Name: Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 medium carrots (thinly sliced into circles); 2 large sticks of celery (finely diced); 1 small/medium onion (finely diced); 8 cups turkey stock (or chicken or vegetable); 4 cups water; 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed); 2 bay leaves; 2 Tbsp parsley; 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups egg noodle pasta (or use 3/4 cup small pasta); 3 cups leftover turkey meat (white and/or dark meat); 1 garlic clove (pressed or grated)

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This delicious Turkey Noodle Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re craving a warm lunch on a chilly day or looking for a delightful dinner pairing with a sandwich or fresh bread, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s a tasty and straightforward way to make the most of your leftover holiday turkey.

In the pot’s embrace, flavors meld,
Broth whispers tales, a symphony swelled.
Garlic, parsley, in harmony they weave,
Turkey Noodle Soup, a comfort to receive.
JASMINE’S KITCHEN

Turkey Soup Recipe

Enjoy a tasty and easy-to-make Turkey Soup, perfect for a quick meal after the holiday cooking rush. This recipe is:

Easy to Make – giving you more time with your holiday guests. It’s simple, but they’ll think it’s fancy.
Great for Leftovers – a clever way to use up extra turkey without it feeling heavy or like a repeat.
Make it Your Own – Customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta. You can also use rice or gluten-free pasta for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

This wholesome soup is not just fulfilling and hearty but also packed with nutrition! With lean protein and a variety of vegetables, it’s effortlessly put together using ingredients you already have.

Turkey – Get ready for a generous amount of meat from the carcass.
Vegetables – Include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
Olive Oil – Use it to sauté the veggies.
Turkey Stock – Opt for chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
Pasta – I chose egg noodles, but feel free to use any small-cut pasta.
Garlic – Fresh garlic brings the best flavor.
Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Bay Leaves – Essential for seasoning and creating a delicious broth.

Substitutions

Replace egg noodles with small pasta like rotini, orzo, elbows, or Israeli couscous. You can also choose rice or gluten-free pasta for a GF soup. Customize the broth by adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, or even 1 tsp of turmeric for extra flavor.

For added variety, include more veggies based on what you have (mushrooms, corn, broccoli, peas). This not only increases the serving size but also turns it into a satisfying and complete meal.

How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup

Prepare Vegetables – Slice carrots into rounds, dice celery and onion, and cut potatoes into bite-size wedges.
Sauté – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Put onions, carrots, and celery in a pan and cook them until they become soft and turn golden brown.
Boil Potatoes – Take some potatoes and boil them in a pot. Then, add broth, water, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it cook like this for about 10 minutes.
Add Pasta & Turkey – Introduce noodles and turkey, simmer on the stove-top for 5 minutes or until pasta and potatoes are tender. Be careful not to cook it for too long. Put in one crushed garlic clove and mix in some parsley. Then, add salt and pepper to your liking, stirring everything together.
Garnish – Take it off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Pro Tip:

If possible, give the soup some time to rest after cooking, like many other soups. This allows the ingredients to fully blend into the broth, elevating the flavor. While this step is optional, the soup is tasty right from the stovetop.

Common Questions

Is it possible to make a double batch of the recipe?

Certainly! I usually cook extra turkey because we often have holiday guests. Feel free to make your Turkey Noodle Soup as large as necessary—just grab a bigger pot.

Should I use dark or white meat for Turkey Soup?

You can choose either option, or even both. There’s no incorrect choice. Either way, I chop or shred the meat into a size that’s easy to handle with a spoon

What steps can I take to avoid ending up with mushy pasta?

If you’re making a big batch and planning to freeze some for later, a helpful tip is to cook the noodles separately. Add them to each bowl just before serving. Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from absorbing too much liquid, avoiding changes in texture, especially when simmered for too long or after freezing.

Is it possible to prepare turkey noodle soup in a crockpot?

Absolutely! Simply toss all the ingredients (excluding the pasta) into your crockpot. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Just add the cooked pasta right before serving.

Can I use different pasta in turkey noodle soup?

Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with various pasta shapes like rotini, orzo, or elbows.

How long does it take to cook turkey noodle soup?

The cooking time is typically around 20-30 minutes on the stovetop. Adjust if using a slow cooker.

Can I freeze turkey noodle soup?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Is it better to use dark or white meat for turkey noodle soup?

It’s a personal preference. Either dark or white meat works well; choose what you prefer.

How can I prevent mushy pasta in turkey noodle soup?

Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl just before serving, especially if freezing a portion for later.

Can I make turkey noodle soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Simply add all the ingredients (excluding pasta) and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.

Can I make a large batch of turkey noodle soup?

Certainly! Adjust the quantities as needed, but ensure you have a bigger pot if making a larger batch.

How do I reheat frozen turkey noodle soup?

Thaw it in the fridge overnight for a faster reheating process, then warm it up on the stovetop.

Can I add extra vegetables to the turkey noodle soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, corn, broccoli, or peas to enhance the recipe.

What to Serve with Turkey Noodle Soup

Pairing your Turkey Noodle Soup with the right accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Turkey Noodle Soup:

Fresh Bread or Rolls: A warm loaf of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Side Salad: A light and refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can complement the heartiness of the soup.
Crackers or Breadsticks: Add a crunch to your meal by serving whole-grain crackers or breadsticks on the side.
Cheese Plate: Create a small cheese board with a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Gouda, or Brie, to enjoy alongside your soup.
Fruit Platter: A selection of fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or a citrus salad can provide a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic and comforting, a grilled cheese sandwich makes an excellent companion to turkey noodle soup.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: For a healthy option, serve crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber with a side of hummus.
Quinoa or Rice: If you prefer a heartier meal, consider serving the soup over cooked quinoa or rice.
Herb Butter: Create a simple herb-infused butter to spread on bread or rolls, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Remember, the goal is to balance the flavors and textures, so choose sides that complement the comforting essence of the Turkey Noodle Soup.

Make-Ahead

Enhance the flavors of this recipe by letting it sit overnight; it becomes even more delicious as the flavors meld. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, offering the warmth of turkey soup beyond the holiday hustle without the need to roast a full turkey again.

For Refrigeration: Ensure the soup cools completely before storing it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tip: If planning to freeze, exclude the pasta. Let the soup cool, portion it into an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space on top for expansion.
To Reheat: For frozen soup, defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, use the stovetop, microwave, or crockpot to reheat until hot. Add more broth if needed, as it may evaporate during reheating. If you skipped the pasta before freezing, follow the recipe to add it while reheating.

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