There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, wouldn’t you agree? Today, I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup. It’s a hug in a bowl, packed with flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
This isn’t just any turkey noodle soup; it’s the turkey noodle soup! Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights and a great option for delicious lunches.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A creamy, rich broth with tender turkey and perfectly cooked noodles. What’s not to love?
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform leftover turkey into a delicious, satisfying meal.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means minimal dishes, making your life a little easier.
What You Need To Make Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting soup. I chose each ingredient to maximize flavor and ease:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 medium onion (diced): I like using yellow onions for their mild flavor, which sweetens as they cook.
- 2 celery ribs (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced): These add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch!
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the soup, creating that lovely creaminess.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons poultry seasoning: This blend is perfect for enhancing the turkey flavor.
- 6 cups chicken broth: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the saltiness of the final dish.
- 1 cup half & half: This adds richness without being too heavy; you could also use heavy cream for an even more decadent soup.
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 12 ounces cooked turkey (or chicken, cubed): Leftover turkey is ideal, but cooked chicken works just as well.
How To Make Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
- In a stock pot over medium heat, add butter. Once melted and hot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables begin to brown around the edges, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add flour and poultry seasoning, stirring to coat vegetables and create a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, half & half, and egg noodles to pot, stirring and scraping bottom of pan to deglaze (if needed). Bring soup to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to pasta package directions for al dente pasta.
- Add turkey and stir to combine. Remove from heat. If soup is still thin, allow to set for 5 minutes to allow soup to thicken. Do a taste test, season with salt and pepper if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Clara’s Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Making soup is an art, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. A common mistake is not cooking the vegetables long enough. I like to let them brown slightly to really develop their flavor. Also, be sure to keep stirring while adding the flour to prevent clumps! Nobody wants lumpy soup. For an extra special meal, serve this with a slice of delicious easy sourdough bread.
Another tip: don’t overcook the noodles. Soggy noodles can ruin an otherwise perfect soup. Follow the package directions and test them frequently. Finally, taste as you go. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference, so adjust to your liking!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? You can prep this soup in stages. Chop the vegetables a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cook the base (vegetables, flour, poultry seasoning, and broth) ahead of time; just store it in the fridge and add the half & half, noodles, and turkey when you’re ready to finish the soup.
Variations on Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Here are a couple of ways to mix things up!
| Variation | Ingredient Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Lighter Version | Use skim milk or Greek yogurt instead of half & half. |
| Spicier Version | Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. |
What to Do If You Don’t Have Leftover Turkey
No leftover turkey? No problem! You can easily substitute with rotisserie chicken for a similar flavor profile. Canned chicken works in a pinch, just be sure to drain it well. Pre-cooked turkey breast from the deli is another great option; simply cube it and add it to the soup. If you love chicken in your soup, you might also enjoy our amazing Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup recipe.
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup Substitutions
Sometimes you need to make a swap! Here’s a handy guide:
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Half & Half | Heavy cream, milk, or cream cheese |
| Egg Noodles | Gluten-free pasta, rice, or other noodle types |
| Poultry Seasoning | Italian seasoning or a mix of thyme and sage |
Can This Be Made in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely!
Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients except the noodles and half & half to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes, add the egg noodles and half & half, then cook until the noodles are tender.
Instant Pot: Add all ingredients except the noodles and half & half to your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the noodles and half & half, then use the sauté function to cook until the noodles are tender.
Storing Your Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to refrigerate promptly to prevent bacterial growth!
Can You Freeze Turkey Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly. To minimize this, cook the noodles al dente and freeze the soup in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Amazing Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stock pot over medium heat, add butter. Once melted and hot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables begin to brown around the edges, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add flour and poultry seasoning, stirring to coat vegetables and create a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, half & half, and egg noodles to pot, stirring and scraping bottom of pan to deglaze (if needed). Bring soup to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to pasta package directions for al dente pasta.
- Add turkey and stir to combine. Remove from heat. If soup is still thin, allow to set for 5 minutes to allow soup to thicken. Do a taste test, season with salt and pepper if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my soup more creamy?
For an extra creamy soup, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
How can I make my soup thicker?
If your soup is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup as much as I do. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite soup recipes? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to share your photos if you try this recipe! I can’t wait to see your creations.
