Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl that instantly transports me back to cozy family gatherings. Plus, it’s the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia!

I adore whipping up Turkey Noodle Soup since it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. This comforting, nutritious dish is brimming with protein from the shredded turkey and vitamins from the carrots and celery.

My recipe applies the “every good soup starts with a soffritto” principle, using olive oil to sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they’re meltingly sweet and full-flavored. I then stir in dried thyme, rosemary, and a dash of black pepper to flavor the broth.

Fresh parsley adds that burst of freshness with every slurp.

Ingredients

Oil of Olive: A fat that is healthy; heightens flavor and helps with sautéing.

Onion: Imparts delicious depth and richness.

Contains a wealth of antioxidants and vitamins.

Garlic: Increases immune operations; gives aromatic sharpness.

Carrots possess a sweet taste and are rich in beta-carotene and fiber.

Provides crunch; has essential vitamins and minerals.

Broth made from chicken: A base that is savory, mineral-rich, and full of flavor.

Turkey that has been cooked: A source of protein with low fat; it has a high content of vitamin B.

Noodles made from eggs: Source of carbohydrates; contributes to the hearty nature.

Parsley: Flavorful and fresh; filled with vitamins A, C, and K.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 6 ounces egg noodles
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a big vessel, warm the olive oil on medium. Toss in the chopped onion, and cook until the onions are see-through, about 4 to 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper to the pot; stir to combine the spices with the vegetables.

4. Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Once the pot is simmering, add the shredded turkey to the pot and stir to distribute it evenly.

6. Lower the temperature to medium and allow the soup to simmer softly for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

7. The egg noodles should be added to the pot and cooked for a further 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

8. Sample and then add salt in small amounts to enhance the flavors and make them pop.

9. Taking the soup pot off of the heat completely, stir in the fresh parsley that you’ve chopped.

10. Hot turkey noodle soup is to be served, with the addition of parsley as a garnish, if so desired. Enjoyment of the soup is to be undertaken immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Ladle
8. Soup bowls

FAQ

• Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked turkey?Using raw turkey in soup requires an additional step of cooking the turkey completely first to make it safe to eat.
• Can I substitute chicken for turkey in this recipe?Certainly! You can use cooked chicken in the same amount as the turkey for a delicious variation.
• How can I make this soup gluten-free?To make it gluten-free, just swap out the egg noodles for a gluten-free noodle option.
• How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?An airtight container can keep it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze the leftovers?You can freeze the soup for as long as 2 months. Make sure it is in a freezer-safe container.
• Are there any other herbs I can add?Herbs such as basil or oregano can be included for extra flavor if you wish.
• What’s the best way to reheat this soup?Warm through on the stovetop over medium heat, using some extra broth if it’s thickened up too much.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil or butter work just as well for cooking.
Onion: If you want to use something else instead of the onion, you can use shallots or leeks for a slightly different flavor profile.
Broth made from chicken: Use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
Turkey: Substitute a firm-textured plant protein—like jackfruit or seitan—for a nutritious vegetarian version.
Egg noodles: For a gluten-free choice, use gluten-free or rice noodles.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté for Depth of Flavor Before adding the onions, consider sautéing them until they just start to caramelize for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. This will enhance the depth of the soup.

2. Use Homemade Broth If possible, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. This will give your soup a richer flavor and allow you to control the seasoning better.

3. Add a Splash of Acid Just before serving, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to the soup. This can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the broth.

4. Herb Infusion Tie the dried thyme and rosemary in a small piece of cheesecloth or a tea infuser for easy removal. This allows you to infuse the broth with their flavors without having to fish out the herbs later.

5. Cook Noodles Separately To prevent them from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy, cook the egg noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving. This also makes it easier to store leftovers.