There’s a special kind of comfort that only a steamy bowl of Easy Turkey Noodle Soup can provide. Tucked inside are tender bites of turkey, bright pops of carrot and celery, and hearty egg noodles, all swimming in an aromatic broth that warms you right down to your toes. Whether you’re battling chilly weather, using up holiday leftovers, or just craving a soul-soothing classic, this soup delivers cozy flavors with minimal fuss. The best part? From fridge to table, you can have a delicious meal in just about 30 minutes—leaving you plenty of time to relax and savor every last spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Turkey Noodle Soup lies in how straightforward and reliable these ingredients are. Each one plays its part in delivering big flavor, varied texture, and vibrant color, making every bowl both satisfying and inviting.
- Butter or Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing, bringing out the sweetness of the vegetables and adding subtle flavor to the soup.
- Onion (½ medium): Offers a gentle, savory foundation that builds depth in the broth.
- Carrots (2–3): Bring sweetness and cheerful color, plus satisfying texture with every bite.
- Celery (2 stalks): Adds aromatic crunch and classic soup flavor—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (2–3 cloves): Elevates the aroma and deepens the savory profile of the soup beautifully.
- Turkey or Chicken Broth (8 cups): The heart of Easy Turkey Noodle Soup; use a good, flavorful broth for best results.
- Cooked Turkey (2 cups): The star ingredient! Shredded or chopped, it makes superb use of leftovers and adds satisfying protein.
- Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Offers a herby note that perfectly complements the poultry; fresh thyme is wonderful if you have it.
- Bay Leaf (optional): A subtle addition, but imparts worlds of flavor to the broth if you have one handy.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup just right—taste as you go.
- Egg Noodles (6–8 oz): Classic, tender noodles soak up the broth and make the soup extra hearty. Sub any pasta you like!
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp): A bright sprinkle at serving makes everything look and taste lively and fresh.
How to Make Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the butter or olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally for about 5–6 minutes—this time allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness, which creates the backbone of the soup’s flavor. When everything looks just a bit softened, stir in the minced garlic. A minute more will be enough to let the fragrance fill your kitchen and intensify the savory base.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Next, pour in the turkey or chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add in your cooked turkey, dried thyme, and that optional bay leaf. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for 10–15 minutes. This short simmer gives the vegetables time to become perfectly tender and the flavors to mingle, while the turkey rewarms and infuses its deliciousness throughout the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Turn up the coziness by stirring in the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions—usually 7 or 8 minutes—until the noodles are al dente but not mushy. While the noodles cook, double-check your seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. Remember to discard the bay leaf before serving to avoid any surprises.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Lastly, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of brightness. Ladle the Easy Turkey Noodle Soup into deep bowls, making sure everyone gets a good mix of turkey, noodles, and veggies. If you have a loaf of crusty bread on hand, now’s the time to slice it—perfect for soaking up every last drop!
How to Serve Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
Garnishes
The finishing flourish always counts! Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some chopped green onions for a punch of color and fresh flavor. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes adds a gentle kick if you’re in the mood. For a touch of richness, try a dusting of grated Parmesan—it’s an unexpected but delightful twist.
Side Dishes
A classic like Easy Turkey Noodle Soup shines when served with a hunk of warm, buttered baguette or a slice of sourdough toast. If you want something heartier, make a simple mixed greens salad with crisp cucumbers and a tangy vinaigrette; its freshness balances the soup’s warmth. And, if you’re feeling indulgent, pair with homemade biscuits or even a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving soup can be fun! Try ladling the Easy Turkey Noodle Soup into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a meal that’s as impressive as it is tasty. Or, serve in individual mugs for a casual, fireside vibe—perfect for gatherings or quick lunches. For kids, add alphabet pasta or fun-shaped noodles to keep things playful, or use colorful carrots for bright pops that make every spoonful smile-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If your Easy Turkey Noodle Soup graces you with leftovers, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, consider storing the noodles separately if you’ve made a big batch—this keeps them from soaking up all the broth and getting too soft.
Freezing
This soup is a superstar in the freezer! Simply ladle the broth, turkey, and veggies (skip the noodles) into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding freshly cooked noodles just before serving for that perfect bite.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Turkey Noodle Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in individual bowls until hot throughout. If you notice the noodles soaked up extra liquid, simply splash in a bit more broth or even water to loosen it up. Stir in fresh parsley right before serving to revive all those bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Turkey Noodle Soup with chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Easy Turkey Noodle Soup tastes wonderful with cooked chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just swap out the turkey for shredded or chopped cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken works especially well in a pinch and keeps things as easy as can be.
How can I make Easy Turkey Noodle Soup gluten-free?
It’s simple: use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the egg noodles, and double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this comfort classic with no worries.
Should I really cook the noodles separately?
If you’re planning to eat all the soup right away, cooking the noodles directly in the soup adds delicious flavor. But for leftovers or meal prep, cooking the noodles separately and adding them just before serving keeps them from turning mushy as they soak in the broth overnight.
What other vegetables can I add to Easy Turkey Noodle Soup?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped spinach, peas, green beans, or corn are all lovely additions that complement the classic flavors. Just add quick-cooking veggies in the last few minutes of simmering so they stay vibrant and tender.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing your vegetables. Everything else in Easy Turkey Noodle Soup is naturally dairy-free, so you won’t miss out on any cozy flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate bowl of wholesome comfort to bring everyone together, you simply have to try this Easy Turkey Noodle Soup. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a super straightforward process, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to all year round. Ladle up, gather your loved ones, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make turkey noodle soup recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This hearty soup is loaded with vegetables, tender turkey, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6–8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies begin to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add broth, cooked turkey, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, about 7–8 minutes, until al dente. Remove bay leaf and season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, cook noodles separately and add just before serving—especially if making ahead.
- This soup freezes well without noodles (add fresh ones when reheating).
- You can substitute cooked chicken for turkey.
