Name: turkey soup
Prep time: PT-486998H44M56S
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing vegetables; – 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing vegetables; – 1 small yellow onion for sweetness and depth; – 1 medium onion for sweetness and depth; – 2 ribs celery for crunch and freshness; – 1 cup carrots for natural sweetness and vitamins; – 3 cloves garlic for enhancing aroma and flavor complexity; – 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for savory umami boost; – 1 teaspoon hot sauce for subtle kick; – 8 cups chicken broth for soup base; – 8 cups turkey broth for soup base; – 8 cups homemade stock for soup base; – 1 bay leaf for subtle herbal note; – 3 cups leftover turkey as main lean protein; – 1 cup rotisserie chicken as main lean protein; – 1 cup uncooked bowtie pasta to avoid sogginess; – 4 ounces medium pasta shells to avoid sogginess; – 1½ cups uncooked pasta to avoid sogginess; – 1 teaspoon dried basil for balanced flavor; – 1 teaspoon oregano for balanced flavor; – 1 teaspoon parsley for balanced flavor; – 1 teaspoon mustard powder for balanced flavor; – ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning for balanced flavor; – ¼ teaspoon ground sage for balanced flavor; – ¼ teaspoon black pepper for balanced flavor; – salt to taste; – diced red potatoes; – diced Yukon gold potatoes; – 1 cup potatoes; – frozen corn

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Why You’ll Love This turkey soup

Ease of preparation: This turkey soup recipe is straightforward and quick to make, perfect for those who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients and basic steps, you can have a comforting soup ready in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Health benefits: Packed with lean turkey protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this turkey soup supports a balanced diet and overall wellness. It’s low in fat and calories while offering important vitamins and minerals to keep you nourished.
Versatility: This turkey soup is highly adaptable to different dietary needs. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, low-calorie, or plant-based lifestyle, you can easily swap ingredients like broth, vegetables, or add-ins such as pasta or rice to suit your preferences without losing flavor.
Distinctive flavor: The rich and savory taste of turkey combined with a well-seasoned broth and aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying and soul-warming dish. The addition of herbs and seasonings like thyme, basil, and Worcestershire sauce adds depth, making this turkey soup stand out as a comfort food classic with a twist.

Essential Ingredients for turkey soup

2 tablespoons butter (or 1 tablespoon olive oil for a lighter option) – provides a flavorful base for sautéing vegetables
1 small yellow onion, diced (or 1 medium onion) – adds sweetness and depth to the soup
2 ribs celery, diced or sliced – offers crunch and freshness
1 cup carrots, diced or sliced (about 3 large carrots) – contributes natural sweetness and vitamins
3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances aroma and flavor complexity
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – a savory umami booster
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) – adds a subtle kick for those who like heat
8 cups chicken broth, turkey broth, or homemade stock – forms the nourishing and flavorful soup base
1 bay leaf – imparts a subtle herbal note
3 cups leftover turkey, diced or shredded (or substitute with rotisserie chicken) – main lean protein component
1 cup uncooked bowtie pasta (or 4 ounces medium pasta shells / 1½ cups) – cook separately to avoid sogginess
Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder; ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional); ¼ teaspoon each ground sage and black pepper; salt to taste – blend of herbs and spices for balanced flavor
Optional additions: diced red or Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 cup), frozen vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas (added in last 10-15 minutes), spinach or kale (added in last 3-5 minutes), fresh parsley for garnish

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Use plant-based turkey alternatives and vegetable broth instead of turkey broth.
Gluten-free: Ensure broth and any pasta or rice used are certified gluten-free.
Low-calorie: Choose olive oil over butter, increase vegetables, and limit pasta or potatoes.

How to Prepare the Perfect turkey soup: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by shredding or dicing about 3 cups of leftover turkey. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots uniformly for even cooking. Mince the garlic and gather your herbs and seasonings.

Second Step: Sauté Vegetables

In a large soup pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, optional hot sauce, bay leaf, and the dried herbs and spices. Cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes to release aromas.

Third Step: Add Broth and Turkey

Pour in 8 cups of your chosen broth – chicken, turkey, or homemade stock works beautifully here. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the diced or shredded turkey and optional diced potatoes or frozen vegetables if using. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

Fourth Step: Cook Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook 1 cup of bowtie pasta or preferred pasta shape separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Adding pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup, especially useful when storing leftovers.

Final Step: Assemble and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, adding pasta just before serving to maintain its texture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. For gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie adaptations, swap ingredients accordingly at each applicable step to preserve flavor and nutrition.

Tip: Cooking pasta separately and adding to serving bowls keeps it from absorbing too much broth and getting mushy, especially when storing leftovers.

Pair this warm turkey soup with a fresh, crunchy side like my shrimp and vegetable stir fry for a wholesome, hearty meal.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your turkey soup

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap leftover turkey with shredded chicken or lean beef strips if preferred or in case of availability.
Use firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan as vegan or vegetarian plant-based protein substitutes.
For broth, use vegetable stock to keep the soup vegan and lighter.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Replace standard vegetables with seasonal favorites like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety.
Introduce herbs such as rosemary, sage, or tarragon to shift the flavor profile.
Use gluten-free seasonings and ensure additives like poultry seasoning are certified allergen-free to suit dietary needs.

Mastering turkey soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Roast turkey bones and simmer overnight for a rich, homemade stock that deeply flavors the soup.
Flavor variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, curry powder, or fresh ginger for a spiced twist. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice brightens the taste just before serving.
Presentation tips: Serve in warm bowls, sprinkled with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. A side of crusty gluten-free bread or vegan crackers completes the meal exquisitely.
Make-ahead options: Prepare and freeze soup portions sans pasta or rice, then reheat gently when needed. Add freshly cooked pasta or rice at serving time for perfect texture.

How to Store turkey soup: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines
Refrigeration	Keep turkey soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to preserve taste and freshness.
Freezing	Freeze soup without pasta or rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating	Warm the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture. Add freshly cooked pasta or rice after reheating for the best consistency.
Meal prep considerations	Label containers with dates and portion sizes. Prepare large batches to save time and enjoy easy weeknight dinners or lunches.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About turkey soup

How do I prevent pasta from getting mushy in turkey soup?

To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it to individual serving bowls just before eating. Storing pasta in the soup causes it to absorb broth and soften excessively, which affects texture and flavor. This method keeps the pasta firm and the soup broth flavorful during storage.

Can I use leftover turkey bones to make the soup broth?

Yes, using leftover turkey bones or carcass to make broth adds rich flavor to your soup. Simmer the bones with water, vegetables, and seasonings for several hours or overnight in a slow cooker. Remove the bones before adding other ingredients to the soup.

What vegetables work best in turkey soup?

Classic vegetables include carrots, celery, and onions. You can also add sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, zucchini, peas, spinach, or kale. Add tender vegetables in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture and nutrition.

How long can turkey soup be stored in the refrigerator or freezer?

Store turkey soup in airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without pasta or rice ingredients for up to 3-4 months. Thaw fully before reheating and add fresh pasta or rice when serving.

Is it okay to add a Parmesan rind or condensed soup to turkey soup?

Adding a Parmesan rind while the broth simmers enhances the soup’s savory flavor. Condensed soups like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken can also be stirred in for extra richness. Adjust with milk or water if the broth becomes too salty after adding condensed soup.

Turkey Soup with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Twist for a Hearty Dinner Option