Discover the ultimate comfort food for your post-holiday meals or any weeknight: this incredibly creamy and flavorful Turkey Noodle Soup. Perfectly crafted to utilize leftover Thanksgiving turkey, it’s equally delightful with shredded chicken, offering a heartwarming and satisfying dish for the whole family.
Who else agrees that soup is the perfect answer to dinner dilemmas? Whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly evening or a simple, delicious meal, a steaming bowl of soup always hits the spot. If you’re a fellow soup enthusiast, you’ll love exploring other favorites like our Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup or a hearty Ham and Bean Soup. And for more inspiration, dive into our full collection of soup recipes!
Elevate Your Leftovers: The Unbeatable Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Don’t let the humble appearance of this soup deceive you. While it might resemble a classic noodle soup, this recipe is truly a hidden gem, a delightful surprise that consistently earns rave reviews. It’s more than just a way to clear out the fridge; it’s an experience in comforting, savory goodness that your taste buds will thank you for.
For years, this Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup has been a cherished tradition in our household, especially following major holidays. It’s the first recipe we turn to, eager to transform rich, roasted turkey into another incredible meal. My sister, in particular, eagerly anticipates Thanksgiving not just for the feast itself, but for the promise of making this soup with the delicious leftovers. My mom has also embraced it, frequently swapping in cooked chicken when turkey isn’t available, proving its versatility and widespread appeal. I often roast a turkey breast specifically to ensure I have enough for a batch of this fantastic soup the very next day.
There’s something uniquely craveable about this soup. Its creamy broth, tender noodles, and savory turkey combine to create a deeply satisfying flavor profile that lingers in your memory. Beyond its deliciousness, it boasts two winning qualities: it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight solution, and it’s universally loved by kids and adults alike. These seemingly “unassuming” recipes often turn out to be the most cherished family favorites!
This soup isn’t just about convenience; it’s about smart cooking and maximizing flavor. Instead of letting those precious holiday leftovers fade into forgotten Tupperware, transform them into a second culinary masterpiece. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.
Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Crafting this delightful soup requires a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Butter: The foundation of our creamy base. I typically opt for unsalted butter to have full control over the soup’s seasoning. However, if salted butter is all you have, it will work just as well; simply adjust the added salt later on. The butter is crucial for sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich roux.
- Vegetables: We start with a classic mirepoix – a fragrant blend of carrots, onions, and celery. This trio provides a sweet, aromatic base that infuses the broth with depth and natural sweetness. Feel free to customize your vegetable medley! Broccoli florets, sweet peas, corn, or even diced potatoes can be wonderful additions. Just remember that different vegetables have varying cooking times, so add heartier ones earlier and more delicate ones later to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is our secret to achieving that luscious, creamy consistency. When combined with butter, it forms a roux, which thickens the soup beautifully without making it heavy. I’ve only tested this recipe with all-purpose flour, so for best results, I recommend sticking with it.
- Broth: The soul of any great soup. If you’ve just carved a Thanksgiving turkey, transforming the carcass into homemade turkey stock would be an incredibly flavorful and economical choice – it’s truly the perfect way to utilize every bit! However, high-quality store-bought chicken or turkey broth works wonderfully too. I often use chicken broth as it’s readily available and provides an excellent foundation.
- Milk: This is what gives our soup its signature creamy texture and rich, comforting mouthfeel. For a slightly lighter version, you can use 2% or whole milk. If you desire an even thicker, more decadent soup, consider replacing a portion of the milk with heavy cream, though I find it delightfully creamy as is.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are incredibly important in a recipe with such basic ingredients. They awaken and balance all the flavors. It’s vital to taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t be shy with the pepper – a generous grind can really enhance the warmth of the soup!
- Cooked Turkey: The star of the show! This recipe shines with leftover turkey, particularly from a holiday roast. You can shred the turkey for a more rustic texture or cube it for a neater presentation; both methods integrate beautifully into the soup. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken (rotisserie, boiled, or baked) is an excellent substitute and equally delicious.
- Egg Noodles: My go-to choice for this recipe. Their delicate texture and quick cooking time make them ideal for an easy, comforting noodle soup. If you decide to experiment with other noodle types, such as ditalini, alphabet pasta, or even thin spaghetti broken into pieces, be mindful that you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid as different noodles absorb liquid at different rates.
Gathering these quality ingredients sets the stage for a truly unforgettable bowl of Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Creating this delicious and comforting Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfect, heartwarming meal:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – Begin by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your chopped carrots, onions, and celery. This classic trio forms the aromatic base of your soup. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions have become translucent. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to properly soften brings out their natural sweetness and deeply flavors the soup from the start.
Step 2: Create the Roux – Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Stir it continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking time is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a roux, which will act as the thickening agent for our creamy broth. The mixture will become pasty and slightly golden.
Step 3: Gradually Add the Liquid – This step requires a bit of patience to ensure a smooth, lump-free soup. First, gradually whisk in 2 cups of your chosen broth along with the milk. Continue whisking as the liquid is incorporated to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the soup begins to visibly thicken. Once you’ve achieved this initial creamy base, you can then add the remaining 4 cups of broth, stirring it in well. This two-stage addition helps to build a perfectly smooth and rich broth.
Step 4: Incorporate Turkey and Noodles, Then Season – Once all the liquid is added and the soup is simmering, it’s time to add your cooked turkey and the egg noodles. Stir everything together gently. Continue to cook until the noodles are tender, typically following the package instructions for al dente, usually around 7-10 minutes. As the noodles cook, they will absorb some of the flavorful broth. Crucially, taste the soup at this stage and season generously with salt and pepper as needed. A creamy soup like this truly benefits from proper seasoning to make all the flavors pop. I personally love a hearty amount of freshly ground black pepper in my bowl!
Your Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is now ready to serve! This recipe is straightforward enough for a bustling weeknight, yet comforting enough for a cozy weekend meal. Pair it with a warm loaf of homemade easy French bread for dipping, or elevate the experience with some fluffy Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits. With such a delightful combination, dinner is almost guaranteed to be devoured with enthusiasm!
Watch How It’s Made: Turkey Noodle Soup Video Tutorial
Visual learners, rejoice! Sometimes seeing the process in action makes all the difference. To guide you through each step and ensure your soup turns out perfectly, we’ve prepared a concise video tutorial. Watch the short video below to see exactly how this Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup comes together, from sautéing the vegetables to achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
For more detailed viewing options, you can also watch the full tutorial directly on YouTube.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
To ensure your Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
- Don’t Wait for Turkey! As mentioned, my mom frequently makes this soup with leftover chicken, and it’s absolutely delicious. So, if you’re craving this comforting meal but don’t have leftover turkey, don’t hesitate to use cooked, shredded chicken instead. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut!
- Broth Choices Matter: While homemade turkey stock is the gold standard for incredible depth of flavor, it’s not always practical. High-quality chicken broth works wonderfully as a readily available and flavorful alternative. Don’t worry if you can’t find turkey stock; chicken broth provides a fantastic base.
- Adjusting Consistency: Soup thickness is a matter of personal preference. If you find your soup is a little too thick after the noodles have cooked, or if you prefer a thinner broth, simply stir in the remaining 1 cup of broth (or even a little extra water or milk) until you reach your desired consistency. Similarly, if you like a very noodle-heavy soup, you might consider adding slightly more noodles, keeping in mind they will absorb more liquid.
- The Noodle Dilemma: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any noodle soup. Egg noodles, especially, tend to soak up liquid rapidly, meaning if the soup sits warm on the stove for an extended period, you might end up with overly soft, soggy noodles and a much thicker, almost stew-like consistency. To prevent this:
- Add Noodles Just Before Serving: The ideal approach is to add the noodles to the simmering soup approximately 10-15 minutes before you plan to serve. This allows them to cook to tender perfection without becoming mushy.
- Cook Noodles Separately: For absolute control, you can cook the egg noodles in a separate pot of salted water until al dente. Then, simply add a portion of cooked noodles to each individual bowl of soup before serving. While this method ensures perfect noodle texture, note that the noodles won’t absorb as much of the soup’s rich flavor compared to cooking them directly in the broth.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may find the soup has thickened considerably due to the noodles absorbing more liquid. Simply add a splash of extra broth or milk to thin it back to your preferred consistency.
- Freezing Instructions: If you plan to freeze portions of this soup, I highly recommend cooking and storing the noodles separately. Freeze the creamy turkey broth without noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup, reheat it on the stovetop, and then cook fresh noodles to add directly to the hot soup. This will ensure the best texture.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill before serving can brighten the flavors and add a lovely pop of color.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey: More Delicious Recipes
If you find yourself with even more leftover turkey after enjoying this incredible soup, don’t let it go to waste! Here are some other fantastic and creative recipes to transform your holiday remnants into exciting new meals:
Hearty White Turkey Chili
Flavorful Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Savory Rosemary Turkey Squares
Zesty Turkey Fajita Pizza
Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas
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Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6-7 cups chicken or turkey broth, divided
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cups cooked, chopped turkey
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
- Soften the Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the carrots, onions and celery and saute until soft, 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir it in. Let it cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
- Add the Liquid: Whisk in 2 cups of the broth and the milk. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it is thickened, add 4 more cups of the broth and bring to a simmer.
- Finish it Off: Add the cooked turkey and the egg noodles to the simmering soup. Season to taste generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the noodles are tender, typically 7-10 minutes. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add the remaining cup of broth (or a splash more milk) until you reach your desired consistency. Serve hot.
Video
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Variations in brands and products can alter nutritional counts. This information should be used as a general guideline.