Can I freeze the soup with pasta in it?

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.

How long after cooking turkey can you make soup?

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.

How long does turkey soup last in the fridge?

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.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

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.

Best Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe (Easy)

Name: Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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

Units Scale

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)

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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.
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