Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

This hearty Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is warm, comforting, and simple to make. It’s the perfect lunch on a cold day, or pair it with a sandwich or fresh bread to enjoy it for dinner. Our turkey soup recipe is an easy, but tasty, way to use up leftover turkey from your holiday dinners.

There are so many great ways to use leftover turkeythat don’t taste like leftovers. You could try anything from Chicken Pot Pie with Turkey to Leftover Turkey in Gravy, or replace the protein in our Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich!

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (1)

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Turkey Soup Recipe

Everyone loves a tasty, easy-to-make soup, ESPECIALLY directly following the holidays when you have spent more than enough time cooking. We love this Turkey Soup recipe because it’s:

  • Simple to make – lets you have plenty of time to visit with your holiday guests. This recipe is a breeze to make, but your guests won’t be able to tell
  • Repurpose Leftovers – the perfect way to repurpose turkey without having another heavy meal or tasting like a leftover
  • Customizable – add your favorite vegetables or pasta, or use rice or GF pasta to make it gluten-free

Ingredients

This hearty soup is not only satisfying and filling, it’s nutritious as well! With lean protein and plenty of vegetables, it’s so easy to throw together with what you have on hand.

  • Turkey – You’ll be amazed at how much meat you can get from the carcass
  • Vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, celery, onion
  • Olive Oil – to sauté the vegetables
  • Turkey Stock – you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • Pasta – I used egg noodles, but you can use any small-cut pasta
  • Garlic – us fresh garlic for the best flavor
  • Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Bay Leaves – Help to season and create a savory broth
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (2)

Substitutions

Swap the egg noodles for any small pasta (rotini, orzo, elbows, Israeli couscous), or use rice or gluten-free pasta to make this a GF soup. You can add fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) or even 1 tsp of turmeric to create a broth to your preferred taste.

Add extra veggies, whatever you have on hand (mushrooms, corn, broccoli, peas), to stretch the recipe even more to feed a crowd or to make this a complete meal.

How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup

  • Chop – Slice the carrots into rounds and the potatoes into bite-size wedges, and dice the celery and onion.
  • Sauté – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened and golden.
  • Boil Potatoes– Add broth, water, potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and continue cooking at a medium boil for 10 minutes
  • Add Pasta & Turkey – Add the noodles and turkey and simmer on the stove-top for 5 minutes or until pasta and potatoes are tender, being careful not to overcook.Press in 1 garlic clove and stir in parsley.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish – Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves. Garnish with more parsley if desired.
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (3)

Pro Tip:

Like most soups, if time allows, let the soup rest for a while after cooking. This allows the ingredients to really infuse into the broth, enhancing the flavor. This step is optional- the soup is delicious right off the stovetop.

Common Questions

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! I always cook more turkey than I need, and we always have guests during the holidays. Make your batch of Turkey Noodle Soup as big as you need. You’ll just need a bigger pot.

Do I use dark or white meat for Turkey Soup?

Either (or both). There is no wrong answer. Either way, I chop or shred the meat into a manageable size for a spoon.

How do I prevent mushy pasta?

If you are making a large batch and might be freezing a portion for later, I find it helps to cook the noodles on the side and add them to each bowl before serving. The pasta absorbs so much liquid and you risk a change in texture if it simmers too long or after freezing.

Can I make turkey noodle soup in a crockpot?

You sure can! Add the ingredients (minus the pasta) to your crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add cooked pasta just before serving.

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (4)

What to Serve with Turkey Noodle Soup

Like our hearty Chicken Noodle Soup, this soup is easily a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crusty Bread
  • A Fall salad, such as our Beet Salad
  • A warm Grilled Cheese sandwich
  • Soft Dinner Rolls
  • Focaccia Bread

Make-Ahead

This recipe tastes even better the next day after all of the flavors have melded. It freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy warm turkey soup months after the holidays without having to labor over cooking a full turkey.

  • To Refrigerate: Make sure to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: If planning to freeze, I recommend omitting the pasta. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, portion it into an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room on top to allow for expansion when freezing.
  • To Reheat: If reheating from frozen, allow the soup to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, use the stovetop, microwave, or crockpot to reheat until hot. Add more broth if needed, as it does evaporate while reheating. If you omitted the pasta before storing the soup, you can add your pasta as the recipe describes while reheating.
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (5)

Instead of eating turkey sandwiches for days after your holiday meal, this recipe is such a tasty way to use the extras without feeling like you are having the same meal day after day.

More Leftover Recipes

If you love this leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Noodle Soup, then you won’t want to miss these other great recipes that taste great the next day!

  • Mashed Potato Pancakes
  • Turkey Broth
  • Chicken Fried Rice
  • Egg Salad
  • Chicken Patties
  • Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Cobb Salad

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

4.99 from 62 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (7)

This hearty Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is warm, comforting, and so simple to make. It's the perfect lunch or dinner on a cold day. Our turkey soup recipe is an easy, but tasty, way to use up leftover turkey from your holiday dinners.

SavePinReviewPrint

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 8 people

  • 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

Instructions

  • Set a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened and golden, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Add broth, water, potatoes, bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil and continue cooking at a medium boil for 10 minutes.

  • Add pasta and turkey and cook for 5 minutes or until pasta and potatoes are tender. The saltiness of the turkey meat and stock will determine how much salt to add so season with more salt and pepper to taste.

  • Press in 1 garlic clove and stir in parsley then immediately remove from heat.

  • Discard the bay leaves and serve garnished with more parsley if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving

266kcal Calories24g Carbs20g Protein10g Fat2g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat5g Monounsaturated Fat0.1g Trans Fat68mg Cholesterol1387mg Sodium623mg Potassium3g Fiber3g Sugar2670IU Vitamin A20mg Vitamin C45mg Calcium2mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

266

% Daily Value*

Fat

10

g

15

%

Saturated Fat

2

g

13

%

Trans Fat

0.1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

5

g

23

%

Sodium

1387

mg

60

%

Potassium

623

mg

18

%

Carbohydrates

24

g

8

%

Fiber

3

g

13

%

Sugar

3

g

3

%

Protein

20

g

40

%

Vitamin A

2670

IU

53

%

Vitamin C

20

mg

24

%

Calcium

45

mg

5

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Turkey Noodle Soup

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $

Calories: 266

Natasha Kravchuk

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (8)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to spice up bland turkey soup? ›

You can add more herbs and different spices to add more flavor to turkey soup, but sometimes a bit of salt is all you need. The other clincher is cooking the carcass low and slow to get as much flavor from the roast turkey as possible. Try sauteeing your vegetables in a bit of olive oil before adding to the soup.

Why is my turkey soup so bland? ›

Not Adding Acid

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl.

What can I add to my soup to make it more flavorful? ›

Use fresh vegetables, high-quality meats or broth, and fresh herbs to add depth of flavor. Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex.

Should you pre cook egg noodles before adding to soup? ›

Should I cook egg noodles before adding to soup? No! For the best flavor and simplest technique, cook dry packaged egg noodles directly in the broth of your soup, without boiling separately in water beforehand. The exception to this is if you're making the soup ahead of time or cooking a very large batch.

How do you add depth of flavor to soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

How do you thicken turkey soup broth? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

What vegetables can you not put in soup? ›

any veggie can be used in soup, but unless you're making a very delicate, exceptional soup, I'd steer clear of lettuce. some veggies have a strong flavor, so you may enjoy using them, but in moderation. For me, parsnips and rutabaga fit this category.

What is the gelatinous stock in turkey soup? ›

It will liquefy again when you heat it up, so don't worry! Gelling simply refers to the way the broth congeals when you cool it in the fridge. Really good bone broth is gelatinous (and jiggly). Your broth is still nutritious, even if it doesn't gel.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

Can you put Worcestershire sauce in soup? ›

Adding Worcestershire Sauce To Soups

It will work in a broad range of dishes from your favorite French onion soup to velvety tomato bisque. It definitely does a great job of amping up the meaty flavors of a beef stew as well as giving vegetable soups a flavor lift, too.

Can you let soup simmer all day? ›

No. As soup simmers it reduces, meaning the amount of soup you've got lessens as time passes. The veggies also get more and more tender, after hours of simmering they'll be mush. You simmer soup until the garnish is tender and the flavors have melded.

Can you overcook egg noodles in soup? ›

Egg noodles are more delicate than wheat noodles and can easily fall apart if you overcook them or stir them too vigorously.

How do you keep egg noodles from getting soggy in soup? ›

Cook the pasta separately and add when serving.

To avoid soggy pasta, keep the cooked pasta separate and add as needed when serving your chicken noodle soup.

Can I just add noodles to soup? ›

→ Follow this tip: Adding noodles to the soup should be the very last thing you do before taking the pot off the heat. Wait until the soup is just about finished, mix in the noodles, and simmer until the noodles are about halfway cooked. The residual heat from the soup will continue to cook the pasta.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

How do you fix bland turkey stock? ›

Make sure you season your turkey stock/broth with herbs (save your carrot tops from making Glazed Carrots), fresh parsley, herbs, peppercorns and bay leaf. If you add too much water, it can water down the stock making it bland (in this case, once you strain it, simmer it to reduce and intensify flavor).

How do you salvage bland soup? ›

Not enough depth: A well-rounded soup has multiple layers of flavour, including acidity, umami, and sweetness. If your soup is missing any of these, it may taste bland. Adding ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, parmesan cheese for umami, or even a touch of sweetness can make a world of difference.

How do I add Flavour to bland chicken soup? ›

A few great choices are thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and rosemary. 4. Try adding some acidity. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of white wine vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.

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