Name: No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; ½ tsp turmeric (optional — for color); 1 bay leaf; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups uncooked wide egg-free noodles (or rotini, bows, etc.); 1 cup cooked chickpeas or diced vegan chicken substitute; Fresh parsley or dill, chopped; Lemon wedges

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If you love all the cozy comfort of traditional chicken noodle soup but crave a plant-based option that’s just as hearty and soul-satisfying, you’re going to adore this No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe. It’s a vibrant, nourishing bowl filled with tender noodles, savory vegetable broth, and wholesome veggies that come together to create a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly day or simply looking for a satisfying vegan meal, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and that nostalgic soup-hug feeling everyone desires.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls and ingredients neatly arranged. At the center is a bowl holding raw pink chicken pieces. Surrounding it are bright orange carrots on the left, fresh green celery stalks on the right, and a yellow lemon near the top right. In smaller clear bowls are a light yellow block of butter, some dried yellow pasta, and a chopped white onion. There are also small piles of spices, fresh green herbs, and garlic cloves visible. Everything is clean and bright, emphasizing the fresh ingredients ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe is simple, wholesome, and plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From aromatic herbs to fresh veggies and hearty noodles, each component is essential for that comforting, layered taste you want in a great soup.

1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and helps soften the vegetables gently.
1 medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the broth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, savory aroma.
2 medium carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a subtle earthy crunch and classic soup flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a delicate herbal note reminiscent of traditional chicken soup.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Enhances the broth with aromatic, piney undertones.
½ tsp turmeric (optional): Boosts the golden hue and adds gentle earthy warmth.
8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: The hearty liquid base that unites all the flavors.
1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle depth and complexity to the broth.
2 cups uncooked wide egg-free noodles: Perfectly chewy noodles that soak up all that delicious broth. Rotini or bowtie pasta work beautifully too.
1 cup cooked chickpeas or diced vegan chicken substitute: Adds hearty protein and keeps things satisfying.
Salt & black pepper, to taste: For seasoning and balancing flavors.
Optional: fresh parsley or dill, lemon wedges: Bright garnishes that elevate and freshen the soup before serving.

How to Make No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks. Let them cook slowly for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and fragrant—this step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and the optional turmeric. Cook everything together for about one minute. This lets the garlic and herbs release their full aroma, creating that classic, comforting fragrance we all look for in a homemade soup.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Next, add the vegetable broth and toss in the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering period allows all the flavors to mingle and deepen, crafting a broth that’s rich in taste but still light and bright.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Protein

Now add your wide, egg-free noodles and the cooked chickpeas or vegan chicken substitute to the simmering pot. Let everything cook together for 8 to 10 minutes until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape. This step truly transforms the soup into a satisfying, complete meal.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Give the pot a gentle stir, and your No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe is ready for the final touch—garnishes and loving spoonfuls!

How to Serve No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe

A white bowl with a blue rim filled with a yellow broth containing small orange carrot cubes, light green celery slices, and small pasta shells that are pale cream in color. There is a silver spoon resting inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your bowl by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or dill over the surface just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice adds that fabulous zing of freshness that complements the savory broth so beautifully. These simple garnishes turn a humble bowl of soup into something really special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad. These sides add some texture contrast and make your meal even more inviting and complete, perfect for sharing with family or friends on a cozy evening.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this soup in rustic ceramic bowls for that homey feel, or ladle it into classic mason jars for an adorable on-the-go lunch. Topping the soup with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add delicious flair and boost the umami appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness. For best texture, consider storing the noodles separately if possible, and add them back when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup before adding noodles to retain perfect texture. When freezing, transfer soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and cooking fresh noodles to add at serving time.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Toss in fresh noodles or pasta if you stored them separately, and let them heat through before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Absolutely! This No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe is very versatile, and swapping in gluten-free noodles is a great option. Just pick your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the soup.

Is turmeric necessary in this recipe?

Turmeric is optional but recommended if you want to add a beautiful golden color and a subtle earthy warmth. If you don’t have it, feel free to skip it—the soup will still be delicious and comforting.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs are wonderful if you have them on hand. Use about three times the amount of fresh thyme and rosemary compared to dried for an equally flavorful broth.

What’s a good vegan chicken substitute to use?

Many plant-based chicken-style products work great here, or you can simply use extra chickpeas for protein. Some people enjoy adding shredded jackfruit or tempeh for variety—get creative with what you have!

How do I make the broth richer?

For a deeper, more savory broth, stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or half a teaspoon of poultry-free seasoning. These add umami without overpowering the gentle balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

This No Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan) Recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy, nourishing, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your rotation, give this soup a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to whenever you want a little extra comfort on a chilly day.