Turkey Soup Recipe: The Coziest Way to Use Leftovers

Turkey Soup Recipe is your warm, comfy blanket in a bowl. It’s quick, hearty, and just what your soul needs—especially when your fridge is stacked with Thanksgiving leftovers, and you’re wondering, what in the world do I do with all this turkey? This easy Turkey Soup Recipe pulls it all together in just 25 minutes. Yep, dinner is on the table faster than your kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?”

Whether it’s a chilly fall night or you’re just craving something light but filling, this soup is a lifesaver. Packed with carrots, celery, onion, and tender shredded turkey, it’s the kind of no-fuss, nourishing meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if the laundry pile says otherwise). Let’s get into all the delicious details.

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What is Turkey Soup Recipe?

Turkey Soup Recipe is a comforting, veggie-packed soup made from leftover turkey (yep, post-Thanksgiving magic), savory broth, and classic herbs. Think of it as chicken noodle soup’s fall cousin—just a little more festive. It’s made in one pot, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is full of flavor without requiring a culinary degree or 100 ingredients.

What makes this soup special is how easy it is to personalize. Got potatoes? Toss ’em in. Want to skip the noodles and go low-carb? No problem. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just not up for a trip to the grocery store.

Reasons to Try Turkey Soup Recipe

Let’s be honest, leftover turkey can get real boring, real fast. But this Turkey Soup Recipe is a total game changer. First off, it helps you stretch every bit of that Thanksgiving bird, which feels kinda brilliant and a little frugal-chic. More importantly? It’s cozy, nourishing, and ridiculously easy.

Only have 25 minutes? You’re covered. Craving something warm but not too heavy? Check. Picky eaters in the house? The soft noodles and mild flavors are a win. And don’t worry if your culinary motivation is on pause—this recipe is pretty much impossible to mess up. You’ll be sipping and slurping before you know it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Soup Recipe

• 6 cups low-sodium turkey broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey (leftovers work perfectly)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• ½ cup egg noodles (or your favorite pasta shape)

Instructions to Make Turkey Soup Recipe

Ready to turn your leftovers into something deliciously new? Follow this step-by-step guide to make your Turkey Soup Recipe from scratch. Each part is broken down so you can cook with confidence—even if the only thing you’ve “cooked” lately is a frozen pizza. Here’s how to do it, one cozy step at a time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Before you even touch the stove, do a quick kitchen prep. Dice your onion, celery, and carrots into bite-sized pieces—think small enough to fit comfortably on a spoon. If you’re working with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving (or any roast dinner), shred it into manageable strips using your hands or two forks.

Pro Tip: If your veggies are looking a little wilted in the fridge, don’t toss them! Slightly soft carrots or celery still work great in soups. For more on smart veggie use, check out our vegetable prep and storage tips.

Step 2: Build Your Broth Base

Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove and pour in your 6 cups of turkey broth. If you made homemade broth (gold star!), use that for extra depth. If you’re using store-bought, go with low sodium so you can control the seasoning later.

Add the diced carrots, celery, and onions to the broth. Turn the heat to high and bring the pot to a gentle boil. This is where the magic starts—the kitchen will begin to smell like comfort and calm.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Once the broth starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the vegetables cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to soften but still hold their shape—nobody wants a mushy carrot surprise.

This simmering step helps blend the flavors together and gives the broth a subtly sweet, earthy taste. For even more comforting soups that simmer their way into your heart, try our glowing spiced lentil soup.

Step 4: Add the Shredded Turkey & Herbs

Now it’s time to bring in the star—your cooked turkey. Add 2 cups of shredded turkey to the pot, then sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs give your soup that classic, Thanksgiving-aftertaste vibe without overpowering it.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that your broth may already carry some seasoning. Let everything simmer together for 10 more minutes so the turkey can soak up all that savory broth and mingle with the veggies.

Want to mix things up? If you’re out of turkey or just want to switch proteins, you can absolutely swap in rotisserie chicken. Check out our healing chicken soup for inspiration.

Step 5: Noodle Time!

When your soup smells so good you’re tempted to eat it right from the pot, it’s time to add the egg noodles. Pour in ½ cup (or more if you like it extra hearty), and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.

Step-by-step cooking tip: Stir the soup gently while the noodles cook to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll also want to taste the broth here—add a pinch more salt or herbs if needed.

If you’re looking for gluten-free noodle options, you’ll love the ones we used in our minestrone soup with gluten-free noodles.

Step 6: Serve Hot & Savor Every Spoonful

Once your noodles are perfectly tender and your kitchen smells like someone should bottle it into a candle, you’re done. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it piping hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy.

Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or just enjoy it as-is. Either way, this step-by-step Turkey Soup Recipe is going to taste like home.

What to Serve with Turkey Soup Recipe

This soup is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra or feeding a crowd, pair it up. A slice of warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich takes this meal from “simple soup night” to “why don’t we do this more often?”

If you’re going for cozy vibes, try this 30-minute cauliflower chicken soup next time, or check out our hearty vegan chili for a plant-based option with a punch.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Soup Recipe

• Use homemade broth if you can. It adds rich, deep flavor you just can’t get from a box.
• Dice veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate (no one wants crunchy carrots next to mushy celery).
• Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll keep cooking in the hot broth even after you turn off the stove.
• Want to make it heartier? Stir in some white beans or leftover mashed potatoes.
• No turkey? Use rotisserie chicken instead. We won’t tell.

Storage and Reheating Tips Turkey Soup Recipe

Leftovers? Heck yes. Store this Turkey Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight.

For longer storage, freeze it without the noodles (they get mushy). Just add fresh noodles when reheating. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop until hot. Easy-peasy comfort food at your fingertips.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Totally! Rotisserie chicken works great here.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Any short pasta will do—macaroni, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free noodles or skip them entirely and add diced potatoes or rice.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, but it’s already super fast. If you do, add noodles at the very end so they don’t turn to mush.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Soup Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes like home—especially when the fridge is full of holiday leftovers. It’s cozy without being heavy, and flexible enough to fit your mood (or what’s hiding in your produce drawer).

Want more comfort food recipes like this? Be sure to check out our fan-favorite healing chicken soup or warm up with this glowing spiced lentil soup.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

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