If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious way to use up leftover turkey, this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s packed with hearty veggies, tender turkey, and cozy flavors that come together quickly to create a soul-warming meal any day of the week. Whether it’s post-holiday or anytime you want a nourishing bowl, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but impactful, focusing on fresh veggies, savory herbs, and wholesome broth to build a soup that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing earthiness, freshness, and comfort.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a smooth, nutty base to soften the aromatics perfectly.
1 onion, diced: This brings subtle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes with the garlic.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the broth with a warm, inviting aroma that awakens the senses.
2 carrots, peeled and sliced: They add a gentle sweetness and vibrant orange color, brightening up the bowl.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Celery lends a crisp freshness and slight earthiness to balance the flavors.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme offers a lovely herbal note that complements poultry beautifully.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary brings a piney, fragrant kick that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky depth that rounds out the spices.
6 cups chicken or turkey broth: The hearty liquid base that makes this soup deeply satisfying and comforting.
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: The star ingredient, providing tender, protein-packed bites throughout the soup.
1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or noodles: This adds body and makes the soup filling, adapting easily to your pantry staples.
1 cup frozen peas: A burst of sweetness and bright green color that’s also nutritious.
2 cups spinach or kale: Adds leafy greens to boost vitamins and a lovely fresh texture.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together perfectly.
Fresh parsley, for garnish: Finishes the soup with a fresh, herbal pop that makes every spoonful sing.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until everything smells incredibly fragrant and the onion starts to soften. This step is your flavor foundation and sets the stage for the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Vegetables and Herbs

Next up, stir in the carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing those vegetables to soften just enough while the herbs release their lovely aromas. Your kitchen will start to smell like comfort in a pot.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, turning up the heat just enough to bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gentle cooking helps deepen the flavors and tenderize the veggies to the perfect bite.

Step 4: Add Turkey and Grains

Now it’s time to make this soup truly shine by stirring in your shredded turkey and cooked rice, pasta, or noodles. Mix everything gently to combine and heat through thoroughly. This step takes the soup from simple broth to a hearty feast.

Step 5: Add Greens and Peas

Finally, add your frozen peas and fresh greens like spinach or kale. Let them cook just 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt beautifully and the peas are tender yet vibrant. This final pop of green adds freshness and nutrition that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here—seasoning brings all those bold and delicate flavors into perfect harmony. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to garnish and serve!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled generously on top adds a punch of brightness and a lovely herbal note that wakes up every spoonful. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of zing. Crusty bread or a warm dinner roll on the side is the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to elevate the dinner experience, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables. A light cranberry relish or apple chutney adds a sweet contrast that complements the savory soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls to wow your guests. You can also set out toppings like grated Parmesan, sour cream, or crunchy croutons so everyone can customize their bowl. This makes the meal interactive and even more enjoyable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from dulling. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to keep some for later, freeze the soup in meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and leave a little room for expansion. It will keep well for 2 to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until steaming hot throughout. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use turkey broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Using turkey broth will enhance the turkey flavor in the soup, making it even more hearty and delicious. It’s a perfect way to use up every part of that leftover bird.

What can I substitute for spinach or kale?

If you don’t have spinach or kale on hand, swiss chard, collard greens, or even baby arugula can work wonderfully. Just add them towards the end and cook until wilted.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the turkey and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, beans, or tofu for protein and heartiness.

Is it okay to use leftover cooked rice or noodles?

Definitely. Using leftover rice or pasta is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just make sure they’re heated through thoroughly when you add them.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup is mild and gently seasoned with herbs and paprika for warmth, not heat. You can always add your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes if you like a bit more kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about turning leftovers into something this delicious and satisfying. This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is simple, nourishing, and endlessly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how a few humble ingredients can create moments of warmth and happiness around your table.