This turkey noodle soup is a quick, comforting, and flavorful way to make the most of your leftover turkey. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty soup combines tender turkey, soft noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. Light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple lunch. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or just craving a warm, homemade meal, this recipe is a go-to for busy days. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, nourishing meal.
Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
You’ll love my other delicious soup recipes, like Asian-Style Chicken Noodle Soup, French Onion Soup, and Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Pair this Turkey Noodle Soup with my homemade bread rolls for the ultimate cozy meal! 🍲🥖✨
⭐️ Why This Recipe Works
✔️ Quick and Easy – Made with leftover turkey, this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup comes together in just 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
✔️ Rich & Flavorful Broth – Using chicken or turkey broth enhances the soup’s depth, creating a warm and savory taste.
✔️ Nutritious & Wholesome – Packed with lean protein and a variety of fresh vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Swap the noodles for rice, quinoa, or even dumplings, and add your favorite seasonings for a personal touch.
✔️ Comforting & Healing – A perfect cold-weather meal, this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is light yet filling, great for boosting immunity and keeping you warm.
Enjoy this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup with a side of homemade bread rolls for the ultimate cozy and delicious experience! 🍲✨
🧾 Ingredients Notes
Understanding the key ingredients in this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup will help you make the most of your dish. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
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Leftover Turkey – The star ingredient of this recipe, giving you a delicious way to repurpose holiday leftovers. Using cooked turkey not only saves time but also adds a depth of flavor that fresh poultry often lacks. You can use white meat for a leaner option or dark meat for a richer, more robust taste. Shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to incorporate into the soup.
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Chicken or Turkey Broth – The foundation of the soup, providing a warm, savory, and comforting base. For the best flavor, opt for homemade broth if available, as it tends to have a richer, more natural taste. If using store-bought broth, choose a low-sodium version to control the salt levels. You can even enhance the broth by simmering it with turkey bones or adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
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Long Noodles (Spaghetti or Egg Noodles) – The noodles give the soup its heartiness, making it a satisfying meal. Egg noodles are a classic choice, providing a soft and slightly chewy texture, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles work well. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead.
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Carrots – These bring a natural sweetness to the soup, balancing out the savory broth. Not only do they add color and vibrancy to the dish, but they also contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
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Celery – Often overlooked, celery provides a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the depth of the broth. It also adds a slight crunch to the soup, giving it more texture. If you love extra flavor, consider using both the stalks and the tender celery leaves for added herbal notes.
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Onion – This essential aromatic ingredient builds the savory foundation of the soup. When sautéed, onions release their natural sugars, adding sweetness and complexity to the broth. Yellow onions are ideal for their balanced flavor, but white onions or shallots can also work.
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Garlic – A small but mighty ingredient, garlic adds a bold and slightly pungent taste that deepens the overall flavor. For a richer, more mellow garlic flavor, try roasting the cloves before adding them to the soup.
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Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil brings healthy fats and a silky texture to the soup. If you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute it with butter for extra depth of flavor.
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Dried Thyme – A staple herb that pairs perfectly with turkey, thyme adds earthy, slightly minty notes that enhance the broth. You can also use fresh thyme for a more aromatic, slightly floral touch.
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Bay Leaf – Though small, this ingredient has a big impact on the soup’s taste. Simmering a bay leaf in the broth infuses it with a subtle yet complex depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!
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Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste as the soup simmers. If using homemade broth, be mindful of its salt content before adding extra seasoning.
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Fresh Parsley – This optional garnish adds a pop of freshness and color, balancing out the rich flavors of the broth. Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish.
For precise measurements and additional ingredient substitutions, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Enjoy this warm, comforting, and nourishing bowl of Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup! 🍲✨
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
This easy Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a warm and comforting meal in under 30 minutes!
🥄 Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. This step helps build the flavor base for the soup.
🍲 Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in 1 ½ liters (6 cups) of chicken or turkey broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Then, add 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
🍜 Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Turkey
Once the broth is boiling, add long noodles (such as spaghetti or egg noodles). Cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded or diced leftover turkey to warm it through without overcooking.
✨ Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
Once the noodles are tender and the turkey is heated, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
🥖 Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy this hearty Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup with warm homemade bread rolls or a side of buttery garlic toast for the ultimate cozy meal. 🍲✨
📖 Substitutions and Variations for Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
One of the best things about this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is its flexibility! Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up, here are some great ways to modify the recipe while keeping it delicious and comforting.
🥩 Protein Options
- Chicken: If you don’t have leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works just as well.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace the turkey with firm tofu cut into cubes or use cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- Beef or Sausage: For a heartier twist, try adding shredded beef or sliced smoked sausage instead of turkey.
🍜 Noodle Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional egg noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb: Skip the noodles and add zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
- Different Shapes: Experiment with different pasta types like orzo, bowtie, or penne for a fun texture variation.
🥕 Vegetable Variations
- Add More Greens: Stir in baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard just before serving for extra nutrients.
- Sweetness & Color: Add peas, corn, or diced bell peppers to enhance the soup’s color and flavor.
- Hearty Additions: For a thicker soup, try adding diced potatoes or butternut squash.
🌿 Herb and Flavor Enhancements
- Fresh Herbs: Replace dried thyme with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a brighter taste.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds a refreshing acidity.
- Spicy Kick: Love spice? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
💡 Chef’s Guide: Expert Tips for the Perfect Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Drawing from a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, these pro tips will take your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup from good to exceptional!
🔥 Enhance Flavor with Roasted Vegetables
Instead of simply sautéing your vegetables, roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding them to the soup. This caramelization process deepens the flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness of carrots, onions, and celery while adding a rich, smoky complexity.
🍲 Infuse the Broth for Extra Depth
- Parmesan Rind Trick: Drop a Parmesan rind into the simmering broth to infuse it with a rich, umami-packed depth. Remove before serving.
- Homemade Stock: If possible, make a homemade turkey or chicken broth using leftover bones and vegetable scraps—this creates a more robust and flavorful base.
- Aromatic Boost: Add a whole garlic clove, bay leaf, or a sprig of fresh thyme to the broth while simmering for a subtle but complex flavor enhancement.
🍜 Achieve Perfectly Cooked Noodles
- Cook Noodles Separately: To avoid mushy noodles, boil them separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This also prevents the broth from becoming too starchy.
- Al Dente Texture: If cooking directly in the soup, slightly undercook the noodles by 1-2 minutes, as they will continue to absorb liquid while resting.
🥩 Keep Turkey Tender
Since leftover turkey is already cooked, avoid overcooking it in the soup. Add the shredded turkey during the last 5 minutes of simmering—just enough time to warm through without becoming dry.
🍋 Brighten the Flavor at the End
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or dill just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest balances the richness of the broth and enhances all the flavors.
By following these pro-level techniques, your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup will have incredible depth, richness, and balance—just like a dish from a fine-dining restaurant! 🍲✨
🍯 Storing and Reheating Leftovers – Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
✅ Fridge: Allow your Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
✅ Freezer: For longer storage, pour the cooled Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the noodles, as they may become mushy when reheated.
✅ Reheat:
- Stovetop: Pour the Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
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Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Description
Ingredients
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.