Description
This vegan no chicken noodle soup offers a warm and comforting twist on the classic chicken noodle recipe. Packed with tender, egg-free noodles, hearty vegetables, and a savory vegetable broth enriched with herbs and optional turmeric for color, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing, plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional — for color)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Broth
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Noodles & Protein
- 2 cups uncooked wide egg-free noodles (or rotini, bows, etc.)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or diced vegan chicken substitute
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add aromatics and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and turmeric if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add noodles and protein: Stir in the uncooked egg-free noodles and the cooked chickpeas or vegan chicken substitute. Continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Season and finish: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer broth, stir in 1 tbsp nutritional yeast or ½ tsp poultry-free seasoning.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version of the soup.
- If planning to serve the soup later, add extra broth because the pasta will continue to absorb liquid over time.
- This soup is excellent for meal prep; store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze before adding noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American