Hearty Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: 15 Min Prep

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Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegan chicken noodle soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when I crave that classic, soul-warming taste without any meat. I remember chilly evenings growing up, the smell of my mom’s chicken noodle soup filling the house, and I always wondered if I could recreate that cozy feeling with plant-based ingredients. This recipe is my answer! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and completely meatless take on the beloved classic, using a fantastic vegan broth and tender plant-based “chicken” pieces. You’ll love how quickly this easy vegan chicken noodle soup comes together, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that happens to be entirely plant-based. Here’s why this plant based chicken noodle soup will become a staple in your recipe collection:

  • Comforting & Hearty: It delivers that satisfying, soul-warming feeling you crave, just like the classic version.
  • Quick & Easy Preparation: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this easy vegan chicken noodle soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a rich broth creates a deeply satisfying taste.
  • Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with vegetables and lean protein from the vegan chicken substitute, it’s a wholesome choice.
  • Allergy-Friendly: Naturally dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need something for a cold day or a light meal, this soup hits the spot.

Ingredients for Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this homemade vegan chicken noodle soup is a breeze with these simple ingredients. We’re building layers of flavor to get that classic taste without any meat!

Base & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the veggies
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion – the sweet foundation of our soup
  • 1 cup chopped carrots – adds sweetness and lovely color
  • 1 cup chopped celery – brings that classic aromatic depth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory punch

Broth & Seasonings

  • 8 cups vegetable broth – use a good quality one for the best flavor base
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – classic herb for chicken soup
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a lovely, earthy aroma
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) – adjust to your preference

“Chicken” Substitute

  • 1 cup cooked vegan chicken substitute (such as seitan, tofu, or jackfruit), shredded or diced – this is what gives our soup that hearty, “chicken-like” texture

Noodles & Garnish

  • 1.5 cups uncooked egg-free noodles (such as regular pasta or rice noodles) – choose your favorite!
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of freshness at the end

How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe for how to make vegan chicken noodle soup is designed to be straightforward, bringing that comforting soup to your table with ease. Follow these steps for a delicious, hearty bowl.

Sauté Aromatics

  1. Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped celery. Cook these aromatics, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll start to smell their sweet fragrance filling your kitchen.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Simmer Broth

  1. Step 4: Pour in the 8 cups vegetable broth. Add the seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich base for your soup.

Add “Chicken” and Noodles

  1. Step 6: Now it’s time to add the heartiness! Stir in the 1 cup cooked vegan chicken substitute (whether it’s seitan, tofu, or jackfruit) and the 1.5 cups uncooked egg-free noodles.
  2. Step 7: Cook uncovered, according to the noodle package directions, typically for 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they are tender and fully cooked through. This is where your meatless chicken noodle soup really starts to take shape.

Finish and Serve

  1. Step 8: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness right at the end.
  2. Step 9: Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Every broth is different, so a little adjustment makes a big difference.
  3. Step 10: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy this comforting bowl of easy vegan chicken noodle soup immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? These simple tips will ensure your plant based chicken noodle soup is absolutely perfect every time. They’re little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture!

  • Always use a high-quality vegetable broth; it’s the backbone of your soup’s flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles – aim for al dente, as they’ll continue to soften slightly in the hot broth.
  • Shredding or dicing your vegan chicken substitute into smaller pieces helps it distribute more evenly in every spoonful.
  • A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors, adding a subtle zing.

What’s the secret to perfect vegan chicken noodle soup?

The real secret is building flavor from the start with well-sautéed aromatics and using a rich, savory vegetable broth. A good vegan chicken substitute that mimics texture is also key for that authentic feel in your meatless chicken noodle soup.

Can I make vegan chicken noodle soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup base (up to step 5) a day ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the noodles separately and add them right before serving to prevent them from getting mushy. This is a great meal prep strategy. For more meal prep ideas, check out these cold lunch ideas for adults.

How do I avoid common mistakes with vegan chicken noodle soup?

Avoid adding salt too early; wait until the end to adjust seasoning, as broth and substitutes can be salty. Also, don’t overcook the noodles – they cook fast and can turn gummy if left too long. Finally, use fresh herbs for garnish if possible for a brighter taste.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

This hearty vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides for a complete meal. For a truly satisfying experience, I love serving it with a crusty piece of sourdough bread for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the soup beautifully, adding a fresh contrast. And if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, consider a grilled vegan cheese sandwich alongside your bowl – it’s pure comfort food bliss!

Hearty Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: 15 Min Prep - Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

This comforting bowl of plant based chicken noodle soup is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (approximately 1.5 cups) in this nutritious soup:

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of vegan chicken substitute and vegetable broth. For more information on healthy eating, you might find these tips on foods to eat less of helpful.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

This delicious easy vegan chicken noodle soup is perfect for making ahead! Once it has cooled down completely, ladle the soup into airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld! If you want to keep your homemade vegan chicken noodle soup for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little headspace in your freezer containers for expansion.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being careful to stir halfway through for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

What type of noodles are best for vegan chicken noodle soup?

For this vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe, you have a few great options! Classic egg-free pasta, like elbow macaroni or medium shells, works wonderfully. Rice noodles are also a fantastic choice, especially if you’re looking for a lighter texture or aiming for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check the packaging to confirm they are indeed egg-free. Sometimes, even ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet, of course!) can be a fun swap. You can find more pasta salad recipes that might inspire noodle choices.

Can I use store-bought vegan chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought vegan chicken is a fantastic shortcut for making this easy vegan chicken noodle soup even quicker. Many brands offer shredded or diced plant-based chicken alternatives made from soy, seitan, or pea protein. Just make sure it’s already cooked according to its package directions before adding it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a simple way to get that “chicken” texture without the extra prep!

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?

The base recipe for this plant based chicken noodle soup is not naturally gluten-free because it typically uses standard wheat-based noodles. However, it’s incredibly easy to make it gluten-free! Simply swap out the regular egg-free noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as rice noodles, corn pasta, or lentil-based noodles. Always double-check the ingredients of your vegetable broth and vegan chicken substitute to ensure they are also certified gluten-free if needed.

Variations of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup You Can Try

This healthy vegan chicken noodle soup is a fantastic base, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to switch things up and make this nutritious vegan chicken noodle soup your own:

Gluten-Free Version

To make this a gluten free vegan chicken noodle soup, simply swap out the regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice noodles, corn pasta, or lentil-based varieties work beautifully and absorb the savory broth just as well. Always ensure your vegetable broth and vegan chicken substitute are also certified gluten-free.

Spicy Kick

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings in Step 4. For more intense spice, you can stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce just before serving. This adds a wonderful warmth that complements the savory flavors of the easy vegan chicken noodle soup.

Extra Veggie Boost

Feel free to load up this comforting soup with more vegetables! Peas, corn, chopped zucchini, or even some chopped kale can be added during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This is a great way to increase the nutritional value and add more texture and color to your plant based chicken noodle soup.

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Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Hearty Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: 15 Min Prep


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A comforting and hearty vegan chicken noodle soup recipe that captures the classic flavors with plant-based ingredients. This meatless soup is perfect for cold weather, a light meal, or when you need a nourishing and cozy dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup cooked vegan chicken substitute (such as seitan, tofu, or jackfruit), shredded or diced
  • 1.5 cups uncooked egg-free noodles (such as regular pasta or rice noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth. Add dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Add the cooked vegan chicken substitute and the uncooked noodles to the pot.
  7. Cook according to noodle package directions, usually 8-12 minutes, until noodles are tender and cooked through.
  8. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles.
  • You can add other vegetables like peas or corn.
  • Adjust the amount of vegan chicken substitute to your preference.
  • For a deeper flavor, use a good quality vegetable broth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan chicken noodle soup, plant based chicken noodle soup, meatless chicken noodle soup, easy vegan chicken noodle soup, vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe, homemade vegan chicken noodle soup, how to make vegan chicken noodle soup

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