Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 shallot, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 3 teaspoons vegetable bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon®)
- ¼ cup parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
- 1 (16 ounce) package chicken-flavored seitan
Why This Recipe Is So Enjoyable
This soup is warm, comforting, and full of flavor without any animal products. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with plant-based ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any day you need a little extra care.
Helpful Chef Tips
- Use vegetable broth with good depth of flavor for a richer soup.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra boost of aroma.
- Cook the noodles separately and add them at the end to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra boost of aroma.
- Cook the noodles separately and add them at the end to avoid them becoming mushy.
Directions
Warm some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the carrots, celery, onion, leek, and shallot, and cook them until the onion becomes see-through and the carrots start to soften—this usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Next, pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil. Stir in the bouillon until it’s fully dissolved, then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Add the parsley, bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for another 10 minutes or so, until the carrots are nice and tender. Finally, stir in the pasta and seitan, cooking just until the pasta is al dente—about 7 to 10 more minutes. Once everything’s cooked through, your soup is ready to enjoy!
Serving Ideas For Family Meals
Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. It’s also delicious with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
How To Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the flavors fresh. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but add noodles fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this soup?
Yes, any short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells will work well.
Is there a substitute for chicken-flavored seitan?
You can use tofu, tempeh, or another plant-based chicken alternative.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add pasta fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.
How can I make the broth richer in flavor?
Use a high-quality vegetable broth and add extra bouillon or herbs like rosemary or sage.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
What if I don’t have leeks or shallots?
You can substitute with extra onion and garlic for similar flavor.
How spicy is the soup?
The recipe is mild, but you can add black pepper or red chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free seitan alternative or another protein.
