If you’re looking for the coziest way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, this Turkey Soup will quickly become your new go-to comfort dish. It’s brimming with tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and satisfying noodles, all simmered together in a savory broth that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. You’ll love how effortlessly these humble ingredients transform into a hearty, crave-worthy meal—one that’s just as perfect for curling up on a chilly evening as it is for sharing with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each component of this Turkey Soup plays an essential role, turning leftovers into something special. The classics like onion, carrot, and celery create a lovely aromatic base, while fresh herbs and a splash of lemon add brightness. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every bite:
- Olive oil: Gently sautés veggies, infusing the soup with richness and depth.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweet, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the broth.
- Garlic: Three cloves give plenty of gorgeous aroma and subtle warmth.
- Carrots: Their sweetness and color bring balance and cheerful orange pops.
- Celery: Slices of celery add crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon, but it delivers a warm herbal undertone you’ll notice in every spoonful.
- Dried parsley: Dials up the green, earthy flavor and enhances freshness.
- Dried rosemary: A hint of this powerful herb adds piney depth without overpowering the soup.
- Turkey or chicken broth: An 8-cup base for a well-seasoned, aromatic soup—homemade or good-quality store-bought does wonders.
- Cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, it’s the star of the show and a great way to breathe new life into leftovers.
- Egg noodles or pasta: They soak up the flavorful broth and make the soup extra-hearty; feel free to swap with your favorite kind.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for brightening flavors and helping the soup sing.
- Lemon juice (optional): A tablespoon stirred in at the end adds zing and brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, fragrant finish and a burst of pretty green on top.
How to Make Turkey Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, throw in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let everything soften together for about 5 to 6 minutes as you stir occasionally—the veggies will begin releasing their sweet aroma, getting you excited for what’s next!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, sprinkle in your minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Give it all a quick stir and let it cook for one more minute. This quick sizzle unlocks the herby, garlicky perfume that transforms a basic base into the heart and soul of classic Turkey Soup.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the turkey or chicken broth and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Not only will this deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, but it’ll also promise a nourishing, deeply flavorful soup. Once bubbling, stir in your shredded or chopped turkey, then reduce the heat so everything simmers quietly for richer taste.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Time for the noodles! Stir them in and let the soup bubble gently for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the pasta is perfectly tender but not mushy. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—this is your chance to make the broth absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 5: Brighten and Finish
If you love a little tang, stir in a splash of lemon juice, then simmer for a few more minutes so all those cozy flavors fully meld together. When you’re happy with the flavor, take the pot off the heat and get ready to serve the best Turkey Soup you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve Turkey Soup
Garnishes
Nothing feels more inviting than a steaming bowl of Turkey Soup crowned with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. If you want to take it further, try a grind of black pepper, a dusting of grated parmesan, or even a handful of homemade croutons for fun crunch and character.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with a thick slice of crusty bread, a warm biscuit, or a simple green salad on the side. These options soak up the flavorful broth and complete the comfort food experience, making every meal feel wonderfully cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, ladle the Turkey Soup into rustic mugs or petite soup bowls and serve with colorful napkins. If you’re hosting a lunch, consider offering a “soup bar” with bowls of extra herbs, lemon wedges, shredded cheese, and crunchy toppings so everyone can personalize their bowl and make it truly theirs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Turkey Soup cool completely before transferring to airtight, refrigerator-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner when you’re craving comfort.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future chilly day, Turkey Soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch or so for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. For best texture, try to freeze the soup before adding noodles, as they can sometimes absorb too much broth and become extra-soft during thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently until hot throughout. If the noodles have soaked up a lot of broth, add a splash of extra stock or water until you reach your desired consistency. Microwaving in individual bowls also works well for a speedy meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this soup?
Absolutely! Chicken works perfectly in place of turkey and delivers a similarly hearty and flavorful result. Just use cooked chicken—rotisserie or leftover baked chicken are great options.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
You can swap in just about any pasta or even cooked rice or barley! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or rotini all taste fantastic and help soak up the broth beautifully.
How do I make Turkey Soup gluten-free?
Easy solution: use gluten-free noodles or swap the pasta for cooked rice or quinoa. Just double-check your broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free too.
Can I make Turkey Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just sauté your aromatics first to get the best flavor, then combine everything except the noodles in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in the noodles about 20 minutes before serving so they don’t overcook.
How can I make the soup richer in flavor?
For extra depth, toss a turkey bone or carcass into the soup as it simmers, then remove it before serving. You can also add an extra splash of broth, a bay leaf, or sauté the veggies in a little butter for added richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving true homemade comfort, Turkey Soup is just the thing to warm both your belly and your day. It’s easy, adaptable, and bursting with flavor, whether you’re keeping it classic or experimenting with add-ins. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give this nourishing soup a place in your regular lineup, and watch it become a family favorite in no time!
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Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty turkey soup recipe perfect for using up leftover turkey. This flavorful soup is loaded with vegetables, tender turkey, and noodles in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
Seasonings and Broth:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1½ cups egg noodles or pasta of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, and rosemary, cook until fragrant.
- Simmer: Pour in broth, add turkey, simmer, then add noodles and cook until tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- This soup is great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
- You can substitute rice or barley for the noodles if preferred.
- For a richer broth, add a turkey bone while simmering and remove before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
