If you’re longing for the cozy comfort of a classic noodle soup without any animal products, Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup swoops in to save the day. This plant-based version brings all the savory essence and hearty satisfaction of the original, but it’s 100 percent vegan—making it the ultimate feel-good dish. With perfectly seasoned veggies, tender noodles, and golden, protein-rich vegan “chicken,” every spoonful delivers serious nostalgia. Whether you’re under the weather or just chasing a warm hug in a bowl, this is the one-pot remedy you’ll want in your regular rotation.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup comes together beautifully with simple, smart ingredients. Each one has a special role, whether it’s layering flavor, adding color, or building up that beloved texture. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need and why each ingredient totally matters:

Olive oil: Gives a lovely richness and helps saute the base veggies for extra depth.
Yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and anchors the soup with a familiar flavor.
Garlic (minced): Brings fragrant, savory notes that perk up every spoonful.
Carrots (sliced): Add color, a slight sweetness, and that classic soup medley feel.
Celery (sliced): Provides subtle earthiness and essential crunch to round out the veggie base.
Dried thyme: Infuses an herbal, comforting taste that’s practically essential for any cozy soup.
Dried oregano: Adds a hint of Mediterranean flair and balances out the other herbs.
Turmeric (for color): Delivers a warm golden hue and a gentle earthy kick.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the bright, complex flavors.
Vegetable broth: Forms the soul-soothing, savory base for everything to simmer together.
Shredded vegan chicken (store-bought or jackfruit): Delivers satisfying texture and hearty protein—the heart of this vegan comfort classic.
Egg-free pasta noodles (like rotini or shells): Soaks up the broth, giving you those iconic, slurpable bites.
Chopped fresh parsley: Lifts the whole pot with a pop of green and freshness.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a splash brightens up the soup and balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Saute the Aromatics

Start your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup journey by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it saute for about 3 to 4 minutes. As the onion turns translucent, your kitchen will start to smell amazing—this is your first layer of flavor magic! Don’t rush this step since it lays the foundation for a rich, hearty broth.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, add in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let these mingle for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the veggies to soften just a bit so they become sweet, tender, and ready to soak up all the lovely broth later. The combination of carrots and celery is a classic for a reason, infusing the soup with sweetness and crunch.

Step 3: Season and Bloom the Spices

Once your veggies have softened, sprinkle over the dried thyme, dried oregano, turmeric, plus a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Gently stir and let the herbs and spices warm up and bloom in the heat. This brings out all their aroma and helps the flavors swirl together beautifully so every sip tastes like pure comfort.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Increase the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil—it’s time for all the ingredients to start coming together. This broth is going to be the backbone of your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, so give it an occasional stir and marvel at that gorgeous golden color!

Step 5: Stir in Vegan Chicken and Pasta

Now for the main event: add the shredded vegan chicken (or jackfruit) and your favorite egg-free pasta noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the noodles perfectly tender and the vegan chicken perfectly heated through. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Finally, stir in a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley and the juice of half a lemon (if using). The parsley gives a burst of green and freshness that transforms the soup, while the lemon brightens all those savory, earthy flavors. Taste for seasoning, adjust anything you like, and you’re ready to ladle up!

How to Serve Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Top each steaming bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra cracked black pepper, and maybe a wedge of lemon on the side. These little touches really amplify the flavors and make each bowl feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a slice of crusty sourdough, homemade garlic bread, or even a simple green salad. These sides round out the meal and give you something perfect for soaking up any leftover broth at the bottom of your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup in large mugs for a cozy lunch, or use it as a starter in a mini soup shooter for dinner parties. For an extra pop, top with microgreens or drizzle with a touch of high-quality olive oil before serving—it’s simple, but it looks and tastes special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles may continue to absorb the broth and get even more flavorful, so don’t be surprised if the soup tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If you’re planning to freeze, consider setting aside some of the soup before you add the noodles—this way, the pasta won’t get too soft after thawing. Store the broth and vegan chicken in an airtight container and add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup to a pot over medium heat and warm until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings in bursts, stopping to stir and check for an even temperature throughout.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles in Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, like brown rice noodles or chickpea rotini, to make this soup friendly for gluten-free eaters. Just watch the cook time, as gluten-free noodles often cook a little faster.

What’s the best vegan chicken for this soup?

Great question! Soy curls, store-bought vegan chicken strips, shredded seitan, or even young jackfruit (canned in brine) all work beautifully. Each adds a slightly different texture, so pick the one you love most or whatever you have on hand.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in frozen peas, corn, green beans, or spinach near the end of cooking for extra vegetables and bursts of color. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy in leftovers?

If you anticipate leftovers, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving. That way, they won’t soak up as much broth and will stay perfectly al dente even after a few days.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, with a small tweak: freeze the base soup without pasta, then boil fresh noodles to add when reheating. This keeps the texture of the soup fantastic and avoids over-soft noodles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about a big bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup—it’s classic, nourishing, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re comforting a friend, cooking for family, or just craving the flavors of childhood, this easy vegan version will become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you give it a try, customize it to your taste, and let it bring a bit of warmth and joy to your table!

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. This soup is packed with veggies, vegan chicken, and flavorful herbs in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups shredded vegan chicken (store-bought or jackfruit)
2 cups egg-free pasta noodles (like rotini or shells)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon, optional

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Add thyme, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Cook Soup: Stir in vegan chicken and pasta. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender.
Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.