Turkey Soup Recipe
Introduction
This hearty turkey soup is a comforting way to use leftover turkey, packed with vegetables, tender pasta, and rich broth. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 to 3 cups cooked chopped turkey or shredded turkey
- 8 cups turkey broth or chicken broth (homemade or store bought)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 ounces medium pasta shells (about 1 ½ cups) or other medium pasta
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 2: Add the sliced carrots, celery, chopped turkey, broth, poultry seasoning, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the pasta shells and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Step 4: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious turkey soup.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Include additional vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions.
Storage
Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. The pasta may absorb liquid over time, so reheating with extra broth helps maintain the soup’s consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey or fresh turkey for this soup?
Yes, this soup works well with either leftover cooked turkey or freshly cooked turkey. Just shred or chop the turkey before adding it to the soup.
Can I freeze turkey soup?
While you can freeze turkey soup, the pasta may become mushy when thawed. To avoid this, freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Print
Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting turkey soup is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Featuring tender vegetables, savory broth, and tender pasta shells, it combines simple ingredients to create a nourishing and satisfying meal ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a warm bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Soup
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 to 3 cups cooked chopped turkey (or shredded)
- 8 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth, homemade or store bought)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 ounces medium pasta shells (about 1 ½ cups, or other medium pasta)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to create a light roux that will thicken the soup slightly.
- Add vegetables and turkey: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, cooked chopped turkey, broth, poultry seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to begin softening.
- Cook the pasta: Add the medium pasta shells to the simmering soup and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Once cooked, remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- If using leftover turkey, shredded works well and blends nicely into the soup.
- Substitute medium pasta shells with other medium-sized pasta like ditalini or small elbow macaroni if desired.
- For a thicker soup, ensure to cook the flour with the onions properly to form a roux base.
- Use homemade broth for more depth of flavor or a high-quality store-bought broth for convenience.
- The parsley is optional but adds a fresh, bright flavor to finish the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey soup, leftover turkey recipe, hearty soup, easy soup recipe, homemade turkey broth, comfort food
