Turkey Noodle Soup – A Cozy Way to Use Leftover Turkey

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Uses up leftover turkey – no more waste, and a delicious way to enjoy the holiday bird again
• Rich, homemade broth (or quick version) packed with flavor
• Comforting, hearty, and perfect for cold days
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs
• Freezes beautifully for future meals

Tools You'll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Fine-mesh strainer (if making broth from scratch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

For the Broth (optional, for scratch version):

• 1 leftover turkey carcass (with some meat still attached)
• 12 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups turkey broth (homemade or store‑bought)
• 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked turkey
• 8 oz egg noodles (or other pasta)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Make the Broth (if using homemade):

1. Place turkey carcass in a large pot with water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3-4 hours, skimming any foam.
2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Discard solids. Set broth aside (you should have about 8-10 cups).

Make the Soup:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Pour in the turkey broth (homemade or store‑bought). Add dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes, until tender.
4. Stir in the shredded turkey and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Pro Tips

• Save time: Use high-quality store‑bought chicken or turkey broth to skip the homemade broth step.
• Don't overcook the noodles: If you plan to have leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add to individual bowls when serving. Otherwise, the noodles will absorb too much liquid and become mushy.
• Use leftover turkey: Both light and dark meat work wonderfully. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier version.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Rice Soup: Substitute rice for noodles (add with broth and simmer until tender).
• Wild Rice Turkey Soup: Use wild rice blend for a nutty, hearty version.
• Lemon Turkey Soup: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh dill at the end for brightness.
• Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the vegetables.
• Keto/Low-Carb: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
• Turkey and Dumplings: Skip the noodles and drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter on top.
• Creamy Turkey Wild Rice: Stir in ½ cup cream and add cooked wild rice for a rich, Midwestern-style soup.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with chicken, whether leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop; add a splash of broth if it's too thick. For best noodle texture, consider cooking noodles separately when reheating.

Can I freeze turkey noodle soup?
Yes, but the noodles will soften further. Freeze the soup without noodles (or freeze the broth and turkey separately) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, adding fresh noodles when ready to serve.

How can I make this gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free egg noodles or rice noodles, and ensure your broth is gluten‑free.

What can I add to make it more flavorful?
A splash of lemon juice, a parmesan rind simmered in the broth, or a tablespoon of Better than Bouillon can add depth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth, herbs, and turkey. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add noodles and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, as written it's dairy-free. Just skip any optional cream additions.

This Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect post-holiday comfort food. It takes humble leftovers and transforms them into a hearty, flavorful meal that's deeply satisfying. Whether you make your own broth from the turkey carcass or use a quality store‑bought version, the result is a soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, or freeze portions for those nights when you need a quick, warming dinner. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers, and watch it disappear. It's a wonderful way to extend the holiday spirit a little longer.

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