Slurping on a warm bowl of vegan chicken noodle soup has always been my ultimate comfort food. There’s just something so soothing and nostalgic about the rich broth, tender plant-based “chicken,” and hearty noodles that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Growing up, my mom would make her famous vegan chicken noodle soup whenever I was feeling under the weather or just needed a hug in a bowl. The comforting aroma would fill the entire house, and I’d eagerly wait by the stove, watching as she carefully chopped the veggies and simmered the broth to perfection.
Even as an adult, I find myself craving that same cozy feeling whenever life gets a little hectic. That’s why I’ve perfected my own version of vegan chicken noodle soup that’s just as satisfying as the one I grew up with. It’s the ultimate meal to whip up when you need a little extra TLC, and I’m excited to share my secrets with you.
Why This vegan chicken noodle soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect vegan chicken noodle soup
What sets this vegan chicken noodle soup recipe apart is the depth of flavor we’re able to achieve without using any actual chicken. The key is in the blend of umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, and nutritional yeast, which create a savory broth that tastes just like the real deal. We also make use of tender plant-based chicken alternatives that seamlessly mimic the texture of traditional chicken noodle soup.
But the real magic happens when you combine all of these components with just the right amount of herbs, spices, and veggies. It’s a symphony of flavors that come together to produce a vegan chicken noodle soup that’s so comforting and satisfying, you won’t believe it’s meat-free.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Vegan “chicken” – Look for plant-based chicken alternatives made from soy, seitan, or mushrooms. These will provide the meaty texture we’re after.
– Vegetable broth – Go for a high-quality, low-sodium broth to build the foundation of the soup.
– Carrots – Diced carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
– Celery – Finely chopped celery contributes that classic chicken noodle soup flavor.
– Onion – Yellow or white onion is the flavor base for the soup.
– Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall savory notes.
– Egg noodles – Regular or gluten-free egg-free noodles work great.
– Soy sauce – For an umami-rich depth of flavor.
– Miso paste – This Japanese seasoning lends a savory, fermented essence.
– Nutritional yeast – Sprinkle this in for a cheesy, “chicken-y” taste.
– Herbs and spices – A blend of thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper completes the classic chicken noodle soup profile.
Step-by-Step vegan chicken noodle soup Instructions
Preparing Your vegan chicken noodle soup
This comforting vegan chicken noodle soup comes together in about an hour, from start to finish. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a sharp knife, cutting board, and ladle. Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started!
1- In the large pot, sauté the diced onion, carrot, and celery in a bit of oil over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4- Next, stir in the vegan “chicken” pieces, soy sauce, miso paste, nutritional yeast, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5- Add the egg noodles and continue simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the piping hot vegan chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To make sure your vegan chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Use a variety of mushrooms, like shiitake and cremini, for an even more authentic “chicken” flavor.
– Add a splash of white wine or sherry to the broth for extra complexity.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different plant-based chicken alternatives to find your favorite.
– For a creamier soup, stir in a bit of unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream towards the end.
– Be patient and let the broth simmer for at least 20 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
Serving and Storing Your vegan chicken noodle soup
Perfect Pairings for vegan chicken noodle soup
This vegan chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it with a fresh, crisp salad for a light and balanced meal. Or, for a heartier option, enjoy it with a crusty slice of whole-grain bread or a fluffy biscuit for dipping.
As for beverages, a tall glass of ice water or herbal tea is always a classic choice. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, a mug of warm apple cider or a rich hot chocolate would also be a delightful pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this vegan chicken noodle soup recipe makes a generous portion, so you’ll likely have leftovers. To store, simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened up too much.
For even easier meal prep, you can make the entire soup in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the noodles separately, as they can become mushy when frozen. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for vegan chicken noodle soup
Creative vegan chicken noodle soup Variations
While this classic vegan chicken noodle soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier meal, you could add in diced potatoes, shredded kale, or tender white beans.
Looking to switch up the flavors? Try swapping the thyme and rosemary for fresh dill and lemon zest, or experiment with Asian-inspired seasonings like ginger, turmeric, and five-spice powder.
And for a twist on the traditional noodles, you could use spiralized zucchini, riced cauliflower, or even gluten-free pasta. The possibilities are endless!
Making vegan chicken noodle soup Diet-Friendly
This vegan chicken noodle soup recipe is already dairy-free and egg-free, making it a great option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet. But it can also be easily adapted to accommodate other dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. And to make it low-carb, you can skip the noodles altogether and serve the soup over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, be sure to use a low-sodium vegetable broth and go easy on the soy sauce and miso paste. And for a creamy, dairy-free twist, you can stir in a bit of unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream towards the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular chicken in this recipe instead of vegan “chicken”?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can certainly make this soup with shredded cooked chicken. Just add the chicken along with the broth and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this soup more filling?
A: To make this vegan chicken noodle soup more substantial, you can add in extra vegetables like diced potatoes, shredded kale or spinach, or white beans. You can also increase the amount of noodles or serve it with a side of crusty bread.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this vegan chicken noodle soup is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the noodles separately to prevent them from getting mushy.
Q: How do I reheat leftover vegan chicken noodle soup?
A: To reheat leftover soup, simply transfer it to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened up too much, you can thin it out with a bit of extra broth or water. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cozy and comforting vegan chicken noodle soup is made with savory plant-based ingredients, offering a healthy and delicious twist on a classic. It’s ready in just 20 minutes for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 8 ounces wide egg noodles
– 2 cups shredded vegan chicken
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. – Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. – Stir in the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. – Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. – Add the egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
6. – Stir in the shredded vegan chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a richer broth, use low-sodium vegetable broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes before adding the noodles.
– You can use any type of vegan chicken substitute, such as shredded seitan or soy-based pieces.
– Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of vegan chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and nourish the body. With its rich, savory broth, tender plant-based “chicken,” and hearty noodles, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give this vegan chicken noodle soup a try and experience the same comforting, cozy feeling that I do every time I make it. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and adaptations – the possibilities are endless! And be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy!
