There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Turkey noodle soup to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. This time-honored recipe makes the most of leftover turkey, transforming it into a fragrant, soul-soothing meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. With tender noodles, aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and bright fresh herbs, Turkey noodle soup is the perfect way to savor every last bit of that holiday turkey.

Turkey noodle soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best soups start with humble yet essential ingredients, and Turkey noodle soup is no exception. Each one adds its own simple magic, whether that’s a burst of color, a foundation of flavor, or a soothing texture that cures the soul.

Olive oil: For a gentle, flavor-boosting sauté that builds a rich base.
Yellow onion, finely diced: Offers sweetness and depth to the broth.
Carrot, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery rib, finely diced: Adds classic aromatic flavor and crunch.
Garlic cloves, minced: Lends the soup an inviting warmth and complexity.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for dialing in that perfect savory balance.
Leftover cooked turkey bones: The secret to a rich, homemade broth—don’t skip these!
Water: Combines with broth to create a soothing, well-balanced base.
Vegetable broth, unsalted: Ensures full-bodied flavor without excessive saltiness.
Pasta, broken into bite-size pieces: Kids love it, and it makes every spoonful satisfying—capellini is perfect, but use your favorite!
Leftover turkey meat, shredded or chopped: Adds hearty protein and delicious texture throughout.
Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the final soup with color and freshness.
Lemon juice, for garnish (optional): A squeeze wakes up all the flavors, making each bite sing.

How to Make Turkey noodle soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot set over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally for about five minutes. These classic soup starters (lovingly called mirepoix) sizzle and soften, releasing their sweet aroma to set the scene for the Turkey noodle soup ahead.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Bones

Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the leftover cooked turkey bones, pour in the water and unsalted vegetable broth. Let the mixture come to a lively boil, add a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then reduce the heat. Simmering for 30 minutes extracts every drop of flavor from those bones—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Remove Bones and Add Pasta

After a healthy simmer, carefully remove and discard the turkey bones. This step is key to creating a clear, bone-free broth. Double-check for any small bones that may have fallen in. Now, toss in your favorite pasta—broken capellini is delicately tender, but any small pasta shape works.

Step 4: Turkey and Seasonings

Add the shredded or chopped leftover turkey meat straight into the pot and give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. It’s all about building a soup that tastes just right for you.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the soup bubble away for another five to ten minutes, just until your pasta is cooked perfectly al dente. Remove from heat, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, and squeeze over a little lemon juice if you like. Serve up your beautiful Turkey noodle soup piping hot and dig in!

How to Serve Turkey noodle soup

Garnishes

A shower of bright parsley elevates each bowl, making the turkey noodle soup look as vibrant as it tastes. For a sharp, citrusy pop, finish with a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of fresh ground pepper or a hint of grated Parmesan can give your soup extra flair.

Side Dishes

With its rich, savory broth and tender noodles, turkey noodle soup is plenty hearty on its own, but a side of crusty bread, flaky biscuits, or warm, buttery rolls is always welcome for dunking. If you’re after something lighter, try a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your turkey noodle soup into big, cozy bowls or rustic mugs for a casual family dinner. For a special touch, swirl a ribbon of good olive oil on top and add extra fresh herbs. You can even serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive and edible presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover turkey noodle soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to four days—meaning you have a ready-made meal when comfort food cravings strike.

Freezing

To freeze, portion your completely cooled soup (minus the noodles if possible, as they can become mushy) into freezer-safe containers. Label and store for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat until they’re steaming hot. You may need to add an extra splash of broth or water to loosen things up, since noodles tend to soak up some of the liquid as the soup sits.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey noodle soup without leftover turkey bones?

Absolutely! While the bones add extra richness, you can skip them and use just broth and turkey meat—the soup will still be delicious and satisfying.

What type of pasta works best in turkey noodle soup?

Any small pasta works well. Broken spaghetti, egg noodles, or even orzo keep the soup slurpable and easy to eat. Choose your favorite!

How can I make this soup gluten free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and always check that your broth is certified gluten free. The flavors of turkey noodle soup shine just as brightly with gluten-free ingredients.

Can I add extra veggies or greens?

Yes! Feel free to throw in diced potatoes, handfuls of spinach or kale, or even frozen peas for extra color and nutrition. Turkey noodle soup is endlessly adaptable.

How do I avoid mushy noodles in leftovers?

If you know you’ll be storing the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl as you serve. That way, the pasta keeps its perfect texture in every reheated bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one bowl, Turkey noodle soup is calling your name. Whip up a pot and enjoy those cozy, wholesome vibes—your kitchen (and your family) will thank you!