Easy Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Introduction

This easy leftover turkey noodle soup is a comforting and flavorful way to use up cooked turkey. With simple ingredients and a rich broth, it’s perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
• 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups long noodles (spaghetti or egg noodles work well)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, add the long noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. In the last 5 minutes, add the leftover turkey to heat through.
4. Step 4: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, substitute noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more pronounced herb flavor.
• Include other vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, you can store them separately and add just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

Yes, you can use freshly cooked turkey. Simply dice or shred it and add during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through without drying out.

How can I make the soup more filling?

Adding extra vegetables, beans, or a handful of cooked rice or barley can make the soup heartier and more satisfying.

Easy Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

This Easy Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Made with tender turkey, long noodles, savory broth, and fresh vegetables, it’s a simple one-pot meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
• 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups long noodles (spaghetti or egg noodles work well)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook Noodles and Turkey: Once the broth is boiling, add the long noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the shredded or diced leftover turkey to the pot to heat through thoroughly.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Using leftover turkey makes this soup quick and reduces food waste.
• You can substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme for a brighter flavor.
• The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Keywords: leftover turkey soup, turkey noodle soup, easy turkey soup, leftover recipes, comforting soup, homemade soup