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Looking for the coziest way to use up that leftover turkey? My creamy Turkey Noodle Soup wraps you in comfort with every spoonful. The rich savory broth loaded with fresh herbs tender veggies and perfectly cooked egg noodles transforms yesterday's turkey into tonight's soul warming dinner. This simple recipe is my favorite way to keep the holiday flavors going without any waste.
Why You'll Love This Post Holiday Soup
After the big feast this soup feels like exactly what we need. The creamy broth infused with my favorite herbs turns those turkey leftovers into pure comfort food magic. The best part? Everything you need is probably sitting in your kitchen right now no extra shopping required. It's the easiest way to keep those cozy holiday vibes going.
What You'll Need
- Butter: A good pat of butter creates that irresistible richness when sautéing your veggies. Trust me no skimping here.
- Onion: I love using sweet onions they melt right into the broth adding such wonderful flavor.
- Carrots: Fresh peeled and diced carrots bring natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Celery Stalks: Diced celery adds that perfect subtle crunch we all love in soup.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is non negotiable in my kitchen it adds such amazing depth.
- Herbs: My blend of thyme parsley and basil makes the broth sing.
- Flour: Just enough to give us that perfect creamy thickness.
- Turkey Broth: Homemade is amazing but store bought works beautifully too.
- Shredded Turkey: Put those holiday leftovers to delicious use.
- Canned Evaporated Milk: My secret for that silky creamy texture.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are perfect here they soak up all that wonderful broth.
- Frozen Peas: A handful of peas adds such pretty color and sweet pop.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start With the Veggies
- Grab your biggest pot and get those veggies going in melted butter over medium high heat. Once they're soft and fragrant toss in the garlic and herbs and let them work their magic for a minute.
- Create the Base
- Sprinkle flour over everything and stir until you've got a nice paste going. This is what makes our soup so wonderfully creamy.
- Build the Soup
- Pour in that gorgeous broth and whisk until it starts to thicken about 5 minutes. Now add your turkey evaporated milk and those lovely egg noodles. Let everything simmer until the noodles are just right around 15 minutes.
- Final Touches
- Stir in those bright green peas and let them warm through about 5 minutes. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper until it's perfect. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look beautiful.
Make Your Own Turkey Stock
Don't toss that turkey carcass! Let me show you my favorite kitchen trick. Pop those bones in your biggest pot cover with water add your favorite herbs and let it all simmer away for about three hours. Strain it and you've got liquid gold for your soup. The flavor is incredible and it feels so good using every bit of that holiday bird.
Save Some For Later
This soup keeps beautifully. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll stay delicious in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Want to save it longer? Pour it into freezer bags and it'll keep for a few months. When you're ready to enjoy it again warm it gently on the stove or zap individual bowls in the microwave for a quick comfort food fix.
Complete Your Cozy Meal
Nothing beats dunking crusty bread or warm garlic bread into this soup. Sometimes I keep it classic with saltine crackers. When I'm craving something fresh on the side my kale cranberry salad or winter chopped salad adds the perfect balance. A little extra parsley and fresh cracked pepper on top makes everything look magazine worthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes, you can substitute cooked chicken for turkey and chicken broth for turkey broth with the same great results.
- → How long does this soup keep?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb more liquid over time.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Cream-based soups can separate when frozen. If freezing, consider leaving out the evaporated milk and adding it when reheating.
- → What can I substitute for egg noodles?
- Any pasta works well - try rotini, small shells, or broken fettuccine. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
- → Why use evaporated milk?
- Evaporated milk adds richness without being too heavy. It also has better stability in soups compared to regular milk.