Sink into the Comfort of Turkey Noodle Soup
As the weather cools and the leaves turn golden, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty turkey noodle soup to nourish your soul. With its inviting aroma wafting from the kitchen, this cozy dish combines tender, shredded turkey with soft, comforting noodles and garden-fresh vegetables. Each spoonful delivers a delightful balance of flavors that evokes a sense of home and togetherness.
This recipe, a personal favorite, is a treasure for those evenings when you crave something that wraps you in warmth like a favorite blanket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll appreciate how quick and easy it is to prepare—especially when using leftover turkey! Cooking it in a slow cooker not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also gives you extra time to relax or tackle other tasks while dinner simmers. Plus, the addition of creamy richness elevates this comforting classic to a new level.
Ingredients Needed For Turkey Noodle Soup
- 3-4 cups cooked shredded turkey: Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or store-bought rotisserie turkey. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for easy absorption of flavors.
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped: These not only add sweetness but also a lovely pop of color. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- 3 celery stalks, peeled and chopped: Celery gives the soup a nice crunch and a hint of earthiness. Be sure to chop them small so they blend nicely with the other veggies.
- 1 small onion, diced: Onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Dicing it finely helps it melt into the soup.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the soup’s saltiness. Homemade broth adds a wonderful richness, but store-bought works just fine.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: This blends a mix of flavors that enhance the turkey. It includes herbs like thyme and sage that complement the other ingredients well.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds warmth and flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust this depending on your broth’s salt level; you can always add more later.
- 24 ounces frozen noodles: No need to thaw! These noodles cook right in the soup, soaking up the broth’s flavor as they become tender.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: This creates a luxurious, creamy texture that balances the broth and makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup
To your slow cooker, add the shredded turkey, chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Once your cooking time is up, add the frozen noodles and heavy cream. Cover the slow cooker and cook for another hour or until the noodles are tender. When it’s ready, serve up a steaming bowl and enjoy!
How to Serve Turkey Noodle Soup
Serve this comforting soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of brightness. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dash of freshly cracked pepper on top adds an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Turkey Noodle Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you freeze it, the noodles may become mushy upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze the broth and turkey mixture separately from the noodles. Reheat individually in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Turkey Noodle Soup
- Make it ahead: Prepare the soup a day in advance! The flavors will deepen and improve overnight.
- Adjust the cream: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in peas, corn, or even green beans for extra nutrition.
- Don’t skip on seasoning: Always taste before serving, and adjust any seasoning as needed!
Variations and Substitutions
- Turkey alternatives: If you don’t have turkey, you can use chicken or even diced ham.
- Noodling it: Try using egg noodles, spiral pasta, or even whole wheat noodles for a different twist.
- Herb adaptations: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can be used for a more aromatic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw turkey in this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer using raw turkey, cut it into bite-sized pieces and place it in the slow cooker with the broth and veggies. Cook for the same amount of time, and make sure it is fully cooked before serving.
What’s the best way to ensure my noodles don’t get mushy?
To prevent mushy noodles, consider adding them during the last hour of cooking. They only need a short time to cook through, absorbing flavor while staying firm.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! Swap out the turkey for extra veggies, beans, or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a hearty vegetarian version.
How long does turkey noodle soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, turkey noodle soup will last up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
What should I serve with turkey noodle soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside a light, tangy coleslaw for a nice crunch.
With this cozy turkey noodle soup, enjoy the season with every comforting spoonful!
Turkey Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 cups cooked shredded turkey Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or store-bought rotisserie turkey.
- 4 pieces carrots, peeled and chopped Adds sweetness and color.
- 3 stalks celery, peeled and chopped Provides a nice crunch.
- 1 small onion, diced Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning Enhances the turkey flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds warmth and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust based on broth’s salt level.
- 24 ounces frozen noodles No need to thaw; they soak up the broth’s flavor.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream Creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the shredded turkey, chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to your slow cooker.
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Cooking
- After the initial cooking time, add the frozen noodles and heavy cream.
- Cover and cook for another hour or until the noodles are tender.
Serving
- Serve the soup in deep bowls garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
- Pair with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Add a dash of freshly cracked pepper for extra flavor.
