Turkey Noodle Soup
This Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender leftover turkey, hearty noodles, colorful vegetables, and savory broth in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked turkey shredded or chopped (leftovers work great)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth look for Pacific Foods or Swanson
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (use extra-virgin for depth)
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 carrots carrots peeled and sliced (rainbow carrots add color)
- 3 celery stalks celery stalks sliced on the bias
- 3 cloves garlic minced (optional—adds a lovely aroma)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh)
- 2 bay leaves bay leaves
- 8 ounces egg noodles (sub gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 lemon lemon (brightens flavors)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt butter or warm olive oil until shimmering.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Toss in garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (you’ll smell it instantly).
- Pour in broth, then nestle shredded turkey into the liquid. Bring to a simmer, skimming foam or fat if desired.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook 10 minutes—this melds flavors and tenderizes bits of turkey.
- Uncover, stir in egg noodles, and simmer 6–8 minutes until al dente (taste a noodle or two to check).
- Remove bay leaves, stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra herbs, and offer crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Notes
I learned that stirring noodles into hot soup off-heat prevents mushy strands—trust me on this. If you like richer broth, roast turkey bones with carrots and onions for 30 minutes before simmering. For extra clarity, label your freezer bags with date and content—always handy when planning lunches. A splash of white wine or sherry in Step 4 can deepen flavor (totally optional but delightful).
Nutrition
Calories: 200kcal
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