After the feast, the table is cleared, and the leftovers are packed away, you might find yourself staring at a fridge full of deliciously seasoned turkey. While turkey sandwiches are an easy option, why not turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly comforting and cozy? This Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect way to use up that holiday turkey and create a new dish that’s just as enjoyable. It’s warm, nourishing, and packed with tender turkey, veggies, and hearty noodles—all swimming in a savory broth that brings those holiday flavors back to life.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also ideal for colder days when you want something warm and satisfying. The broth is light but flavorful, thanks to aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, this turkey noodle soup transforms your Thanksgiving leftovers into a wholesome, delicious meal that’s sure to please.
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Turn your Thanksgiving turkey into a warm, satisfying soup with this Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is both hearty and light, perfect for cozying up on cold days. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and a fantastic way to enjoy those holiday leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring for another minute until the herbs are fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Turkey: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the shredded or diced turkey, season with salt and pepper, and let the soup cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until the noodles are tender, usually 5–8 minutes. Keep an eye on the soup, as the noodles will absorb some of the broth while cooking.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the noodles are done, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm!
Why This Recipe Works
This Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is a simple and effective way to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a completely new meal. By adding fresh vegetables and herbs, the soup feels light and refreshing while still delivering on heartiness with the turkey and noodles. The savory broth ties everything together, making each spoonful cozy and satisfying. It’s a great way to keep holiday flavors going without feeling like you’re eating the same meal over again.
Tips for Customizing Your Turkey Noodle Soup
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as peas, green beans, or spinach, for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Swap Out the Noodles: If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, try substituting them with a different pasta shape, like farfalle, or even a grain like rice or quinoa for a different texture.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier twist, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking for a richer, velvety texture.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat for a quick, delicious meal.
This Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is the ultimate way to repurpose your holiday turkey into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for cozy days at home. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, skip the usual sandwiches and try this soup recipe instead. With its savory broth, tender turkey, and hearty noodles, this soup is sure to become a post-Thanksgiving tradition! Enjoy every spoonful, and feel free to make it your own with added veggies or a creamy twist.
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups egg noodles or your favorite noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add the Broth and Turkey: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded or diced turkey, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender, usually 5–8 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy warm!