden spoon or silicone spoon
This is important for stirring the vegetables as they sauté and for scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

Measuring cups and spoons
These help keep the broth, pasta, herbs, and seasonings in balance so the soup stays flavorful without becoming too thick or salty.

Ladle
A ladle makes serving easier and helps you portion out plenty of broth, pasta, and vegetables in every bowl.

Ingredients for the Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

Every ingredient in this soup plays a role in building warmth, depth, and balance. The combination is simple, but together they create a cozy broth packed with Italian-inspired flavor.

Olive oil
Used to sauté the aromatics and create the flavorful base of the soup.

Yellow onion
Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.

Carrots
Bring natural sweetness, color, and classic soup comfort.

Celery
Adds savory freshness and rounds out the aromatic base.

Garlic
Gives the broth its bold, comforting character.

Italian seasoning
Builds the signature herb flavor that makes the soup taste warm and familiar.

Red pepper flakes
Add a light kick that brightens the broth without overpowering it.

Vegetable broth
Forms the body of the soup and carries all the flavors together.

Diced tomatoes
Add acidity, color, and a gentle richness to the broth.

Cannellini beans
Make the soup heartier and add plant-based protein and creaminess.

Small pasta
Gives the soup substance and makes it feel extra comforting and filling.

Kale or spinach
Adds freshness, color, and a nutritious finish.

Lemon juice
Brightens the soup at the end and lifts all the savory flavors.

Salt
Sharpens the flavor of the broth and balances the vegetables.

Black pepper
Adds warmth and gentle spice.

Fresh parsley
Brings a clean, fresh finish right before serving.

Vegan parmesan, optional
A finishing touch that adds savory richness and extra Italian flavor.

How To Make the Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup comes together in one pot and rewards a steady, simple process. Let each step build flavor, and by the end you will have a broth that tastes rich, comforting, and beautifully layered.

Step 1: Build the aromatic base

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil so the vegetables can continue softening and the flavors can begin to blend.

Step 3: Add the beans for body

Stir in the cannellini beans and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the broth a richer feel and allows the beans to absorb some of the seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

Add the small pasta directly to the pot and cook according to package timing until just tender. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish with greens and brightness

Add the kale or spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until wilted. Stir in the lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with chopped parsley and vegan parmesan if using. Serve right away while the broth is hot and the pasta is perfectly tender.

Serving and Storing Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup

This soup is especially good served with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad for an easy dinner. For extra richness, top each bowl with vegan parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It also makes a great light lunch on its own.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta may continue to absorb broth as it sits, so add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months, though the pasta will be soft after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, cooking the pasta separately is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes. Great northern beans or chickpeas work well if you do not have cannellini beans.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbows work best because they fit easily on the spoon and cook quickly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free small pasta and watch the cooking time closely.

Is this soup spicy?

Not really. The red pepper flakes add mild warmth, but you can leave them out for a gentler flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft?

Cook the pasta just until tender and avoid over-simmering after it is added. You can also cook it separately and stir it into each bowl before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Zucchini, green beans, or peas would all fit nicely in this soup without changing its comforting feel.

Want More Soup and Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love cozy bowls and hearty meals like this Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup, you might also enjoy these favorites from Kitchen By Kate:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a classic soup with bold Italian-inspired comfort.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup when you want something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor.
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Soup for another warm and soothing bowl with a rich broth.
Mediterranean White Beans & Greens if you enjoy wholesome, vegetable-forward comfort food.
Authentic Italian Style Spaghetti Bake for a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner idea.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Vegan Italian Penicillin Soup to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic with cannellini beans and pasta, or add your own vegetables and herbs? Did you make it extra brothy or let it simmer into a thicker, heartier bowl?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, and you can always find more daily recipe inspiration on Kitchen By Kate Pinterest.