Vegan chicken noodle soup brings cozy, soothing flavors to your bowl, and it comes together in no time under half an hour. One taste of its golden broth, tender noodles, and hearty vegan “chicken,” and you’ll remember why this dish has always felt like home. Warm, simple, and deeply satisfying, it delivers everything you love about the classic version without any animal products.
Table of Contents
Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup The Ultimate Cozy 30-Minute Comfort Feast
- Total Time: P0DT0H30M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A cozy and nourishing vegan chicken noodle soup made in 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned with herbs, tender noodles, and plant-based protein for a comforting, dairy-free, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 medium carrots, sliced
8 cups vegan chicken broth
2 cups vegan chicken pieces (Tofurky, seitan, or chickpeas)
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
12 oz egg-free pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add carrots, vegan chicken, broth, basil, and thyme. Bring to a boil; reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cook noodles separately 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot with noodles and parsley on top.
Notes
For best results, store noodles separately from broth.
Use Tofurky Chik’n or seitan for the best texture.
Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: P0DT0H10M
- Cook Time: P0DT0H20M
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 208
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 902mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: A Bowl of Nostalgic Comfort
How My Plant-Based Journey Led to This Recipe
I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where Sunday afternoons meant soup simmering on my grandmother’s stove. Her chicken noodle soup could cure almost anything, from bad days to sniffles. Years later, when I began cooking vegan meals, I missed that flavor and the feeling that came with it.
So I set out to recreate it using compassion as the main ingredient. The result was this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: rich, aromatic, and just as nurturing as the one from my childhood, only lighter and entirely plant-based.
Why This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Is So Effective (and Delicious)
What makes this recipe special is its balance of simplicity and flavor. It keeps the familiar trio of onion, carrot, and celery while relying on a savory vegan broth like Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base. For protein, options like Tofurky Chik’n or seitan mimic the tender bite of traditional chicken. Together they create the same cozy experience in a kinder, healthier way.
In about half an hour, you can have a steaming pot of soup ready to share with family or friends. For even more soul-warming comfort, try serving it alongside my Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup or explore a creamy twist like Creamy White Lasagna Soup: Comfort in a Bowl. Each recipe celebrates the warmth of home cooking simple, familiar, and 100% plant-based.
Ingredients for the Perfect Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
The Foundation of Flavor
The secret to a truly comforting Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup lies in simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients just honest, fresh ones that build rich, layered flavor. Start with the holy trio of onion, garlic, and celery. When sautéed in olive oil, these vegetables form the base that makes every spoonful aromatic and satisfying.
Add carrots for sweetness and color, then season the mix with dried basil and thyme to echo the cozy taste of the classic version. These herbs infuse your broth with warmth, while a generous pinch of black pepper ties everything together.
The Heart of the Soup: Broth and Protein
A full-bodied broth is what transforms this dish from good to unforgettable. For the best results, use Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base it gives your soup a savory, golden depth that’s almost indistinguishable from traditional chicken broth. If you prefer, any quality vegetable broth will work just as well.
To replace the chicken, use Tofurky Chik’n, seitan, or soy curls for texture. Chickpeas are another great option they’re wholesome, filling, and add a gentle nuttiness that complements the broth beautifully.
For readers exploring heartier plant-based dishes, you might also love my Vegan Southern Comfort recipe it offers the same cozy depth, but with a richer, Southern-style twist.
Noodles That Make It Comforting
The noodles are the soul of this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup. Go for egg-free pasta, such as rotini, gigli, or fusilli. For gluten-free diets, use brown rice or lentil pasta. Cook your noodles separately this step prevents them from soaking up the broth and turning mushy. When served, add them directly into each bowl for the perfect balance of broth and bite.
Keep a little extra broth on hand if you plan to reheat leftovers. The noodles tend to thicken the soup slightly after sitting, and a splash of warm broth brings it right back to its silky texture.
Ingredient Table for Quick Reference
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing vegetables |
| Onion, garlic, celery | 1 large onion, 4 cloves garlic, 3 stalks celery | Aromatic base for flavor |
| Carrots | 3 medium | Adds natural sweetness and texture |
| Vegan “chicken” | 2 cups | Use Tofurky, seitan, or chickpeas |
| Vegan chicken broth | 8 cups | Better Than Bouillon or vegetable broth |
| Pasta | 12 oz | Egg-free, gluten-free optional |
Why Fresh Ingredients Matter
Using fresh produce ensures your soup has natural sweetness and vibrancy. The carrots should be bright orange and crisp, the celery firm, and the onions aromatic. This freshness doesn’t just improve flavor it’s what makes your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup feel like a homemade classic.
For more flavorful inspiration, check out the Soup Recipes category on my blog you’ll find dozens of comforting, plant-based soups for every season.
How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
Step-by-Step Cooking for Perfect Flavor
Cooking Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is easier than it looks, and every step builds that deep, comforting flavor we all crave. From the first sizzle of onions to the last swirl of broth, this soup fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and nostalgic warmth.
To start your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, grab a large soup pot and set it over medium heat. Add olive oil, then toss in chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes until soft and aromatic. This forms the flavorful foundation that gives your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup its home-style taste.
Next, stir in sliced carrots, dried basil, and thyme. Pour in your vegan chicken broth and add your choice of plant-based “chicken.” Tofurky, seitan, or chickpeas all work perfectly. Let the mixture simmer gently for about ten minutes so the herbs and protein meld beautifully into the broth. This step is what makes your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup rich and layered.
While the soup simmers, cook your pasta separately according to package directions—just one minute less than recommended. Keeping your noodles slightly firm helps them hold their shape when combined later.
When everything is ready, ladle hot Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls, add a portion of noodles, and top with chopped parsley. The broth should be golden, the vegetables tender, and every bite packed with pure comfort.
Cooking Tip: Keep the Noodles Separate
A key trick for perfect Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is storing the noodles apart from the broth. If left together, the pasta will keep absorbing liquid and turn mushy. Always combine them right before serving to preserve the soup’s perfect balance of flavor and texture.
For those who enjoy creamy soups, try pairing this with my Corn Chowder Recipe. The two make a wonderful plant-based dinner duo warm, cozy, and satisfying for any cold evening.
Instant Pot Version: Same Comfort, Less Time
The Instant Pot version of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup brings the same homemade flavor with even less effort. Use the sauté button to cook your onion, garlic, and celery for a few minutes until fragrant. Then add carrots, vegan chicken broth, and plant-based “chicken.” Lock the lid, set to high pressure for five minutes, and let the steam release naturally.
Once cooked, pour the Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls, add your noodles, and serve immediately. It’s quick, flavorful, and every bit as comforting as the stovetop version—ideal for busy weeknights when you still want that homemade taste.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
One of the best parts of making Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is how adaptable it is. Add kale and white beans for extra protein, stir in corn and coconut milk for creaminess, or sprinkle in nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
For another warm and nourishing dinner idea, check out Plant-Based Comfort Foods on the blog it’s filled with soups and stews that celebrate the same cozy, plant-based spirit as this one.
Quick Cooking Reference Table
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sauté onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Add carrots, herbs, broth, and vegan “chicken” | 10 minutes simmer |
| 3 | Cook pasta separately, then combine when serving | 8–10 minutes |
FAQs About Making Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
How do you make the best vegan chicken noodle soup recipe?
The best vegan chicken noodle soup recipe starts with simple ingredients and patient simmering. Use onions, garlic, carrots, and celery as your base, then layer in vegan chicken broth and herbs like thyme and basil for depth. Adding a good vegan protein like seitan or chickpeas creates a texture close to the traditional chicken noodle soup recipe you grew up with. The secret is to simmer the broth long enough for all those comforting flavors to blend beautifully.
What makes vegan soup creamy without dairy?
To make a creamy vegan noodle soup recipe without any dairy, try stirring in cashew cream, blended white beans, or a splash of coconut milk. These ingredients give your vegan chicken noodle soup a rich, velvety texture while keeping it completely plant-based. You can also use nutritional yeast to add a subtle, savory “cheesy” note that enhances the overall flavor.
What seasonings taste best in vegetarian chicken noodle soup?
For a flavorful vegetarian chicken noodle soup, use a blend of dried basil, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and a pinch of turmeric for color. If you want an extra punch of savory flavor, a small spoonful of miso paste or nutritional yeast gives your broth an umami depth that makes this soup irresistibly cozy.
How do I store vegan soup recipes safely?
To store vegan soup recipes properly, always separate the noodles from the broth. The soup base can stay in the refrigerator for 3–4 days in an airtight container. When freezing, let the soup cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers without noodles. It will keep up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta and add it to each bowl before serving for the best texture.
How to Store and Reheat Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
Refrigerator Storage
Keep your vegan chicken noodle soup broth and pasta in separate containers to maintain the right consistency. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup over medium heat, then stir in the noodles just before serving. This method ensures every bowl tastes freshly made.
Freezer Storage
Cool your vegan chicken noodle soup recipe completely before freezing. Transfer it into airtight containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove. Add freshly cooked pasta for a meal that tastes just as comforting as the day you made it.
Conclusion
Every bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup tells a story of warmth, compassion, and comfort. This easy, 30-minute vegan noodle soup recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavor of the classic chicken version, but with plant-based ingredients that nourish both body and heart.
It’s proof that great vegan soup recipes don’t need complicated steps just fresh vegetables, rich broth, and a touch of love. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish belongs in your list of go-to soup recipes for any season.
If you’re looking to expand your plant-based cooking, explore more cozy ideas like my Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup and hearty Vegan Southern Comfort. Together, they create a rotation of warm, nourishing meals perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or cold weekends at home.
So, grab your pot, chop those veggies, and make this classic vegan chicken noodle soup recipe part of your kitchen tradition it’s wholesome, simple, and guaranteed to bring joy to your table.
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