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
Scale
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
