If you’ve ever craved a warm hug in a bowl, the Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is your go-to comfort food. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a heartwarming soup packed with tender turkey, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a fragrant broth. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover turkey or just want to whip up a soul-soothing meal from scratch, this Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe delivers that nostalgic, homemade goodness that warms both body and spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this cozy soup. Each component is simple but plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so satisfying and inviting.
- 2 cups Cooked Turkey: Shredded or diced, preferably leftover turkey for added richness and tenderness.
- 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The soulful base that infuses the soup with savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cups Egg Noodles: Hearty noodles that soak up the broth perfectly and add comforting texture.
- 2 medium Carrots: Diced for natural sweetness and a splash of color to brighten the soup.
- 2 stalks Celery: Diced to provide a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
- 1 medium Onion: Chopped finely to lay the flavorful foundation for the soup.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced to bring a robust and inviting flavor punch.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy aroma that elevates the overall taste complexity.
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves: For enhancing the soup’s depth with a subtle herbal hint.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and round out the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and unlocking their natural sweetness.
How to Make Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and sauté it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step lays down the aromatic base that brings life to the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Introduce the diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften just enough to release their natural sweetness and crisp texture, which are essential to the soup’s inviting mouthfeel.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until its rich aroma fills your kitchen. Garlic adds a subtle kick that enhances the savory notes without overwhelming the delicate balance.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Turkey
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and give it a good stir to unite the flavors. Toss in the shredded turkey along with dried thyme and bay leaves, then increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. This creates the comforting and hearty base of your soup.
Step 5: Simmer for Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to marry and develop that soul-satisfying depth you’re after.
Step 6: Add the Noodles
Uncover and stir in the egg noodles. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the noodles reach a tender, perfectly cooked state that soaks up the broth with every bite.
Step 7: Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaves, then taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. This final adjustment ensures every spoonful is balanced with just the right amount of seasoning.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a vibrant, fresh finish. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright pop that elevates the soup’s flavors even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside warm crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, ladle soup into rustic bowls and add a swirl of cream or a dollop of pesto. You can also create individual servings in mini bread bowls for a fun twist that excites everyone’s appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors can even deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious second helping.
Freezing
This Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep noodles separate if you want to maintain their texture better, adding fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! You can cook a turkey breast or thighs first, shred them, and add to the soup. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the turkey is cooked through.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use any pasta you like such as macaroni, orzo, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
How do I make this soup more hearty?
Add diced potatoes, beans, or even corn to increase the heartiness. You could also stir in some kale or spinach for a nutritional boost and extra texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the turkey with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, the soup can still be full of comforting flavor.
Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
Both work well, but dried herbs like thyme and bay leaves are perfect for simmering soups since their flavors develop slowly. Fresh herbs make excellent garnishes for brightness right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe to feel like a warm embrace on a chilly day. It’s simple, nourishing, and utterly delicious—perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring a quiet moment to yourself. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this soulful soup as much as I do. Go ahead, try it out, and let the comforting flavors fill your kitchen and heart.
Print
Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender shredded turkey, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful low-sodium chicken broth. Perfect for using up leftover turkey, this easy-to-make soup is both satisfying and nourishing, ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Turkey (Shredded or diced, preferably leftover turkey)
- 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (Base of the soup for savory depth)
- 2 cups Egg Noodles (Hearty noodles that soak up the broth)
- 2 medium Carrots (Diced for natural sweetness)
- 2 stalks Celery (Diced for crisp texture)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped for foundational flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Adds earthy aroma)
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves (For depth of flavor)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing vegetables)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, releasing its flavor.
- Cook carrots and celery: Add the diced carrots and celery and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Add turkey and herbs: Add the shredded turkey, dried thyme, and bay leaves, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook noodles: Add egg noodles to the pot and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Season and finish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for extra aroma and color.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked turkey for best flavor and convenience.
- Substitute gluten-free noodles if needed for dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of broth if you prefer a thicker or thinner soup.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a great garnish.
- Low-sodium broth allows for better control over the saltiness of your soup.
