There is something truly comforting about a hearty bowl of homemade turkey noodle soup, especially when it’s made with love and a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients. This Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is a delightful way to use up leftover turkey and transform it into a warm, flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little cozy nourishment. The combination of tender turkey, delicate egg noodles, and aromatic herbs creates a melody of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Let me take you through making this soul-soothing classic that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is surprisingly straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in building the rich taste and inviting texture that defines a great turkey noodle soup. From the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of thyme, every item comes together beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Helps to gently sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle lightness.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the base flavor and gives a silky smoothness to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until tender.
- Carrots: Contribute a lovely pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture that balances the carrots.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with aromatic warmth and earthiness.
- Bay leaf: Offers subtle, savory undertones to the broth.
- Fresh sage leaves: Impart a unique herbal fragrance, or dried sage works too!
- Dried thyme: Provides gentle herbal notes that complement the poultry beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and brightness.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Dry white wine (optional): Introduces a delicate acidity that lifts the soup’s profile.
- Leftover cooked turkey: The star protein, tender and full of rich flavor.
- Dry egg noodles: Provide comforting, tender bites that soak up the broth.
- Frozen peas (optional): Add a hint of sweetness and vibrant color near the end.
- Fresh parsley leaves: Stirred in at the end for brightness and a fresh finish.
How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, then add the vegetable oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables gently for about eight minutes until they’re softened and smelling irresistible. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook just an additional 30 seconds until you can really smell its fragrant bloom waking up the pot.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Seasoning
Next, stir in the bay leaf, fresh sage leaves, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow these aromatics to mingle with the vegetables by cooking them together for about one minute while stirring continuously. This step unlocks the beautiful herbal flavors, setting the stage for a deeply comforting broth.
Step 3: Pour in Broth, Wine, and Turkey
Pour in four to five cups of low-sodium broth along with the optional dry white wine, which adds a nuanced acidity to brighten the soup. Stir in your leftover cooked turkey chunks, then turn the heat up to medium-high to bring everything to a gentle boil. The turkey will warm through and lend its savory richness to the broth.
Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Let it simmer there for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the herbs to infuse the broth with mouthwatering depth.
Step 5: Season to Taste
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper might just be the touch that makes this soup sing.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Cook
Add the dry egg noodles directly to the pot and bring the mixture back to a boil. Let the noodles cook until they’re al dente, roughly 10 to 12 minutes. They will soak up that delicious broth and soften just perfectly.
Step 7: Stir in Peas
If you’re adding the frozen peas, toss them in now and cook for an additional two minutes until they are tender. The peas add a subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of green that brightens the bowl visually and flavor-wise.
Step 8: Remove Bay Leaf and Sage Leaves
With the soup cooked, remove the pot from heat and fish out the bay leaf and sage leaves. Leaving them in would create a bitter edge, so this little step ensures your soup stays silky smooth.
Step 9: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped parsley to bring a fresh, slightly peppery, and herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish. That burst of green also adds to the inviting presentation and aroma.
How to Serve Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra sage leaves can enhance both flavor and presentation. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper on top also adds a lovely finishing touch. For those who love a touch of heat, a tiny dash of crushed red pepper flakes can wake up the soup in the best way.
Side Dishes
This Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to sop up every last drop of that golden broth. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette can complement the heartiness of the soup, balancing the meal with some fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation that’s sure to impress guests. You can also ladle it into individual crocks or mugs for a casual, inviting feel—perfect for a family meal or a friendly get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover turkey noodle soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for three to four days, allowing those rich flavors to deepen even more.
Freezing
This Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe freezes well if you prefer to save portions for busy days. Freeze the soup without the noodles for best texture, in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the frozen or refrigerated soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat until hot through. If you froze the soup without noodles, cook fresh noodles separately and add them just before serving to keep the perfect chew.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Fresh turkey works just as well—simply cook it before adding to the soup or shred leftover cooked turkey for convenience and flavor.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, try other pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or even thin spaghetti broken into small pieces. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs are a great option when fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs since dried varieties are more concentrated.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the turkey with hearty mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth for a delightful twist.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy when storing leftovers?
To keep noodles from becoming mushy, consider storing the broth and cooked noodles separately and combine them when reheating. Alternatively, add noodles fresh each time you reheat the soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s wonderfully versatile, easy to make, and satisfying in every slurp. With a broth full of comforting herbs and tender shredded turkey paired perfectly with silky noodles, it’s the perfect way to brighten up chilly days or simply treat yourself to a beloved classic. Grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and start simmering—for the best turkey noodle soup you’ll want to savor again and again.
Print
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 8 bowls)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Turkey Noodle Soup recipe transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender vegetables, savory herbs, and classic egg noodles simmered in aromatic broth, this soup is easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
- 1 rib celery, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 fresh sage leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquids
- 4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- â…“ cup dry white wine (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 6 ounces dry egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat and add the vegetable oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the bay leaf, sage leaves, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously to bloom the herbs’ flavors.
- Add Broth, Wine, and Turkey: Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine (if using), then add the shredded or cubed leftover turkey. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer partially covered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the soup. Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook the noodles until they are just tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas if using, and cook for about 2 minutes until they are softened but still vibrant.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf and sage leaves to avoid any bitterness.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Using leftover turkey is a perfect way to reduce waste and create a delicious meal.
- If you prefer, substitute turkey broth for chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- The white wine is optional but adds a subtle depth; you can omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Egg noodles can be swapped for any other favorite noodle type or pasta shape.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and ensure broth is gluten-free.
- This soup freezes well – store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
