Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is a fantastic dish for fall and winter. The creamy, comforting texture paired with tender turkey and noodles makes it perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and hearty. It's especially great after Thanksgiving or during the colder months when you're looking to use leftover turkey in a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- 11/2 cups egg noodles
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 11/2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the turkey or chicken broth and stir in the thyme, sage (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Add the Turkey: Stir in the shredded turkey and mix until it’s well combined with the soup.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Creamy & Comforting
One of the best things about Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is its rich and velvety broth. The combination of butter, flour, and cream creates a smooth and luscious texture that coats every spoonful. This creamy broth pairs beautifully with the tender turkey, making each bite feel like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or simply in need of a cozy meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.2. Simple & Hearty
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With just a few staples like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, and noodles, you can whip up a delicious meal without a trip to the store. The heartiness of the turkey, combined with the soft noodles and flavorful vegetables, makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete one-pot meal that fills you up without being too heavy.3. Perfect for Leftovers
If you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal, this soup is the perfect way to repurpose it. Instead of eating the same turkey dishes over and over, you can transform your leftovers into a brand-new, delicious meal. This not only reduces food waste but also gives you a quick and easy dinner option without much extra effort. Plus, the flavors of the soup deepen over time, making it even better the next day.4. Family-Friendly
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. The mild, comforting flavors make it perfect for picky eaters, while the nourishing ingredients ensure that everyone gets a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, since it’s made in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights.Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Making a delicious and comforting bowl of creamy turkey noodle soup is easy with the right techniques. These expert tips will help you perfect your soup and elevate its flavors:- Leftover Magic: If you have leftover turkey from a holiday feast, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces. This not only enhances the texture but also helps the turkey absorb the flavors of the broth, making each spoonful more delicious.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: To prevent mushy noodles, cook them just until tender. If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls before serving. This way, they won’t absorb too much broth and turn soggy.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme, parsley, or even basil can brighten the soup’s flavor and add a burst of freshness. Stir them in right before serving for the best taste.
- Enhance the Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream, a spoonful of sour cream, or even a bit of cream cheese before serving. This adds richness without overpowering the dish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
This creamy turkey noodle soup is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it to fit dietary preferences or ingredient availability:- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and use chickpeas, white beans, or diced tofu instead. Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth for a fully vegetarian soup with hearty texture and protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, swap out heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. For added richness, try blending cashews with a bit of broth and stirring it in.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, rice noodles, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. If using gluten-free pasta, cook it separately to maintain its texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pairing your creamy turkey noodle soup with the right side dishes enhances the meal and makes it even more satisfying. Here are some great options:- Warm, Crusty Bread or Buttery Biscuits: A slice of sourdough bread or homemade biscuits is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Light Green Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon dressing works wonderfully.
- Toppings for Extra Flavor: Garnish your soup with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:- Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If storing noodles separately, keep them in a different container to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.