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Cozy Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup: 5-Ingredient Comfort

leftover turkey noodle soup - featured image

A quick and comforting soup that transforms leftover turkey into a warm, savory meal using simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe ensures tender turkey and flavorful broth in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 cups wide egg noodles
  • 2–3 cups leftover turkey, shredded or cubed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft and translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir constantly for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Cook egg noodles separately in salted water for 6-8 minutes according to package directions, then drain. (Alternatively, cook noodles directly in the soup, noting they will absorb more liquid).
  6. Add the shredded leftover turkey to the simmering soup. Heat through for 2-3 minutes without boiling vigorously to keep the meat tender.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cooked noodles. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the turkey; add it at the very end just to warm it through to prevent it from becoming tough. If the soup tastes flat, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. For meal prep, leave the soup slightly thinner as it thickens upon storage. Freeze soup without noodles for best texture upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover turkey, noodle soup, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal, turkey soup, easy recipe, 5-ingredient meal