There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of turkey noodle soup, especially when it’s made with leftover turkey from a recent feast. I still remember the first time I made this soup after Thanksgiving. I had a mountain of turkey leftovers staring at me, and I wanted something that would not only use it up but also wrap me in a cozy embrace. The aroma of sautéed onions and celery filled my kitchen, and as I stirred in the egg noodles, I could almost feel the love from family dinners past. Each bite brought back memories of laughter and togetherness, and that’s the magic of this recipe. It’s quick, hearty, and a wonderful way to transform those leftovers into something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious turkey noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Feel free to adjust the amounts based on how hearty you want your soup or what you have on hand. The beauty of cooking lies in making it your own!
How to Prepare Turkey Noodle Soup Leftover
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking—about 2 minutes should do the trick! Once the oil is ready, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion turns translucent and the whole kitchen smells amazing. This step lays the flavor foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Broth and Noodles
Now it’s time to add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a gentle boil. This should take about 3-5 minutes—just keep an eye on it! Once boiling, stir in 2 cups of egg noodles. Cook those noodles until they’re tender, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. You want those noodles to soak up all that delicious broth and flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate Turkey and Seasoning
With the noodles cooked to perfection, it’s time to add 2 cups of shredded turkey. Fold it in gently, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors together. Once it’s heated through, grab a spoon, dive in, and serve hot! This soup is perfect on its own or with a crusty piece of bread on the side. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This turkey noodle soup comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Hearty: Each bowl is like a warm hug, filled with tender noodles and rich flavors that are sure to satisfy your hunger.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform that leftover turkey from your holiday feast into a delightful meal that your family will love!
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this soup is not only delicious but also a wholesome choice for the whole family.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in any extra veggies you have on hand or adjust the seasoning to match your taste!
Tips for Success
To make sure your turkey noodle soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned along the way:
Choosing the Right Turkey
Using leftover turkey is the star of this recipe, so make sure it’s juicy and flavorful! If you have smoked or roasted turkey, those add a lovely depth of flavor to your soup. And if you’re using turkey from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Trust me, the quality of your turkey makes a huge difference!
Adjusting Seasoning to Your Taste
Seasoning is key! After adding your turkey and spices, take a moment to taste the soup. You might want a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper. Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust it to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Cooking Noodles Correctly
When it comes to the noodles, keep an eye on them as they cook. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, which isn’t what we want! Aim for al dente, which means they should still have a slight bite to them. If you’re planning to have leftovers, you might want to cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl before serving. This helps prevent them from soaking up too much broth and getting too soft.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a turkey noodle soup that’s not just good, but downright fantastic! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. These are general estimates to give you an idea of what’s in your comforting bowl of turkey noodle soup!
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 2mg
Enjoy this nutritious soup knowing it’s not only delicious but packed with goodness too!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen turkey for this turkey noodle soup leftover recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen turkey, just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it. It’ll make a delicious addition to your soup, and you won’t lose any of that juicy flavor!
Q2: What if I don’t have egg noodles on hand?
No problem! You can substitute with any pasta you have in your pantry. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types of noodles may require a bit more or less time to cook.
Q3: How can I make this soup healthier?
If you’d like to lighten up your turkey noodle soup, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adding extra veggies like spinach or kale. This way, you boost the nutrients without sacrificing flavor!
Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store the noodles separately if you plan to have leftovers, as they can absorb too much broth and get mushy.
Q5: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Your turkey noodle soup leftover can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover turkey noodle soup properly ensures you can enjoy every last drop without losing any of that delicious flavor. First things first, let your soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make your soup watery. I usually let it sit out for about 30 minutes while I clean up the kitchen.
Once it’s cooled, transfer your soup into an airtight container. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the soup may expand as it freezes. If you plan to eat it within a few days, store it in the fridge where it’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze your soup! It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
When you’re ready to reheat, gently heat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. If the soup appears too thick after sitting in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a paper towel to avoid splatters. Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through.
And remember, if you’ve frozen your soup, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture. Enjoy your cozy bowl of turkey noodle soup just like it was made fresh! Happy eating!
Turkey Noodle Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles
For the Turkey
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until soft.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender.
- Add shredded turkey, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve hot.