Noodle Nirvana: This Plant-Based ‘Chicken’ Soup Will Make You Swear Off Birds Forever

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, but when I transitioned to a plant-based diet, I thought I had to say goodbye to this classic.

That is until I discovered the magic of vegan chicken noodle soup. This recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors and hearty goodness of the original, without the chicken. Instead, we’re using tender chunks of tofu or jackfruit, which soak up the savory broth beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful bite.

This image shows the soup gently simmering in a large pot. The ingredients are well combined, and steam is rising from the pot as the soup cooks to perfection.

What makes this soup truly special is the blend of aromatic herbs, like thyme and bay leaf, simmering alongside the vegetables and noodles. The broth is rich and golden, infused with garlic and onion, bringing warmth and depth to every spoonful. The noodles are perfectly tender, offering just the right amount of chewiness to complement the softness of the vegetables.

This is the kind of soup you crave on a chilly day, one that warms you from the inside out.

This image shows a bowl of vegan chicken noodle soup, featuring tender noodles, chunks of vegan chicken, sliced carrots, celery, and onion, all in a savory broth. The soup is garnished with fresh herbs and served with a spoon, ready to be enjoyed.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, plant-based twist on the classic, featuring tender tofu or jackfruit, hearty noodles, and a savory, herb-infused broth. It's warm, nourishing, and perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies both body and soul.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Ladle
  • Measuring Cups
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Microwave Safe Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups vegetable broth*
  • ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • cups egg-free wide noodles***
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup frozen vegan chicken pieces chopped**
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup sliced carrots

Instructions
 

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, place the sliced carrots and add a splash of water.
    This image shows sliced carrots placed in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. The bowl is covered and being microwaved to soften the carrots for the vegan chicken noodle soup.
  • Cover and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then let them cool.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and celery until they begin to soften.
    This image shows a large pot with olive oil heating up. Chopped onion and celery are being sautéed until they begin to soften and release their aromas, forming the base for the soup.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the vegan chicken pieces and noodles.
  • Once the carrots have cooled, add them along with their cooking liquid to the pot.
    This image depicts vegetable broth being poured into the pot, along with chopped vegan chicken pieces and egg-free noodles. The ingredients are being combined to create the soup's base.
  • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and drop in the bay leaf.
    This image shows Italian seasoning being sprinkled into the pot, along with a bay leaf being added. The seasonings are enhancing the flavor of the vegan chicken noodle soup.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
    This image shows the soup gently simmering in a large pot. The ingredients are well combined, and steam is rising from the pot as the soup cooks to perfection.

Notes

  • Look for gluten-free vegan chicken pieces like Gardein. Thaw and chop them before adding to the soup.
  • If you avoid microwaves, cook the chopped carrots with the celery until they start to soften. It might take a bit longer, but it works perfectly.
     
  • Egg-free wide noodles are available at most grocery stores and Walmart.
NutritionValue
Calories100 kcal
Carbohydrates15 g
Protein3 g
Vitamin A3600 IU
 Vitamin C2.5 mg
Iron0.6 mg
Sugar2 g
Calcium19 mg

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Tips Which May Help

Tip 1: If you don’t have vegan chicken on hand, use chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a hearty alternative. Simply adjust the cooking time based on your substitute.

Tip 2: To make the Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup in the slow cooker, sauté the onions and celery first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

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