Creamy Turkey Soup Recipe — Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew

You’ll love this rich, Creamy Turkey Soup. Packed with protein, tender turkey, noodles and vegetables, this comforting soup is ideal for chilly weather and for using up holiday leftovers.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a roast night, this flavorful, hearty soup transforms leftover turkey into a quick, satisfying family favorite.

Side shot of two grey bowls with turkey noodle soup garnished with fresh herbs on a marble countertop with a wooden cutting board and sliced bread in the background.
This turkey noodle soup recipe is a great way to use up leftovers from your big Thanksgiving dinner!

💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a simple, satisfying soup to serve all winter? This creamy turkey noodle soup is warm, filling and loaded with vegetables and tender shredded turkey. It stretches leftovers into a comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

If you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose it so nothing goes to waste. The combination of a silky broth, noodles and veggies makes an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.

🧂 Ingredients Needed

Overhead shot of ingredients - butter, half and half, garlic, mushrooms, oregano, chicken broth, onion, flour, leftover turkey, carrots, celery, egg noodles, and dried parsley.
With only a few simple ingredients required, you will love making this delicious turkey noodle soup!
  • Butter – for a rich base.
  • Onion – adds savory depth.
  • Celery and carrots – classic aromatic vegetables for color and nutrition.
  • Garlic – brings flavor balance.
  • Flour – to thicken the soup gently.
  • Chicken or turkey broth – the liquid base; chicken broth pairs nicely with turkey.
  • Half and half – creates the creamy texture.
  • Dried parsley and dried oregano – simple herb seasoning.
  • Mushrooms – optional, for a subtle earthy note.
  • Cooked turkey – shredded or chopped leftover turkey.
  • Egg noodles – or your favorite pasta that holds up in soup.

🔪 Instructions

Four panel grid of process shots 1-4 - adding ingredients gradually into a large pot over heat.
With only 15 minutes of prep work and minimal clean up required, this turkey noodle soup is the perfect recipe to make in a rush!
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, sliced celery, sliced carrots and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then add dried parsley, dried oregano and sliced mushrooms. Stir to combine.
  5. Add shredded cooked turkey and the egg noodles.
  6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to your liking and the soup is heated through.
Two panel grid of process shots 5-6 - adding the rest of ingredients into pot and allowing to simmer.
Ready in 30 minutes, this leftover turkey soup recipe is perfect to make in a hurry!

❔ FAQs

What makes soup more creamy?

Adding dairy like half and half or heavy cream creates a silkier texture. A roux (butter + flour) also thickens the broth. For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the finished soup and stir it back in.

What can I do with leftover turkey?

Leftover turkey works well in soups, sandwiches, casseroles and pasta dishes. This creamy turkey noodle soup is a tasty, quick option to make the most of your leftovers.

Is turkey healthy?

Turkey is a lean, high-protein option with B-vitamins and minerals. It fits well in many healthy recipes and pairs easily with vegetables and whole grains.

Overhead shot of two grey bowls with turkey noodle soup garnished with fresh herbs on a marble countertop, with a bowl of parsley, garlic cloves, and uncooked egg noodles on the side.
The whole family will enjoy this creamy and delicious leftover turkey soup!

💭 Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Reduce prep time by using frozen diced onions, pre-washed celery sticks, pre-sliced mushrooms or jarred minced garlic.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, cook a little longer after adding the flour or blend a cup of soup and mix it back in.
  • Adjust noodles: use heartier pasta if you plan to store leftovers, as thinner noodles can soften over time.

📌 Transform leftover turkey into a warming, satisfying meal—this creamy soup is easy, fast and sure to please the whole family.

💡 Substitutions and Variations

  • Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control salt.
  • Swap half and half for light cream or a dairy-free creamer for a different texture.
  • Add spices such as black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley for color and brightness.

🥫 Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens after chilling, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

🍴 What To Serve With This Dish

This creamy turkey soup is great as a main served with crusty bread, a simple salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. It also works well as a side to roasted vegetables or a light sandwich.

✔️ More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

  • Roasted Red Pepper Soup – a flavorful alternative to tomato soup, perfect with grilled cheese.
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Soup – a hands-off, comforting classic you can set and forget.
  • Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup – creamy, sweet and vegetable-forward.
  • Low-Carb Taco Soup – a flavorful option if you prefer a spicy, low-carb soup.
Side shot of a large teal colored pot filled with turkey noodle soup garnished with fresh parsley on a dark blue and white cloth with a wooden spoon leaning on the edge and a bowl of parsley in the background.
Perfect to make in a rush, this turkey noodle soup recipe only requires 30 minutes of your time!

For tender turkey, brining before roasting helps keep the meat juicy. Slow-cooked turkey legs are another easy option for flavorful leftovers you can shred into soup.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

If you try this recipe, take a photo and share it on social media to inspire others—food photos always brighten a cold day!

Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!

📋 Recipe Card

Side shot of two grey bowls with turkey noodle soup garnished with fresh herbs on a marble countertop with a wooden cutting board and sliced bread in the background.

Easy Creamy Turkey Soup

Recipe Author: Kristin King
A hearty, creamy soup that makes the most of leftover turkey. Full of noodles and vegetables, this simple recipe is comforting and quick to prepare.
5 from 80 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded
  • 6 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the flour and cook 2 more minutes.
  • Add broth, half and half, parsley, oregano, mushrooms, turkey and noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer 6–10 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the soup is heated through.

Notes

  • Shortcut ideas: use frozen diced onion, pre-washed celery, pre-sliced mushrooms or jarred minced garlic.
  • Swap low-sodium broth or use bone broth for extra flavor.
  • Use low-fat half and half or reduce the amount if desired.
  • Add black pepper, garlic powder or cayenne for heat; sprinkle paprika before serving for color.
  • Serve with crusty bread, a salad, or a grilled sandwich.

Nutrition

Calories: 361 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 18 g

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.



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