Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe tastes just like the real deal. It's rich in plant-based protein and vitamin B12. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. Freezer-friendly for sick days!

this RECIPE

Make this healthy and flavorful soup with just 10 ingredients. It's the perfect meal prep recipe. Make a big batch on Sundays and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply add the noodles when reheating.

This recipe was inspired by my Pasta Fazool on this site, as well as this Chickpea Soup.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧅 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2)
  • Extra-firm tofu, seasoned with nutritional yeast and poultry seasoning, and either baked or air-fried, tastes just like chicken! Use super firm pre-pressed tofu to save time. (Try Nasoya or Wildwood brands).
  • Nutritional yeast adds vitamin B12, protein, and an umami flavor to this Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
  • Vegan No-Chicken Broth is perfect for adding even more chicken soup flavor, but any vegetable broth will work. Use low sodium for a healthier option.
  • Poultry seasoning is a dried seasoning made of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg, and onion powder.
  • Tamari (or tamari shoyu) is a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans. You can substitute tamari for soy sauce in most recipes. It has a thicker consistency and is less salty than Chinese soy sauce. It's an ideal gluten-free substitute for soy sauce as it's typically made without wheat, while soy sauce contains wheat. Make sure to check the label for gluten-free.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧅 Substitutions

  • Tofu - instead of extra-firm tofu, you can use tempeh, soy curls, sietan, or chickpeas
  • Noodles - use gluten-free pasta to make this gluten-free
  • Nutritional yeast - omit as desired
  • Parsley - substitute with fresh cilantro or omit as needed
  • Dried thyme - Dried thyme is about three times as concentrated as fresh thyme. If using fresh thyme in this recipe, substitute the dried thyme for about 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
  • Olive oil - Omit for oil-free

Visit my Vegan Soups and Stews page for more easy and healthy vegan soup recipes.

📖 How to Make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (3)

Step 1. Toss the tofu cubes with tamari. Add the nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, and oil (if using) and toss to coat evenly.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (4)

Step 2. Either bake the tofu for about 20 minutes or until crispy. Or air fry for about 10 minutes.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (5)

Step 3. Continue cooking the tofu as needed until the desired crispiness. Set aside.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (6)

Step 4. Aromatics: Cook the onion until translucent. Add the carrot and celery. Cook until the vegetables are just softened. Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, thyme, and Italian seasoning.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (7)

Step 5. Simmer:Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Mix in the nutritional yeast and noodles. Simmer covered for about 8 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (8)

Step 6. Season: Add lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix in the tofu. Garnish with fresh parsley for serving.

💡 Expert Tips

  • For crispy tofu: Spread the tofu in a single layer on a large baking sheet or use an air fryer. Do not overcrowd the cubes or they will steam instead of brown. Use a little oil to get them extra crispy. Remember to toss them halfway so they cook evenly.
  • Do not skip the poultry seasoning. It gives this dish a true chicken soup flavor.
  • Cook the noodles until al dente. They will continue to soften so do not overcook.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days with noodles, and up to 5 days without.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes! For best results, cook the noodles separately at the time of serving. Freeze the tofu and vegetable soup in separate containers, and add the tofu and noodles to the soup when reheating.

What can I substitute for egg noodles in chicken soup?

Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, rice noodles, and vermicelli are all good substitutes.

How do I make noodle soup ahead of time?

Keep the noodles separate for serving so they do not get mushy. Prepare the vegetable soup and tofu and refrigerate them separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Prepare the noodles beforehand and refrigerate, or cook them at the time of serving.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share your Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️rate this recipeand leave acomment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (13)

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup

Nisha Melvani

This Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup recipe tastes just like the real deal. Rich in plant-based protein & vitamin B12. Quick and easy. Freeze for sick days!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 372 kcal

Ingredients

For the tofu 'chicken':

  • 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu pressed and drained, cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil (optional)

For the vegetable noodle soup:

  • Drizzle of olive oil or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 medium carrots sliced into ¼-inch rounds (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 ribs celery thinly sliced into half-moons (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 cups vegetable broth plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 8 ounces dry pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice to taste (optional)
  • cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF, or an air fryer to 400ºF.

  • Season tofu: Transfer the tofu cubes to a medium bowl. Add the tamari and toss until evenly coated. Add the nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, and oil (if using) and toss to coat the tofu.

  • Bake or air fry tofu:

    To bake, place the cubes on a large nonstick baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the tofu for 10 minutes before tossing the cubes so they cook evenly. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until crispy.

    To air fry, place the cubes into an air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes before tossing the cubes so they cook evenly. Air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until crispy. Continue cooking as needed until the desired crispiness.

  • Cook aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the carrot and celery and cook for about 4 minutes more, or until the vegetables are just softened, stirring frequently.

  • Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook for one minute more, stirring constantly.

  • Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the liquid to a simmer. Mix in the nutritional yeast and pasta. Simmer covered for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir frequently, adding more broth as needed. Season with lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  • Add the baked tofu and stir.

  • Garnish with parsley for serving.

Notes

  • For crispy tofu: Spread the tofu in a single layer on a large baking sheet or use an air fryer. Do not overcrowd the cubes or they will steam instead of brown. Use a little oil to get them extra crispy. Remember to toss them halfway so they cook evenly.
  • Cook the noodles until al dente. They will continue to soften so do not overcook.
  • Make ahead of time: Keep the noodles separate for serving so they do not get mushy. Prepare the vegetable soup and tofu, and refrigerate them separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Prepare the noodles beforehand and refrigerate, or cook them at the time of serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days with noodles, and up to 5 days without.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 822mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 10837IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 4mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Primla Goddard

    Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (18)
    Absolutely healthy and nourishing! Takes only 30 minutes but packed full of healthy nutrients!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (19)
      I'm glad you enjoyed this healthy recipe.

      Reply

  2. Primla Goddard

    Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (20)
    Love this recipe ❤️ A great healthy option that is full of 10 super ingredients, takes only 30 minutes to prepare and can be frozen without the noodles! A must have for those flu days!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (21)
      I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Thank you.

      Reply

  3. Neena Chandiramani

    Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (22)
    Noodle soup with a kick!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (23)
      Absolutely! Enjoy.

      Reply

Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor? ›

Thyme, Bay leaves and parsley: All three are classic flavors for chicken soup.

Why do people put lemon juice in chicken noodle soup? ›

Lemons are a chicken soup game changer. Why? They brighten up and balance the salty, rich flavors of the dish, and make all of the ingredients come into line. Like a vinaigrette on a salad, the pickle on a burger, and the sour cream in a coffee cake, a squeeze of lemon gives chicken soup a game-changing brightness.

How do you make chicken noodle soup not bland? ›

Season it. Salt and pepper are the basic ones. Adding soup base is another good way to kick it up a notch as is adding a little acid. You can use lemon juice or vinnegar but be sparing, a little is awesome but too much is overpowering.

Can I crack an egg in my chicken noodle soup? ›

campbell's chicken noodle soup is condensed with flavor. just add some chicken broth. mix this all in and bring it to a light simmer. you'll then crack an egg and slowly add that to the soup.

How do you add depth of flavor to chicken soup? ›

  1. Herbs and Spices:Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and dill can add depth to the flavor. ...
  2. Aromatics:Sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery before adding the broth can build a flavorful base.
Apr 5, 2022

How do you fix tasteless chicken soup? ›

Ok, several things you can do.
  1. Salt and pepper are your friend.
  2. If you can find it, use chicken bone broth. It has some of the best flavor, I find.
  3. You can roast your chicken first and add to the soup to finish. ...
  4. Stir in spinach or kale at the very end for added texture and flavor.
Jan 30, 2020

Why add vinegar to chicken noodle soup? ›

Vinegar, much like salt, is a flavor enhancer — it not only imparts its own taste and acidity to a soup, but in small quantities, it helps to bring out the brightness of other ingredients as well.

Why do you put vinegar in chicken soup? ›

Whether it's white wine or vinegar, a touch of acid added to the simmering pot will create a richer finished product. That's because acid helps break down the cartilage and other connective tissues in the bones of the chicken, which helps speed up the formation of gelatin in the stock.

What is the liquid in chicken soup called? ›

Chicken broth is the liquid part of chicken soup. Broth can be served as is, or used as stock, or served as soup with noodles. Broth can be milder than stock, does not need to be boiled as long, and can be made with meatier chicken parts. Chicken bouillon or bouillon de poulet is the French term for chicken broth.

How do you add depth to soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

How to jazz up chicken soup? ›

Adding things like lemongrass and lime will give your chicken noodle soup more of that tangy base, whereas the coconut milk will bring a creamy, richer taste to the dish. Curry paste is another Thai staple that can easily be incorporated into the base of the soup and is a great way to pack it with spicy flavors.

Can I put uncooked noodles in my chicken soup? ›

Add noodles (either uncooked homemade egg noodles, or dry store-bought pasta) and cook just until noodles are al dente. If using store-bought noodles, be cautious not to overcook them! Remove pot from heat as soon as they are just barely tender.

What happens if you don't add water to chicken noodle soup? ›

Condensed soups are intended to be mixed with one can of water to bring them to their intended normal strength. I prefer a strong broth, so I usually all 1/2 of a can of water, and sometimes none at all. This tends to make the soup saltier, but the chicken flavor is intensified.

Does chicken noodle soup break up mucus? ›

Even the warmth of chicken soup can help. Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which loosens the thick mucus that often accompanies respiratory illnesses. Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus.

How do you add Flavour to tasteless soup? ›

Use fresh, good quality ingredients like vegetables and herbs. Add a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice to your soup to make it taste better. Use a high-quality broth or stock as a base for your soup. Roast or caramelize your vegetables before adding them to your soup to bring out their natural sweetness.

How to make homemade soup more flavorful? ›

Use fresh vegetables, high-quality meats or broth, and fresh herbs to add depth of flavor. Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex.

What should be added to enrich the flavor of the soup? ›

Herbs and sources add flavor, aroma, and intensity to the soup broth. You can pick fresh or dried herbs like basil for tomato-based soups or fresh parsley for clear broths. You may also add more spices like turmeric, ground ginger, ground paprika, or nutmeg for a touch of spice and color to your soup broth.

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