Turkey noodle soup is the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly days. Made with savory turkey broth, tender noodles, and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or cooking it fresh, this recipe is a simple and nourishing meal for any occasion.
Why We Love This
Turkey noodle soup is a true crowd-pleaser and one of those recipes that brings comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover turkey or start with fresh ingredients, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why we love it:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you need a warm, satisfying meal without much fuss.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean turkey, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables, it’s a great way to fuel your body with something wholesome. You can even tweak the ingredients to make it even lighter or richer, depending on your preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal or a roast, this soup is a delicious way to transform those scraps into something truly special.
- Comfort in a Bowl: There’s just something so soothing about a bowl of turkey noodle soup. The savory turkey broth, tender noodles, and subtle blend of seasonings make it a go-to comfort food, especially on a chilly day.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can add more vegetables, try different noodles, or even swap in chicken if that’s what you have on hand. It’s a flexible dish that adapts to whatever you have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Cooked turkey – Adds savory flavor.
Turkey or chicken broth – Enhances the soup’s depth.
Egg noodles – Soft texture that complements the soup.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
Carrots – Adds sweetness and color.
Celery – Adds freshness and crunch.
Garlic – Brings aromatic flavor.
Dried thyme – Adds earthy warmth.
Dried rosemary – Brings fragrant flavor.
Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing vegetables.
Instructions
Making turkey noodle soup is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a warm and comforting meal in no time.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the Broth: Add turkey or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Noodles: Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes).
Add the Turkey: Stir in shredded turkey and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper, and add more thyme or rosemary if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Add parsley or lemon for extra flavor if desired.
Pro Tips
Making the perfect turkey noodle soup is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time:
Use Homemade Broth for Extra Flavor
If you have the time, try using homemade turkey or chicken broth. It adds an incredible depth of flavor that store-bought broth simply can’t match. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover turkey bones and make the most of your ingredients!
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Noodles can quickly turn mushy if overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on them. To prevent this, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup right before serving, or just cook them until they’re al dente and then remove the pot from the heat. This way, your noodles stay tender and don’t absorb too much broth.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End
For a burst of fresh flavor, try adding some chopped parsley or dill just before serving. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant, earthy taste that complements the richness of the soup without overpowering it.
Balance the Seasonings
Taste as you go! Broths can vary in saltiness, so be sure to adjust your seasonings as needed. If you like a little kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to give your soup a slight zing.
Make It a Meal
Serve your turkey noodle soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple salad to round out the meal. It’s a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with something light and fresh on the side.
Variations
Turkey noodle soup is a wonderfully versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
Use Different Noodles
While egg noodles are the classic choice, feel free to switch things up! Try wide noodles for a heartier texture or rice noodles for a lighter option. If you’re gluten-free, gluten-free pasta works great, too.
Add Extra Veggies
Want to make your soup even more wholesome? Try adding extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. These greens add nutritional value and give your soup a fresh, vibrant look.
Spicy Turkey Noodle Soup
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the pot. This will give your turkey noodle soup a spicy kick without overpowering the savory flavors.
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
For a richer, creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking. This variation makes the soup smooth and velvety, perfect for those who love a more indulgent bowl.
Serving Suggestions Crusty Bread
A warm bowl of turkey noodle soup is made even better with a side of crusty bread. The hearty texture of a thick slice of sourdough, baguette, or any rustic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. You can elevate this by toasting the bread with a little butter and garlic for extra flavor. The crispy edges and soft insides create the perfect contrast to the smooth soup, making each bite even more comforting. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a spread, crusty bread is the ultimate companion to your turkey noodle soup.
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FAQs
How long does turkey noodle soup last in the fridge?
Turkey noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! However, if you’re using noodles in the soup, they may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to store the noodles separately and add them just before reheating.
Can I freeze turkey noodle soup?
Yes, turkey noodle soup freezes very well! If you plan to freeze it, skip adding the noodles until you’re ready to serve. Instead, freeze the broth and turkey separately. When reheating, cook fresh noodles and add them to the soup. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Can I make turkey noodle soup with leftover turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this soup. It’s a great way to repurpose turkey from a holiday meal or roast. Simply shred or chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup for extra flavor and texture.
How can I make turkey noodle soup spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños. Adjust the heat to your taste, and you’ll have a comforting yet zesty soup that warms you up from the inside out.
turkey noodle soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a great flavor base for the soup.
Add the Garlic and Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
Pour in the Broth
- Add the turkey or chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together.
Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Add the Turkey
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the shredded turkey. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, making sure the turkey is well incorporated into the soup.
Season to Taste
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit more flavor, you can also add a pinch of additional thyme or rosemary.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It’s perfect as is, but you can always add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.