Italian Penicillin Soup

A Healing Bowl of Comfort: Your Go-To Plant-Based Soup Recipe

Imagine this: You’re bundled in a blanket, slightly under the weather, and you crave something that feels like a warm hug. This Italian Penicillin Soup is just that—an immune-boosting, plant-based powerhouse packed with veggies, herbs, and love. It’s more than just a bowl of soup; it’s a natural remedy soup, inspired by traditional Italian comfort foods and backed by nourishing ingredients.

As a kid, my Nonna would stir a giant pot of veggie soup, calling it her “Italian medicine.” I didn’t get it then—but now? I reach for this soup every time I feel a sniffle coming on.

Simple Healing Soup in 40 Minutes

Ingredients List (Italian Vegetable Soup Essentials)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
  
• 1 zucchini, diced
  
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
  
• 6 cups vegetable broth (hearty vegetable broth base)
  
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  
• 1 to 1.5 cups ditalini or orzo pasta
  
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  
• 1 tsp dried basil
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  

Directions (One-Pot Italian Recipes Start Here)

Heat your base: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Let it heat until slightly shimmery—this ensures you’re ready to sauté.

Build the flavor: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir immediately. Cook for about 1 minute until the onion is translucent and the garlic smells nutty—not burnt. (Tip: Garlic burns quickly, so stir constantly.)

Soften the vegetables: Toss in the chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle in your dried herbs: thyme, oregano, and basil. Stir well so the veggies are coated in oil and seasoning. Let them sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor.

Add the liquid gold: Pour in your vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze any flavorful bits that stuck during sautéing. This adds richness to your broth.

Simmer to meld flavors: Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gives the herbs and veggies time to infuse the broth.

Cook the pasta right: Stir in the pasta and continue to simmer uncovered for another 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.

Final touch: Taste your soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt or herbs if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of high-quality olive oil or top with vegan parmesan (optional, but highly recommended).

Chef’s Note: If you’re planning to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from turning mushy.

Why This Is the Ultimate Immune-Boosting Soup

This isn’t just soup—it’s your seasonal survival kit. A cold and flu soup you’ll actually crave. Why?

• Garlic and onion: antimicrobial powerhouses.
  
• Carrots, bell peppers, and celery: antioxidant-rich and packed with fiber.
  
• Zucchini: hydrating and easy to digest.
  
• Italian herbs: natural anti-inflammatories.
  
• Broth: warms you up and keeps you hydrated.
  

This nutrient-dense soup is the kind of food that does more than fill you up—it fuels your body.

Classic Italian Comfort Food with Cultural Roots

This traditional Italian soup recipe is inspired by “cucina povera”—the art of turning humble ingredients into magic. Italian families have been doing this for generations:

• Making the most of fresh veggies
  
• Using pantry staples to build depth of flavor
  
• Feeding the soul as much as the body
  

It’s comfort food done right, and it’s vegan, making it a modern twist on a beloved classic.

Key Ingredients in This Vegan Italian Soup

Garlic

• Adds bold flavor and immune support.
  

Carrots

• Sweetens and adds beta-carotene.
  

Celery

• Brings crunch and depth.
  

Zucchini

• Softens and balances flavors.
  

Bell Pepper

• Bright, vitamin-rich, and sweet.
  

Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, Basil)

• Layered flavor with anti-inflammatory perks.
  

Vegetable Broth

• Choose a rich, sodium-balanced option.
  

Pasta

• Ditalini or orzo: small shapes work best here.
  

Cooking Tips for a Wholesome Dinner Idea

• Sauté your base: Onions and garlic need that first sizzle to develop real flavor.
  
• Don’t rush the simmer: Let those veggies mingle.
  
• Herb balance is key: Too much oregano can overpower.
  
• Mind your pasta: Add it last to keep it from overcooking, especially for leftovers.
  
• Bonus tip: If you’re storing this soup, cook pasta separately.
  

Variations of This Plant-Based Soup Recipe

• Add leafy greens: Spinach or kale for extra fiber.
  
• Stir in beans: Cannellini or chickpeas make it heartier.
  
• Spice it up: Red pepper flakes bring heat.
  
• Make it creamy: Blend half or add coconut milk.
  

How to Serve This Comfort Food Recipe

• Crusty Italian bread or garlic toast
  
• Light salad with lemon vinaigrette
  
• Vegan parmesan or olive oil drizzle
  

It’s perfect for sharing, meal prepping, or just nursing yourself back to health on a lazy Sunday.

FAQ: All About Italian Penicillin Soup

More Recipes to Warm Your Table

Looking to expand your collection of wholesome dinner ideas and comfort food recipes? Check out these related dishes:

• Soothing chicken soup alternatives for cold season
  
• Creamy pastina soup perfect for sick days
  
• Fresh and herby Italian pasta salad loaded with vegetables
  
• Spinach-packed spaghetti salad with a Mediterranean flair
  
• Easy vegetarian pasta recipes with fresh herbs
  
• Nutrient-packed tortellini with summer vegetables
  

Conclusion: Make This Wellness Soup a Staple

This Italian Penicillin Soup is your new go-to for when you’re sick, stressed, or just craving something cozy. It’s a wellness soup, a simple healing soup, and pure comfort in a bowl.

Try it out, tweak it, and make it part of your weeknight rotation. Hungry for more recipes like this? Follow my Pinterest board for new comfort food recipes every week:

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