Name: Turkey Noodle Soup for Ultimate Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 6 cups chicken or turkey broth; 2 cups egg noodles; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or 1 tablespoon fresh); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Craving something warm, healing, and soul-soothing? Turkey Noodle Soup brings everything you want in a comfort dish — tender shreds of turkey, soft egg noodles, and a cozy broth loaded with flavor and love. Whether you’re winding down from a cold day or need a bowl of something to lift your spirits, this soup fits the bill.

Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade turkey noodle soup is deeply satisfying, with each ingredient playing a role in its rich, savory taste. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays or Sunday roasts, transforming them into a nourishing meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cooking, having the right tools makes this soup come together seamlessly:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: This is the heart of your cooking. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and helps develop flavors as the soup simmers.
Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these for chopping the carrots, celery, and onions with precision.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the vegetables and keeping them from sticking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for gauging broth and seasoning levels correctly.
Ladle: Makes serving the hot soup neat and easy.
Strainer (optional): If you’re using homemade broth, a fine-mesh strainer is great for clarity.

With your prep tools in place, the rest is smooth cooking — and your kitchen will smell incredible.

Ingredients for the Turkey Noodle Soup for Ultimate Comfort

Each ingredient in this soup brings its own comforting charm and functionality:

Cooked Turkey (shredded): The star of the dish. Leftover turkey gets a second life with deep, slow-cooked flavor.
Egg Noodles: Soft, slurpy, and satisfying, egg noodles hold their texture beautifully in broth.
Carrots: Their subtle sweetness complements the savory profile and adds vibrant color.
Celery: Offers that signature soup aroma and depth of flavor.
Yellow Onion: Forms the aromatic foundation along with carrots and celery.
Garlic: Brings in warmth and complexity to the broth.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the veggies for that golden, fragrant base.
Chicken or Turkey Broth: Rich, savory liquid that carries all the flavors.
Bay Leaf: Adds herbal depth while the soup simmers.
Thyme (dried or fresh): Infuses earthy tones that perfectly match the turkey.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish.

How To Make the Turkey Noodle Soup for Ultimate Comfort

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Broth Base

Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add Turkey & Noodles

Stir in the shredded turkey and egg noodles. Cook uncovered until noodles are tender, usually 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each bowl before serving for a touch of brightness.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Turkey Noodle Soup

This soup is best enjoyed steaming hot, ladled into generous bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. A thick slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit pairs beautifully for dunking. For extra comfort, serve it with a side of grilled cheese or a simple green salad.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, consider storing the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy. Frozen turkey noodle soup can be kept for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of noodles work best in turkey noodle soup?

Egg noodles are classic, but you can also use rotini, ditalini, or even orzo for a twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use uncooked turkey instead of cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to simmer the raw turkey in the broth until it’s fully cooked before adding the noodles. Shred it once cooked, then continue the recipe.

How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?

If you’re planning to store leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them only when reheating. This keeps them firm and fresh.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the noodles to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes. Dried thyme works well, just reduce the quantity by about a third compared to fresh.

What if my broth tastes bland?

Try adding a splash of lemon juice, a pinch more salt, or a dash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, a protein-rich bowl packed with rustic Italian flavor and creamy cannellini beans.

Or, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a velvety classic that brings comfort with every spoonful and melts perfectly with sharp cheese goodness.

For a meatier route, check out the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup—a hands-off, hearty dish loaded with savory meatballs and tender veggies.

Wendy’s Chili Recipe is another fan favorite if you crave bold spices and a filling, chunky texture.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup offers a twist on today’s recipe with a rich, indulgent base and a touch of dairy.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your cozy dinner boards for easy access. Just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, let me know in the comments. Did you add peas? Maybe a dash of lemon? I always love seeing how you make it your own.

For more recipes I share daily, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Turkey Noodle Soup for Ultimate Comfort

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect solution for chilly nights or post-holiday leftovers. Made with tender shredded turkey, hearty vegetables, and slurpy egg noodles all simmered in a comforting herb-infused broth, it’s a satisfying bowl of warmth and wellness.