Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting and hearty bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup brings the nostalgic flavors of classic chicken noodle soup—without any animal products. This plant-based version is packed with wholesome vegetables, protein-rich substitutes for chicken, and perfectly tender noodles. Whether you’re under the weather or just craving a warm and satisfying meal, this vegan version delivers on taste and nourishment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and health. It’s ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or as a healing remedy during cold season. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it requires minimal effort yet offers maximum flavor. The recipe is also highly customizable, letting you adapt it to your preferred vegetables or protein sources.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• Onion

• Garlic

• Carrots

• Celery

• Vegan chicken substitute (such as tofu, seitan, or store-bought plant-based chicken strips)

• Vegetable broth

• Bay leaves

• Dried thyme

• Dried parsley

• Salt and pepper

• Noodles (such as wide ribbon noodles or rotini, preferably egg-free)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add vegan chicken substitute and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.

5. Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

6. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

7. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 7–10 minutes, until tender.

8. Remove bay leaves, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning to taste.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: Use tempeh or chickpeas in place of vegan chicken for a different texture and flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth and meat substitute are also gluten-free.

• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust salt to taste.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to boost the flavor.

• Extra Vegetables: Throw in spinach, peas, or green beans for added nutrients and color.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months—add cooked noodles when reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

What can I use instead of vegan chicken?

You can substitute with tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, or even chickpeas for a protein-rich alternative.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your plant-based chicken and broth are also gluten-free.

How long does vegan chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles to avoid mushiness when reheated.

What type of noodles should I use?

Use egg-free wide noodles, rotini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces.

Is this soup suitable for children?

Yes, it’s mild, nutritious, and easy to digest, making it suitable for kids.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the sauté function for the vegetables, then pressure cook for 5 minutes with a quick release.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding a splash of soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or miso paste to deepen the flavor profile.

What broth works best?

A rich, high-quality vegetable broth is ideal. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Absolutely. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor of the soup.

Conclusion

This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is a wholesome and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. It brings together the warm familiarity of the classic recipe while remaining completely plant-based. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a nutritious meal during recovery, this soup offers a satisfying experience without compromise

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