The Best Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe Ever

When comfort calls, this post-Thanksgiving turkey noodle soup becomes a warm embrace after holiday indulgence.

Leftovers transform into a delightful meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Tender meat and soft noodles mingle in a rich, savory broth that whispers of festive memories.

Seasonal herbs add depth and character to each spoonful.

Pantry staples combine with remaining turkey to create magic in your kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet soul-warming recipe.

Grab a ladle and let the comfort begin!

Turkey Noodle Soup Uses Thanksgiving Leftovers Brilliantly

• Rescue Leftover Magic: Transform post-thanksgiving turkey into a comforting, waste-reducing soup that gives new life to holiday remnants.
• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking with minimal kitchen effort.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with tender turkey, soft noodles, and nutritious vegetables, this soup appeals to every family member's taste buds and provides warm, satisfying nutrition.
• Versatile Recipe Adaptation: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for turkey, adjust seasonings to personal preference, and customize with additional vegetables or herbs for a personalized touch.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Ingredients

• Onion: Sweet foundation that adds depth to the soup's flavor, yellow or white varieties work best.
• Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and bright color to the soup, fresh carrots recommended.
• Celery: Introduces a subtle earthy note and additional vegetable complexity.

• Turkey: Leftover post-Thanksgiving meat that adds protein and rich flavor, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and aromatic complexity to the soup, fresh cloves preferred.
• Bay Leaf: Introduces subtle herbal undertones, whole leaf removed before serving.
• Thyme: Provides gentle herbal notes that complement poultry, fresh or dried works well.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and warming dimension, freshly ground preferred.

• Chicken or Turkey Broth: Creates the soup's foundation, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.

• Egg Noodles: Provides comforting texture and substance, wide or medium cut preferred.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb finish, finely chopped.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial vegetable sautéing, helps develop foundational flavors.

Turkey Noodle Soup Post-Holiday Prep

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Stir and let the vegetables dance and release their delicious flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in your choice of chicken or turkey broth.

• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer.

Allow the vegetables to become tender for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Turkey and Noodles

• Cooked turkey pieces
• Egg noodles

Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until noodles reach perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Fish out and discard the bay leaf.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Turkey Soup Tips for the Day After Thanksgiving

• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they caramelize slightly for deeper, richer taste.
• Use homemade turkey or chicken stock instead of store-bought for more intense, authentic flavor profile.
• Add egg noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Chop fresh parsley right before serving to maximize its bright, fresh flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Store soup separately from noodles to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy during refrigeration.

Store Turkey Noodle Soup After Thanksgiving

• Store leftover turkey noodle soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slowly in a pot. Stir frequently to prevent noodles from becoming mushy.

Post-Thanksgiving Soup Companions

• Pair Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown. The crispy texture complements the soup's soft noodles and tender turkey.
• Create Crisp Autumn Salad: Toss mixed greens with roasted pecans, diced apples, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors balance the rich, warm soup.
• Select Chardonnay Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes. Its buttery undertones enhance the soup's savory turkey and vegetable profile.
• Match Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a refreshing mint or chamomile iced tea. The cool, light drink provides a palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty soup.

Turkey Noodle Soup with Cozy Changes

• Gluten-Free Turkey Rice Soup: Replace egg noodles with cooked white or brown rice, ensuring a gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Chickpea Noodle Soup: Swap turkey with roasted chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and add extra herbs for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Turkey Soup: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option that keeps the soup's classic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Herb-Infused Turkey Soup: Eliminate any potential dairy ingredients and enhance the broth with additional fresh herbs like rosemary and sage for a clean, flavorful soup.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute shredded chicken for turkey. The soup will taste just as delicious and work perfectly as an alternative protein.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and provides lean protein from turkey. It’s a nutritious one-pot meal that’s low in calories and high in nutrients.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add more protein by increasing the amount of turkey, or include additional vegetables like diced potatoes or spinach. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for extra substance.

• Can I freeze this turkey noodle soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. When reheating, you might need to add a little extra broth since noodles absorb liquid during freezing.

Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting post-thanksgiving turkey noodle soup delivers hearty warmth from kitchen memories. Simmering herbs and tender meat blend with silky noodles, promising delicious recovery from holiday feasts you’ll savor spoonful by spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked turkey (shredded or diced)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or turkey broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (227 grams) egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, carrots, and celery. Gently sauté the vegetables until they transform into a softened, translucent medley.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the aromatic mixture, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the vegetables for a brief moment.
3. Stream in savory broth, accompanied by fragrant bay leaf, delicate thyme, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients into a harmonious liquid landscape.
4. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the vegetables to tenderize and meld their flavors for approximately 15 minutes.
5. Incorporate succulent shredded turkey and delicate egg noodles into the simmering broth. Continue cooking until noodles reach perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
6. Extract and discard the bay leaf, eliminating any potential woody undertones from the soup.
7. Calibrate the seasoning, tasting and adjusting with subtle salt and pepper enhancements to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving vessels, crowned with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose bone-in turkey or chicken for richer, deeper flavor profile, enhancing the soup’s overall taste and complexity.
• Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or rice noodles for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prep vegetables in advance and cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the soup’s flavor and provide a subtle tangy undertone.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg