If you’re looking for a perfect way to transform those holiday leftovers into a comforting meal, this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a satisfying, cozy bowl of goodness that brings together tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and hearty broth in a way that feels like a big, warm hug. Whether you’re craving something nourishing after a busy day or want to enjoy a quick, wholesome meal, this soup balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients with minimal fuss. You’ll love how every spoonful celebrates the deliciousness of turkey in a fresh, vibrant way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe calls for straightforward and wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every item is simple yet essential, making it easy to prepare a wholesome dish with ingredients you probably have on hand.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing that gently infuses the soup with subtle fruity richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, creating a flavorful foundation.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Boosts aroma and a hint of savory bite that wakes up the palate.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Offers a natural sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a mild crispness and classic soup flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds fragrant piney undertones that are just perfect for poultry dishes.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth: The heart of the soup, bringing rich savory flavor and warm comfort.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: The star ingredient that gives the soup its hearty protein punch.
- 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or noodles: Provides that filling, tender bite to make every spoonful substantial.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a burst of sweetness and fresh green color to brighten the bowl.
- 2 cups spinach or kale: Offers a pop of vibrant green and nutritional goodness, wilting gently into the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A bright, fresh finish that adds a lovely herbaceous note and visual appeal.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors your soup will rely on, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables with herbs and spices
Next, stir in the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Let everything cook together for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and the herbs release their aroma. This is where your soup starts developing complexity and warmth in every bite.
Step 3: Add broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer invites all those flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and inviting base for the soup.
Step 4: Stir in turkey and cooked grains
Time to welcome your shredded cooked turkey and the cooked rice, pasta, or noodles to the pot. Stir gently to combine and let the soup heat through evenly. This brings heartiness and satisfying texture, making the soup feel like a complete meal.
Step 5: Add spinach and peas
Finally, toss in the frozen peas and leafy spinach or kale. Cook for just 2 to 3 more minutes until the greens have wilted and the peas are tender. This last step adds freshness, vibrancy, and an extra nutrient boost.
Step 6: Season and serve
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, balancing all those flavors to your liking. Serve warm, sprinkled with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter, and fresh parsley is an ideal garnish for this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe. Its bright, herbal quality cuts through the richness beautifully. If you want to be adventurous, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a lovely zing or creamy touch to the soup’s already luscious profile.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread for dipping, or a simple side salad dressed with light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are fantastic companions that help mop up every flavorful drop. You’ll find this soup is equally satisfying solo or part of a cozy, inviting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to bring out its comforting, homemade charm. For a fun twist, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls, turning it into an edible container full of warmth. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe keeps splendidly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those delicious flavors and textures. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the soup will taste like it’s freshly made, perfect for a quick, nourishing meal after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, it freezes wonderfully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain its comforting, fresh flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture if it thickens while chilled. Avoid high heat to prevent toughening the turkey or wilting the greens too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme and rosemary are wonderful substitutions and can bring a brighter, more delicate flavor. Use roughly three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and add them during the simmering step for best results.
What can I substitute for the rice or pasta?
You have plenty of options here: quinoa, barley, or even small diced potatoes work beautifully as hearty additions that soak up all the delicious broth.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the turkey broth and turkey meat for vegetable broth and hearty plant-based protein like lentils or beans. This maintains the heartiness while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely, frozen peas are already part of this recipe! Other vegetables like green beans or corn can be great additions as well. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep their texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To give your Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the paprika. Adjust according to your heat preference for a personalized touch.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is a warm, comforting way to turn your turkey leftovers into something truly special. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly day, give this one a try — I promise it will become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make leftover turkey soup featuring tender shredded turkey, vibrant vegetables, and hearty grains simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for using up holiday turkey and creating a warm, nourishing meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Soup Liquids and Proteins
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, preparing to sauté the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in 6 cups of chicken or turkey broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add turkey and grains: Stir in the shredded cooked turkey and your choice of cooked rice, pasta, or noodles. Heat through thoroughly.
- Add peas and greens: Toss in the frozen peas and spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt and peas are tender.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as desired and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use any leftover cooked turkey you have on hand, shredded or chopped.
- Substitute rice with pasta or noodles to vary the texture.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or stock.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving can brighten the flavors further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
