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This easy Leftover Turkey Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. The rich broth, infused with savory turkey and aromatic herbs, creates a warming, satisfying bowl. Simple, wholesome, and utterly comforting, this soup turns leftovers into a meal that satisfies and nurtures you.
You’ll also love my pastina soup.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll love this Leftover Turkey Soup recipe! It’s the ultimate healthy comfort food that’s easy to make, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s why it’s the best:
- Flavorful and Rich: The homemade stock, infused with tender turkey and aromatic herbs, creates a deeply flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.
- Nutrient-Packed: A nourishing meal that’s as comforting as it is healthy.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it convenient for busy weeknights or after-holiday meals.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy, especially when served with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmigiano cheese.
You’ll also love leftover turkey tacos and pot pie.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Each ingredient creates layers of flavor, texture, and nourishment, making this soup both comforting and satisfying.
- Olive Oil: A rich, fruity oil that forms the base for sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle depth of flavor to the soup.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, savory flavor that becomes the backbone of the soup’s aromatic profile when sautéed.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a slight earthiness to the soup, balancing the savory notes.
- Celery: Contributes a fresh, slightly peppery flavor with a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, pungent flavor that deepens the complexity of the broth.
- Thyme: A woody herb with a subtle lemony flavor, thyme adds an earthy aroma that complements the turkey and vegetables.
- Turkey or Chicken Stock: The base liquid that carries all the flavors in the soup, providing a savory, nutrient-rich broth.
- Little Star Pasta, Orzo, Ditalini, or Pearl Couscous: Small pasta options that add body to the soup, making it heartier and more satisfying.
- Cooked Leftover Turkey or Chicken: Shredded meat that brings a tender, savory protein element to the soup, enriched by the flavors of the broth.
- Bay Leaves: Add a subtle, aromatic bitterness that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a refreshing finish to the soup.
- Parmigiano Cheese (Optional): Aged cheese with a nutty, umami flavor that adds richness and depth when sprinkled on top of the soup.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Turkey Soup
This recipe for leftover turkey soup takes 10 minutes to prep and is ready to eat in about 30 minutes! You’ll be making this all year long for a comforting meal.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with olive oil on medium-high heat.
Cook the vegetables until soft. Add the garlic.
Add the fresh herbs and chicken broth.
After the veggies boil in the hot broth add the little stars pasta.
Cook until pasta is done, and add the cooked shredded turkey.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
FAQs
You can freeze the soup with pasta, but the pasta may become softer after thawing and reheating. For the best texture, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it.
You can make soup with cooked turkey within 3-4 days of cooking the turkey. Be sure to store the cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. If you won’t be able to make soup within that timeframe, you can freeze the turkey for up to 2-3 months and use it later.
Turkey soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the soup for up to 2-3 months.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables first for added flavor, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Substitutions
- Turkey: Swap the leftover turkey with cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even ham for a different flavor.
- Pasta: Instead of orzo, ditalini, or pearl couscous, use rice, quinoa, or any other small grain you prefer. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
- Stock: If you don’t have turkey or chicken stock, vegetable stock works well, or even water with a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
- Herb Swap: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Variations
The next time you make this soup try these simple variations.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the soup at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add additional vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
- Lemon Zest: For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. If you used pasta in the soup, it might become softer after freezing and reheating, so consider cooking the pasta separately when planning to freeze.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot throughout. If the soup thickened in the fridge, add a bit of water or stock to reach the desired consistency.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized before adding the stock. This enhances the natural sweetness and adds a rich, savory note to the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more concentrated, so adjust the quantities accordingly—usually, about 1/3 of the fresh amount.
- Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or absorbing too much broth when stored. Add it to the soup just before serving.
More Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with this nourishing soup:
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Print
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This soup is perfect for using leftover turkey and is packed with wholesome ingredients to warm you up on a chilly day! Enjoy a cozy bowl of this nourishing soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6 cups turkey or chicken stock (preferably homemade)
- 1/2 cup– 3/4 cup small pasta of choice (amount depends on how dense you like it). Pasta: pastina, orzo, ditalini, elbow macaroni, or pearl couscous work well.
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey or chicken, shredded
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmigiano cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add the Herbs and Stock:
- Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine for easy removal later, or you can simply add them directly to the pot.
- Pour in the turkey or chicken stock, and add the bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Add the orzo, ditalini, or pearl couscous to the boiling soup.
- Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender.
-
Add the Turkey:
- Stir in the shredded leftover turkey or chicken.
- Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Season and Serve:
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- If desired, sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese for an added touch of richness or a squeeze of lemon to a fresh twist.
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Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting, nourishing meal.
Notes
Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized before adding the stock. This enhances the natural sweetness and adds a rich, savory note to the soup.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more concentrated, so adjust the quantities accordingly—usually, about 1/3 of the fresh amount.
Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or absorbing too much broth when stored. Add it to the soup just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: American
Where are the quantities. I’ve scrolled up and down here and on IG and it says to find in recipe card. Please help. Thank you
The recipe card is directly above where you left this comment. Enjoy!
Easy but rich in flavor and very hardy!
Yes! Happy you loved it!
Turkey soup was excellent, and use of leftovers.
Yes! Perfect for leftovers. Happy you loved!
This recipe is nourishing and bright! A perfect blend of flavors for the best soup recipe!