There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade soup on a cold day, and Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with tender turkey, perfectly seasoned broth, vegetables, and tender noodles, this soup is hearty, cozy, and sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover turkey if you’ve got some from a recent holiday feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Creamy & Comforting: A rich, smooth broth that warms you from the inside out.
- Simple & Hearty: Made with everyday pantry staples and simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A delicious way to transform leftover turkey into something new and amazing.
- Family-Friendly: A one-pot meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need (the full list is below):
- Turkey (shredded or cubed)—great for using leftovers or store-bought options.
- Egg noodles, the perfect partner for this creamy soup.
- Carrots, celery, and onions for that classic soup flavor.
- Cream or half-and-half for a luscious, velvety broth.
- Chicken broth as the base to keep things savory and satisfying.
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the Broth & Turkey: Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded turkey, and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and simmer until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the cream or half-and-half. Let it simmer for a few minutes until warmed through and creamy.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a dash of parsley for freshness if desired. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Leftover Magic: If you’re using leftover turkey, shred it into small pieces for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook just until tender to avoid mushy soup.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A pinch of fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with chickpeas or diced tofu for a meat-free alternative.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out cream for coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional egg noodles.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup with:
- Warm, crusty bread or buttery biscuits for dipping.
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- A dollop of sour cream or shredded Parmesan on top for added creaminess.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful substitute that works perfectly.
2. How can I thicken the soup further?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, add it to the soup, and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
3. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Green beans, peas, corn, or kale would all make great additions. Add them with the noodles to ensure they cook properly.
4. How can I make this soup less rich?
You can reduce the amount of cream added or replace it with a splash of milk.
Conclusion
This Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or when you just need some cozy comfort food. It’s simple, hearty, and a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey or create something new with pantry staples. Pair it with your favorite bread and enjoy a bowl of homemade bliss!
PrintCreamy Turkey Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect cozy dish to use up leftover turkey. The creamy base, hearty vegetables, and tender noodles come together for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the turkey (or chicken) broth and stir in the thyme, sage (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the Turkey: Add the shredded turkey and stir until well combined.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Leftover Turkey: This is a great recipe to use up Thanksgiving turkey or any leftover cooked turkey.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen without the cream and noodles. When reheating, add fresh noodles and cream for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg