Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Turkey

Introduction

Turkey Noodle Soup is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth, nourishment, and a touch of nostalgia to the table. Often made after a holiday meal or family gathering, this soup transforms leftover turkey into a hearty and flavorful dish. With tender shredded turkey, aromatic vegetables, egg noodles, and a savory broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that soothes the soul.

What makes this soup truly special is its resourcefulness—it allows you to repurpose holiday leftovers into something entirely new while keeping the flavors familiar and comforting. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a wholesome dinner, or even a freezer meal for later, this soup is a timeless recipe worth keeping in your collection.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into a hug in a bowl. The combination of rich broth, tender turkey, and chewy noodles is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s not only a great way to reduce food waste but also a delicious way to enjoy turkey outside of holiday meals.

Another reason I adore this soup is how adaptable it is. You can load it with extra vegetables, switch up the noodles, or even make it gluten-free. Plus, the recipe makes enough for a family meal with leftovers for the next day—which always taste even better after the flavors meld together.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it’s:

• Perfect for leftovers – no turkey goes to waste.
• Nutritious – packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains (if you choose whole-wheat noodles).
• Comforting – ideal for cold days or when you’re under the weather.
• Customizable – easy to adapt to your preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly – it stores and freezes beautifully.

It’s one of those recipes that fits right into busy weeknights, post-holiday cooking, or anytime you need a hearty, soul-soothing meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8 bowls
• Calories (per serving): ~280–320 kcal (depending on noodle type and portion)
• Course: Main course / Soup
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken or turkey stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Cooking Directions / Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the base:
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
   • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and seasonings:
   • Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the broth:
   • Pour in the turkey or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add turkey:
   • Stir in the shredded cooked turkey. Let simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Cook the noodles:
   • Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender.
6. Season and finish:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Remove bay leaves before serving. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
• Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• For extra comfort, add grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use homemade stock for the richest flavor (simmer turkey bones with vegetables).
• Don’t overcook the noodles—cook them until just tender, as they’ll soften more in the broth.
• Add noodles just before serving if storing the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of egg noodles.
• Low-Carb: Skip noodles and add extra vegetables (zucchini, spinach, mushrooms).
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Herby Upgrade: Try adding rosemary, sage, or dill for different flavor notes.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Turkey is the perfect comforting, nourishing, and practical recipe that transforms leftovers into a brand-new meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own yet light enough to enjoy any time of year. From its rich broth to the tender turkey and noodles, every spoonful feels like home.

Whether you’re cooking for family after a holiday feast or simply craving a bowl of warmth, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy and become a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Turkey

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Soup & Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 280–320 kcal per serving

Description

Turkey Noodle Soup is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth, nourishment, and a touch of nostalgia to the table. Often made after a holiday meal or family gathering, this soup transforms leftover turkey into a hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken or turkey stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
• 2 cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the broth: Pour in the turkey or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add turkey: Stir in the shredded cooked turkey. Let simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until tender.
6. Season and finish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

Keywords: Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Turkey