Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting classic perfect for chilly days or using up leftover turkey after the holidays. This cozy soup features tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and nourishing from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect way to use up leftover turkey
• Hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor
• Comes together quickly with simple ingredients
• Great for make-ahead meals or freezer storage
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or herbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, sliced
• Celery, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• Turkey or chicken broth
• Egg noodles
• Dried thyme or fresh thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

this recipe

1. Sauté vegetables:
   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add broth and turkey:
   Pour in broth and stir in turkey, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Cook noodles:
   Add egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions (usually 6–8 minutes), until tender.
4. Finish and serve:
   Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or omit noodles altogether
• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale near the end of cooking
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
• Extra herby: Add rosemary, sage, or dill for added depth

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave individual portions until hot

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes! This soup is perfect for using leftover roasted or smoked turkey.

Can I substitute chicken?

Absolutely—shredded rotisserie chicken works great as an alternative.

What type of noodles should I use?

Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like rotini or shells will work.

Can I use raw turkey?

Yes, but cook it thoroughly in the soup before adding noodles.

How do I prevent soggy noodles?

Cook noodles just until al dente, and consider storing them separately if making ahead.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—add everything except the noodles and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cooked noodles before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and broth to make it gluten-free.

How can I make the broth richer?

Simmer the soup longer or add a bouillon cube or spoonful of concentrated broth.

Can I add potatoes?

Sure—add diced potatoes with the veggies and cook until fork-tender.

What should I serve with turkey noodle soup?

Crusty bread, a green salad, or grilled cheese makes a great pairing.

Conclusion

Turkey Noodle Soup is a timeless and hearty classic that makes the most of leftover turkey while delivering cozy, satisfying flavor in every spoonful. Quick to prepare and easy to adapt, this soup is the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a warm bowl on a cold day.

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