Name: Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup carrots; 1 cup celery; 1 cup sweet Vidalia or yellow onion; 4 garlic cloves; 10-12 cups chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon pepper; 10 ounces wide egg noodles; 2 cups shredded cooked turkey; 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt

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As the aroma of simmering vegetables and savory turkey wafts through your kitchen, an invitation to warmth and comfort fills the air. Picture a cozy bowl of Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, where golden broth embraces tender egg noodles, crisp vegetables, and hearty turkey that practically melts in your mouth. When it comes to chilly evenings or rainy afternoons, there’s nothing like this hearty dish to revive your spirits and remind you of family gatherings or chilly mornings spent sharing stories over steaming cups.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

This recipe transforms leftover turkey into something delightful, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and that your kitchen remains fragrant with love. On a blustery winter day or after a long week, this soup serves as a warm embrace in every spoonful. There’s something magical about watching it bubble gently on the stove, drawing family members near with the promise of a delicious meal. So grab your pots and prepare to stir up some cozy memories with this delightful Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup. You’ll love making this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 35 minutes, you have a comforting meal ready to go!
Irresistible Flavor: A fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and tender turkey creates a taste sensation.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright orange carrots and green parsley make this soup as pretty as a picture.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack with family gathered around.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to gluten-free noodles or swapped with other proteins like chicken or tofu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps sauté the vegetables, infusing them with flavor while providing a healthy fat. You can substitute with avocado oil if desired.
1 cup carrots: Peeled and sliced thin for sweetness and color. Feel free to use mixed baby carrots for a pop of fun.
1 cup celery: Sliced thin to add crunch and freshness to the broth. If you don’t have celery, a little extra onion would work well!
1 cup sweet Vidalia or yellow onion: Diced small to create a flavor base that’s aromatic and appealing. Red onions can also be a great substitute for a bolder flavor.
4 garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic kick that makes any meal memorable.
10-12 cups chicken broth: A rich base for the soup — low-sodium broth helps control the salt levels. If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead.
2 bay leaves: Adding complexity and depth to the flavor. Don’t forget to remove them before serving!
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: A subtle herb that enhances the flavor profile. You can use fresh thyme if you have some on hand.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean dimension to the dish.
1 teaspoon pepper: Adjust to your taste, it brings out the overall flavors. Freshly ground pepper enhances the nuance.
10 ounces wide egg noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the broth’s flavors. Substitute with gluten-free noodles for dietary needs.
2 cups shredded cooked turkey: Use your leftover turkey to make the dish heartier. Rotisserie chicken is also a great alternative.
4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves: Finely chopped, this adds brightness and freshness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: To brighten flavors; it’s optional but highly recommended.
Salt: To taste, remember to adjust based on the broth and turkey’s saltiness.

How to Make Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

Heat the Oil: Begin by adding the olive oil to a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, so wait for a minute or two before proceeding to ensure it’s hot enough to sauté the veggies properly.

Sauté the Vegetables: Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion, then sauté for about 7 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to begin softening and turning slightly golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to soak up that flavorful oil.

Add the Garlic: Once your vegetables are fragrant and soft, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing that delightful garlic aroma to fill your kitchen. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a world of difference!

Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, and pepper. Stir it well and bring everything to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender. If you like a brothier soup, feel free to add another cup or two of chicken broth.

Add the Noodles: Stir in the wide egg noodles and boil for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot, as every type of noodle can behave a little differently. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and perfectly cooked through.

Mix in the Turkey and Finish: Add the shredded turkey and finely chopped parsley, stirring gently to combine. If you want that zing, don’t forget about the lemon juice; it adds the perfect touch of brightness. Let it all simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the turkey is warmed through.

Taste and Season: Now, it’s time to taste your soup! Adjust the salt if needed, usually about a tablespoon is just right, but it can vary based on your broth and turkey. Remove the bay leaves before serving and enjoy the comforting, aromatic richness.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. If you’re planning to store some longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems a little thick after freezing, add a splash of water or broth to refresh the texture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your vegetables are choppped evenly to ensure even cooking.
If your soup ends up being too salty, balance it with a small spoonful of sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
To avoid mushy noodles, add them towards the end of cooking if you plan on leftovers.
Experiment with herbs; fresh dill or basil can give a fun twist!
This soup is perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!

As you stir this scrumptious Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, you might find yourself reminiscing about family holidays and cozy get-togethers. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter evening or a casual lunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come. Don’t hesitate to mix it up, adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Invite your loved ones to join the fun, and savor each delightful spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles give a comforting texture, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or even gluten-free options! Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Great question! You can replace the turkey with cooked chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors remain on point while providing a satisfying meal for non-meat eaters.

How can I store my soup for a longer duration?

For longer storage, consider freezing your soup in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Make sure you leave enough space for the soup to expand as it freezes. It’s best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Can I meal prep this soup?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and store it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to add the noodles when you’re ready to heat and serve, as they can absorb too much broth during storage.