Turkey Noodle Soup

Introduction

Warm up on a chilly 2025 day with this timeless turkey noodle soup. Packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy any time you need a little comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

450g cooked turkey, shredded

200g egg noodles

1 tbsp olive oil

150g onion, finely chopped

100g carrots, sliced

100g celery, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 liters turkey or chicken broth

2 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

15g fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add turkey broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the shredded turkey. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Stir in egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, until al dente.

6. Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Pour in the turkey or chicken broth. Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded turkey and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage

Leftover turkey noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen; however, noodles may become soft when reheating. Consider cooking noodles separately if planning to freeze.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Seasonal Adjustments

Adjust herbs and seasonings based on personal preference. Experiment with fresh thyme or additional spices for a customized flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover turkey noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Note that the noodles may absorb some of the broth during storage, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey noodle soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also pair it with a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to balance the comforting flavors of the soup.

Nutritional Information

One serving (approximately 1.5 cups) of classic turkey noodle soup contains:
– Calories: 260
– Protein: 24g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 2g
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 800mg
This soup is a great source of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious option for a hearty meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Turkey: Use cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for turkey.
– Egg Noodles: For a gluten-free option, substitute with rice noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini.
– Olive Oil: Can be replaced with butter or avocado oil.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn.
– Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be used if available; use about three times the amount as dried herbs.
– Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of turkey or chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, the onion, carrots, and celery are sautéed to enhance their flavors and soften their texture, providing a delicious base for the soup.

Simmering

Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid just below boiling point. In this soup, after adding the broth and other seasonings, simmering allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the turkey tender.

Cooking pasta

Cooking the egg noodles until al dente is essential to achieve the perfect texture. Al dente means the noodles should still have a slight firmness when bitten into; this prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the soup.

Seasoning

Proper seasoning is vital for bringing out the flavors in your cooking. This recipe uses herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper, to enhance the taste of the broth and the overall dish.

Garnishing

Garnishing adds flavor, color, and visual appeal to a dish. In this soup, chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish, providing a fresh and vibrant touch that complements the hearty soup.

FAQ

Can I use leftover turkey for this soup?

Yes, leftover turkey is perfect for this soup. It adds flavor and reduces waste.

What type of noodles can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat noodles.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to customize the soup to your taste.

Is it possible to make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftover turkey noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Classic Turkey Noodle Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of comforting home-cooked meals. With its combination of succulent turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender noodles, it not only warms you up but also brings a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or preparing it fresh, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Turkey Rice Soup

Swap the egg noodles for rice for a different texture and flavor. Just as hearty and satisfying, this variation is perfect for those who prefer grains over pasta.

Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup

Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy twist on the classic. It enhances the richness and gives it a luxurious feel.

Vegetable Turkey Noodle Soup

Boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables such as spinach, peas, or corn. This colorful addition makes the soup even more wholesome.

Spicy Turkey Noodle Soup

Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This fiery version is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

Herbed Turkey Noodle Soup

Enhance the herbal flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill or basil just before serving. This brightens up the dish and adds an aromatic layer.

Asian-Inspired Turkey Noodle Soup

Use soba noodles and add ginger, soy sauce, and bok choy for a flavorful Asian twist. This unique take will surprise and delight your taste buds.