Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Updated On: September 29, 2025

Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when the weather is chilly or when you need a little pick-me-up. But what if you’re vegetarian or simply looking for a lighter, plant-based alternative?

This vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe offers all the cozy flavors you love without any meat. Using hearty, flavorful plant-based ingredients, this soup is packed with nourishing vegetables, tender noodles, and a delicious broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re fighting a cold or just craving a wholesome meal, this soup is easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the year.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and snacks, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

If you enjoy this, you might also love our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to round out your meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian chicken noodle soup is a wonderful alternative to the classic soup that many grew up with. Instead of traditional chicken, it uses plant-based chicken substitutes or hearty mushrooms that provide a meaty texture and savory flavor.

The broth is rich, thanks to a blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and vegetable stock, creating depth and warmth.

It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want something homemade without the fuss. This recipe is also gluten-free adaptable by simply swapping the noodles for gluten-free varieties.

Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice without compromising on taste.

For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, you can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. If you want more hearty soup ideas, check out our High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals for inspiration!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion, diced 1 medium
Carrots, peeled and sliced 3 medium
Celery stalks, sliced 3
Garlic cloves, minced 3
Mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), sliced 8 oz (about 2 cups)
Vegetarian chicken substitute (optional) 1 cup, shredded or chopped
Vegetable broth 6 cups
Water 1 cup
Bay leaf 1
Fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme) 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup
Salt 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black pepper, freshly ground 1/2 teaspoon
Egg noodles (or your favorite noodle) 6 ounces
Fresh lemon juice (optional) 1 tablespoon

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Colander or strainer (for noodles)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
  4. Add the vegetarian chicken substitute: If you are using a plant-based chicken alternative, add it now and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through and combine with the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the broth and water: Add the vegetable broth and water to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Add herbs and seasoning: Toss in the bay leaf, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Cook the noodles: While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  8. Finish the soup: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the cooked noodles and chopped fresh parsley. For a bright flavor, add the fresh lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a gluten-free version, swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles.

Variation: Try adding different vegetables such as diced potatoes, peas, or corn for more texture and flavor. You can also use tofu cubes instead of vegetarian chicken substitute for a different protein source.

Pro Tip: If you want a richer broth, sauté the mushrooms until deeply caramelized, which adds a savory umami punch. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika.

If you love this comforting soup, consider pairing it with our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves for dipping or enjoy alongside a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 210 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 0.7 g
Sodium 700 mg
Vitamin A 110% DV
Vitamin C 20% DV
Iron 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian chicken noodle soup is perfect on its own as a light meal or paired with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a heartier option, serve it with a side of garlic roasted vegetables or a warm sandwich like a veggie quesadilla.

You might enjoy our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a flavorful complement.

For a cozy winter meal, pair the soup with a warm drink like our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide. These combinations create a comforting, well-rounded dining experience everyone will appreciate.

Conclusion

This vegetarian chicken noodle soup recipe is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors that can satisfy anyone seeking a meat-free alternative. It’s not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to fit various dietary needs and preferences.

The combination of fresh vegetables, savory broth, and tender noodles creates a heartwarming dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you’re looking to soothe a cold or just want a nutritious, delicious meal, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

With its approachable ingredients and simple steps, even novice cooks can whip up a batch quickly. Don’t forget to explore other plant-based recipes on our site like the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for more inspiration.

Happy cooking and stay cozy!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup

Description: A comforting and hearty soup featuring plant-based chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles. Perfect for a cozy meal that's both nutritious and flavorful.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups plant-based chicken substitute, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Add plant-based chicken, thyme, and parsley; simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A comforting and hearty soup featuring plant-based chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 medium carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “6 cups vegetable broth”, “2 cups plant-based chicken substitute, shredded”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried parsley”, “8 ounces egg noodles”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add plant-based chicken, thyme, and parsley; simmer for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X